New York in Wintertime: 5 Fun Things to Do for the Whole Family

New York City welcomed more than 65.1 million tourists in 2018, a number which seems to be climbing with each passing year. But what has so many flocking to the Big Apple year after year?

The city has plenty of sights and attractions year-round. However, New York in wintertime has an extra set of memorable experience the entire family can enjoy.

Making the Most of New York in Wintertime

While you want to check out the seasonal attractions, there’s nothing like traditional New York City tourism. If you’ve never visited this massive city, consider checking out popular spots such as:

* Central Park
* Statue of Liberty
* Empire State Building
* Ellis Island
* Brooklyn Bridge
* Fifth Avenue
* Grand Central Terminal
* New York Public Library
* Wall Street

There’s enough to see that you’ll be able to plan multiple trips in the coming years and fill your itinerary with new events each time.

1. Test Your Skills on the Ice

There’s no shortage of places to ice skate in New York. Ice skating in New York is a quintessential winter experience in the Big Apple. Some popular spots you can enjoy ice skating in New York are:

* Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center
* Winter Village at Bryant Park
* Wollman Rink in Central Park

Once you’re done on the ice, grab a hot chocolate to warm back up before heading to your next destination.

2. Ring in the New Year in Times Square

Most people are used to tuning into the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop on television. But, if you plan your trip accordingly, you can ring in the new year live in Times Square.

You can attend the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop in Time Square free of charge. However, spots are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. People are known to camp out well in advance of the event.

3. Visit One of the City’s Many Museums

New York is home to plenty of world-class museums. If you’re looking to stay warm and toasty indoors, plan to pepper a few of the city’s museums into your itinerary. A few of the many museums you can attend include:

* The Metropolitan Museum of Art
* The Museum of Modern Art
* Guggenheim Museum
* American Museum of Natural History

Many New York museums are always free or free on select days. Check in advance if you’re on a budget. This will let you squeeze in as many cost-effective options as possible.

4. Attend the Yearly Winter Jazzfest

Groove to the history and culture of jazz at the Winter Jazzfest. This event has been held every January since 2005.

Winter Jazzfest usually spans across nine days. The venues are spread across New York but focused in the Lower Manhattan area.

Each year, you can check their website in advance for tickets and the lineup.

5. Hit the Slopes and Book a Stay at a Ski Resort

Ski resorts make for fun the entire group can enjoy. Getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city by planning a stay at a ski resort.

Snowboarding and skiing are major draws to ski resorts. But, if you’d rather leave the snow sports to the professionals, these resorts still have a lot to offer. Non-skiers can cozy-up by the fire with a book or head out to one of the local taverns for a drink.

Picking the Best Things to Do in NYC in the Winter

New York in wintertime has a number of perks for vacationers, from traditional sightseeing spots and famous foodie destinations to seasonal festivals and events. As you plan your New York trip, make room for these unforgettable experiences.

For more vacationing tips and highlights, check out our latest articles.