With the chilly weather upon us and time winding down to semester’s end, make sure to take advantage of everything New York City has to offer during the cold winter months.
- Rockefeller Christmas Tree
This tree certainly takes the award for “NYC’s Christmas symbol.” The 2016 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is officially lit at Rockefeller Plaza. Just make sure you’re prepared for the mass of crowds that are sure to be surrounding the tree!
- Winter Village at Bryant Park
Who doesn’t like ice skating during the holiday season? Apart from the rink, there’s also more than 100 shopping and food kiosks open for business. It’s perfect to visit with family and friends!
- SantaCon
If you’re from the older crowd, this annual mass gathering is for you! It’s basically a pub crawl in which people dressed in Santa Claus costumes, or as other Christmas characters, parade in several cities around the world.
- Dyker Heights
Located in Brooklyn, this community lights up the neighborhood with displays that will blow your mind. They’re recognized world-wide during Christmas time, a definite local favorite.
- “The Nutcracker” at Lincoln Center
Whether it’s a family tradition or a one-time thing, you must watch this NYC classical ballet at least once in your life. Tickets range from $100-$700.
- Fifth Avenue Window Shopping
Window shopping is actually a thing in NYC during the winter. Tons of 5th Avenue stores decorate their stores for many tourists and locals alike to enjoy the winter wonderland feeling. Don’t miss Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, Saks and Tiffany!
- Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
This tradition has been going on in NYC fro 23 years. The miniature train follows the huge path while passing landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center. Visitors are encouraged to make advance reservations.
- Coffee / Hot Chocolate crawl
The best way to celebrate Winter is going around the city visiting different coffee shops. It’s a great way to catch up with friends and a fun way to explore the city. My favorite ones are Devoción in Brooklyn and Cha Cha Matcha in Manhattan.