The top winter activities in NYC will make you feel upbeat even though the outside temperature is below zero.
Thank you very much for not closing down in the winter, New York City! Rather, we're just heating up everything that needs to be done. The coldest time of year offers an abundance of amazing activities, such as fantastic museum exhibits and winter pop-ups, to enjoy throughout the season. If you're looking for something cozier, check out one of the best spas' saunas or one of NYC's free fireplaces. Remember that wintertime in New York is breathtakingly beautiful, so wrap up and head outside to take in the views of all the snow-covered trees at the top parks in the city, or visit some outdoor public art installations.
Winter activities that are the best
1. Enjoy a cup of tea in the afternoon.
At one of NYC's greatest locations for afternoon tea, you can treat yourself like a king or queen while enjoying elegant sandwiches, scrumptious scones, opulent surroundings, and a kick of caffeine. These special tea services will make you feel comfortable on the rainiest or coldest day, whether you're enjoying them in the elegant Grand Salon at the Baccarat Hotel or the park views at Mandarin Oriental.
2. Observe "Sleep No More" before its closure.
On February 25, 2024, the incredible immersive experience Sleep No More—which has been New York City's top live attraction since 2011—will permanently close. The show, a dance-theater production by Punchdrunk, a British company, was produced in New York City by Emursive and featured a lavishly detailed mock hotel complex on West 27th Street. It was described as eerie and seductive. By the time it closes, it will have performed over 5,000 times and welcomed over two million viewers.
3. Attend a Carnegie Hall concert for well-being
Disregard the dress, tux, and high heels. Comfortable footwear, cozy sweaters, and stretchy pants are welcome for this new Carnegie Hall concert series.
This winter, the renowned location will host five intimate concerts that feature top-notch musical acts paired with mindfulness and meditation practices. These Well-Being Concerts, which run through April, are priced between $15 and $30 for an hour.
It is suggested that audience members settle in on cushions and floor mats for the duration of the performance. In addition to leading breathing exercises and providing cues, the host will invite participants to share their ideas and reflections with the rest of the audience. You might even invite guests to sing.
4. Sing along as if you're on Broadway.
Say "Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, go sister," because there's a hot new Moulin Rouge pop-up that's worth checking out.
The Moulin Rouge! This winter, The Musical is taking over Times Square's M Social Hotel rooftop with a Broadway karaoke experience. This pop-up promises to warm up the chilly days with its red décor and chandelier lighting, and it makes a particularly enjoyable night out for Valentine's Day dates. Locate the location at 51st and Broadway; the pop-up will remain open until at least February 2024.
There is a themed drink menu with options like The Rouge, Baby!, which is a rum punch twist, and The Sparkling Diamond, which is a French martini. These drinks might give you the liquid courage you need to belt it out.
Make sure to reserve a seat to attend. OpenTable allows reservations to be made for one hour and fifteen minutes. Each person pays $50 for tickets, which include one free-themed cocktail.
5. When you visit Pier 15, consider pink.
Pink Pier has returned to Pier 15 just in time for Valentine's Day, complete with opulent décor, photo ops, and perfectly pink-themed cuisine. This pink paradise was once Watermark, the 10,000-square-foot outdoor bar and restaurant along the East River.
Pink Pier is a great place to go out, whether you're celebrating the season with a Valentine, a gal-engine, a pal-engine, or just your amazing self.
A romantic dining destination is promised by the experience. A corridor lined with flowers greets you as you enter, setting the scene for what's to come. There are lots of pink and red flowers, sparkling lights throughout, and heart-shaped installations that make great backdrops for photos. For the ultimate coquette aesthetic, every available space is adorned with garlands, bows, and ribbons.
6. Go to Bryant Park's Bank of America Winter Village.
Bryant Park's Bank of America Winter Village is back and better than ever for the holidays. Discover over 180 shopping and dining kiosks on the premises of one of the greatest parks in New York City. Anticipate an abundance of one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts that are specific to New York City for your loved ones. Get your appetite piqued at the 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, and then treat yourself to hearty fare and festive cocktails at The Lodge, a pop-up restaurant by the rink.
The experience is available until March 3, 2024.
7. Examine the newest fashion display at The Met
The Met has opened a new and refreshing fashion exhibit that features groundbreaking female designers who create clothing for women of all sizes and shapes. The exhibition demonstrates how female designers are taking back control of the body and the fashion industry's message.
"Women Dressing Women" features eighty pieces created by seventy designers, ranging from plus-size ensembles by Ester Manas to political ensembles by Katharine Hamnett and couture gowns by renowned designers like Donna Karan. The Costume Institute-curated exhibition is free to view at the Upper East Side Museum through March 3, 2024, when museum admission is charged. It features unique pieces from the collection, many of which are being shown for the first time at The Met.
Four sections of the exhibition—anonymity, visibility, agency, and absence/omission—address the topic. The collection, which focuses on the years between the early 1900s and the present, provides a brief overview of fashion trends and history.
8. Recuperate in a winter spa
This winter, The William Vale in Brooklyn and The Rockaway Hotel + Spa in Queens are offering outdoor spa experiences, so pack your swimsuit and make a reservation.
Savor some much-needed stress relief while taking in the views at The William Vale. Take a dip in a cedar hot tub beneath the stars or enjoy the heat of a barrel sauna with sweeping views of the cityscape—or both! It's a great opportunity for a romantic date night or a unique solo outing.
Savor a resort-style getaway not too far from Manhattan at The Rockaway Hotel. The hotel's patio space has been converted into a cozy winter pool house complete with cedar saunas for the winter season. In addition, the outdoor pool is available for a revitalizing dive. Following your dip, you can unwind with tabletop games while donning a buttery robe.