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Published December 3, 2023
10 min read
There’s no better time to visit the Big Apple than when winter takes hold. The city becomes even more magical, with department stores adorned with dazzling light displays, a stunning ice rink in Central Park, and the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree aglow in the plaza. If you’re lucky, you might even experience the streets blanketed in snow, transporting you into a scene from a festive Hollywood film.
However, beyond the festivities and snow, there’s more to discover in the city during the winter months. Markets pop up in various locations, from Brooklyn’s Dumbo District to Bryant Park. After Christmas, hotel prices drop and the tourist crowds thin out, making it the perfect time to explore renowned institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art and The Museum of Modern Art. Additionally, Midtown Manhattan’s newest neighborhood, Hudson Yards, is bustling with plenty of eateries offering seasonal cuisine. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss on a winter escape.
Day one
Morning
Start your first full day with a classic Big Apple breakfast: a bagel topped with cream cheese and lox (aka smoked salmon). There are plenty of spots to enjoy this iconic meal, including Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown East, Murray’s Bagels in Greenwich Village, and Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side. If the weather is pleasant, take a leisurely walk through Central Park, visiting the John Lennon memorial, Strawberry Fields, and the angel-topped Bethesda Fountain. Later, stroll down Fifth Avenue, where the flagship stores of international clothing designers compete for attention with their Christmas-themed storefronts. While in the area, lace up your ice skates at the Rockefeller Center, where The Rink is set up in front of a towering Christmas tree, accompanied by festive tunes playing in the background.
Afternoon
New York winters can be quite chilly, so after a few hours of strolling and skating, it’s time to warm up indoors. Make your way to The Museum of Modern Art, also known as MoMA, located in Midtown Manhattan, to admire works by iconic artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Spanning six floors, the extensive collection takes around three to six hours to explore and can be followed by a visit to the MoMA Design Store to pick up a unique souvenir. Afterward, dine at The Modern, a restaurant with two Michelin stars known for its haute cuisine, featuring dishes like lemongrass-spiked roasted lobster and dry-aged duck with poached yellow peaches. For a more casual experience, opt for lunch at the bar and order from the a la carte menu.
Evening
In a city filled with sky-high venues offering breathtaking views, head to Top of the Rock at sunset for some of the best photography opportunities. Its three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks offer stunning panoramic views of Manhattan’s iconic landmarks.