New York is magical all year round. But there's something extra special about a winter trip to the Big Apple. Wrap up warm and brave the cold to see the lavish Christmas decorations, snowy Central Park, and the sparkling ice rinks. Memories (and Instagram pics!) to last a lifetime.
Whether you're travelling with little ones, or on a romantic trip for you, check out our suggested itineraries to celebrate the festive season in style!
Winter in New York is something else! The city turns into a snowy wonderland with Times Square's bright lights and Central Park's snowy paths. The city’s vibrant energy is contagious, and every street offers something new and exciting. Winter in New York will give you memories you won't forget!
Winter in New York City 2025 is going to be a blast! Think snowy Central Park walks, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and holiday lights everywhere. Sip hot cocoa at a cosy café, catch a Broadway show, and enjoy the New Year's Eve party in Times Square. It's the perfect mix of festive fun and cosy vibes!
There's so much to see and do in New York, particularly in the winter season, that you will enjoy yourselves no matter what. We've picked out our favourite activities to give you some ideas.
For families:
Breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner is a must to set yourself up for the day. Then head to Children's Museum of Manhattan, where there are so many hands on exhibits to enjoy.
For couples:
Grab a takeaway coffee and a pastry, and enjoy a romantic stroll through Central Park. Whether it's fully immersed in snow, or just slightly frosty, you'll enjoy the cold winter's air, and maybe a spot of ice skating too?!
For families:
Time to visit frosty Central Park. Enjoy the playgrounds, ice rink, carousel, and maybe even a trip to the Zoo?! Afterwards, visit the famous christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre for more christmas magic.
For couples:
Head to the Top of the Rock. Late afternoon is our favourite time to visit, as you get to see all of New York in both the sunshine, and the moonlight (with all the sparkling Christmas decorations). On your way down you might even fancy a bit of ice skating?!
For families:
Enjoy a family friendly dinner in Times Square. The bright lights will be magical for the little ones, and they can pop into the M&M store after for some chocolate filled souvenirs.
For couples:
Don't miss out on the Christmas Spectacular by the Rockettes at Radio City Musicaly. Afterwards enjoy one of the bars of Midtown that has outdoor igloos or heated gardens so you can still enjoy the lights of the city whilst sipping on a cocktail.
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If you need a bit more guidance planning your trip, so that you don't miss out on the festive favourites, then we've put together some longer itineraries for you to peruse.
New York for couples
Romantic walks through a wintery Central Park, rooftop cocktails with views of the christmas lights, and evenings shows at Radio City - winter can be the perfect time to wrap up warm and relax with your favourite person in New York.
We've put together the 'must-do's' for your winter city break with your other half.
New York for families
The magic of the Christmas decorations, the possibility of snow, and the fun of ice skating - New York can be enjoyed by all ages at christmas, and the little ones will find it particularly memerising.
It might be hard for you to plan a way to keep all the family happy on your winter break, so we've put together a suggested itinerary to help you on your way.
When it's cold in New York, you need a nice, cosy hotel room to welcome you back at the end of each day. You also want to be in a good location to see everything you've planned! Here are our favourite hotels to meet these needs:
The weather in winter in New York is cold, with the average temperature being just above freezing. The wind chill can make it feel colder, so you'll definitely need to take plenty of warm clothes with you!
New York is a great place to walk around, as there's always something to see and it's easy to navigate. However, if you're a bit too cold to walk, the Subway is a cheap and easy way to get around the city.
You can also get the train from Penn Station, and change for the Sky Train, to reach JFK Airport. This is a cheaper option than getting a taxi, although the cabs do have a flat fare from Midtown, so you can prepare in advance for how much it'll be. Virgin Atlantic fly to New York daily.
In New York, they are 5 hours behind the UK.
The prodminant language is American English.
The official currency of New York is the US dollar.
To travel to the USA, you will need an ESTA visa and it must be approved at least 3 days before you head off on holiday. Find out more about Travel Visas here »
