There’s something magical about the Big Apple during the wintertime! The winter months, though cold, can be a popular choice for travelers looking to explore NYC during the holidays. If you’ve never visited New York City during the winter, you might not be sure where to begin or what you need to pack to ensure the best stay. Here are tips for visiting New York City in the winter!
Avoid busy holiday weekends if possible.
Everyone knows one of the best times to take in the sights of the city is during the wintertime! Because of that, prices and crowd levels can skyrocket during this popular time of year. Research the best weeks to travel to the city and try to avoid popular holiday weekends.
Some dates to avoid include the week of both Thanksgiving and Christmas which see large crowds for the many events in the city. If you must travel to New York during this busy time, consider staying outside of Manhattan to keep costs down and crowd levels less intense. You can always commute into the city!
Pack the right clothes for the weather!
Winter in NYC is no joke! Even if you’re used to cold weather, there’s something about the way the wind blows through the tall buildings that makes everything feel colder than it actually is. Be prepared for your trip with a lot of layers so you can add or remove clothes as needed. You should bring a thick winter coat as well as some warm, comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget a hat and mittens!
See the best of New York City!
There are a lot of sights to see this time of year in the Big Apple! In case you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some of the best things to do during the wintertime. Remember that sometimes the best things to do in the city isn’t just sightseeing, but might be as simple as getting a cup of hot cocoa and walking across the Brooklyn Bridge!
If you want to feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie, head to Central Park for the world-famous ice skating rink! Take a break from skating with a Central Park guided tour to see how the park transforms during the winter months. While skating is popular all day, there’s something even more magical about skating at night! Just don’t forget an extra sweater for the lower temperatures. The price of skating drops after the New Year, so that’s the best time to stop by.
Experience the Lunar New Year in Chinatown! At the start of each new year, Chinatown comes alive with great food, local celebrations, and a parade all in celebration of the Lunar New Year. While the Chinatown location down Canal Street is one of the most well-known Lunar New Year celebrations outside of China, there are equally exciting (though less crowded) celebrations in Queens!
Window shop your way down 5th Avenue! Even if you can’t afford the prices in the luxury shops lining 5th Avenue, you can still pretend you’re shopping by looking into the beautifully decorated windows that line the busy street. These shops are known to go all out for the holidays each year, and you can decide for yourself which store has the best window decorations!
NYC is beautiful in the winter!
Visiting New York City in the wintertime might just be the best way to experience the city! Sure, it can be chilly, but you can’t beat the sights and sounds that come with the holidays and the new year! As long as you pack the right winter clothes, you’re sure to have the best time in the Big Apple during the winter!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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