New York City in December is truly a winter wonderland. Skaters bundled up circling the huge Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, shoppers rushing into the brightly decorated, crowded department stores in search of that last minute gift and horse-drawn carriages circling around Central Park. December is when Manhattan shows off the best it has to offer with its festive atmosphere and its boundless stream of fun, recreational activities.
Go Ice Skating
Nothing quite brings to mind New York City in December like ice-skating at Rockefeller Center. Dress warm and glide beneath the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree adorned with thousands of bows and ornaments. Warm up after with some hot chocolate with marshmallows from La Maison du Chocolat. However, Rockefeller Center is not the only ice rink in Manhattan in December. The two rinks in Central Park, Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink offer a less pricey and decidedly less crowded option that is equally as scenic.
Go Tree Gazing
Usually lit during the first week of December, Rockefeller Center boasts the largest and most famous evergreen of the season, but so many other locations in Manhattan also offer an opportunity to tree gaze. The South Street Seaport’s tree stands over 50-feet high and features a variety of holiday festivities all throughout the month of December. The American Museum of Natural History showcases an origami holiday tree that stands 13-feet-tall and includes more than 500 origami creations representing the letters of the alphabet. Two 19-feet-tall lit holiday dinosaurs also stand to greet you at the front entrance.
Work Up A Sweat
On the first Monday of every month, all 30 of the New York City Parks Department recreation centers open their doors for a free day of fitness. All ages are welcome to take advantage of complimentary aerobic classes, yoga, weight-training and cardio machines. Alternatively, check out the massive indoor rock-climbing wall located in the Sports Center at Chelsea Piers. The wall is the largest in Manhattan and one of the most challenging in the country. The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers is open daily.
Walk In The Parks
Take a brisk winter walk in New York City’s famous 843-acre Central Park or opt to head out with a meet up walking group. The New York City Parks and Recreation Department hosts an hour-long free walking group located in Fort Tryon Park between Broadway and Henry Hudson Parkway every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning. All ability levels are welcome and pre-registration is required.
Bike The Big Apple
Learn all about New York City from the seat of a bicycle. Bike The Big Apple offers bike rentals and informative five to seven hour guided tours of Manhattan every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday come rain, shine, snow or sleet. Discover Central Park on a Sunday morning tour with this group of hardened bike tour guides and ex-delivery messengers. All gear is provided, included helmets, and all ages are welcome.
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