10+ Things to Do in New York in Winter – December & January Activities & More

By Casey Makovich
Published: May 16, 2024
New York

Winter in New York City is full of wonder and enchantment.

The city is one of the world's top destinations during the holiday season where you can delight in magnificent department store window displays, street performers and singers, fabulous shopping, outdoor skating, seasonal festivals, and so much more. You might even catch some magical snowfall...

So if you’re looking for things to do in New York in winter, check out our list of the best holiday activities and attractions.

Go Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

New York City has a few places to enjoy the popular winter sport, so you have a few options to choose from:

Image of Handbag, Person, Glove, Adult, Female, Woman, Helmet, Hat,

Ice skating at the Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center might be the most quintessential winter New York City activity and it's one of the most iconic places in the world to skate.

After some laps around the rink, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa at any of the nearby coffee shops or cafes; we like Rock Center Cafe for its prime views of the rink.

Snap a holiday card-worthy pic with the famous tree in Rockefeller Square, tour the center, and take a trip to the top of the building for sweeping winter views of the New York City skyline.

Image of Glove, Ice Skating, Ice Skating Dancing, Performer, Person, Rink, Skating, Child, Female, Girl, Shoe, Adult, Male, Man,

Image credit: Bryant Park Facebook page.

If you'd rather avoid the hard-to-navigate crowds that are sure to be at Rockefeller Center, head to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park for free admission for ice skating every day, through January. At Winter Village, you can get quality Skate rentals, sharpening, lessons, and there are bag checks and lockers available. Afterward, stop in Celsius for a bite to eat and festive drinks while you warm back up.

Image of Person,

Head to Wollman Rink in Central Park for skating with a picturesque background and a convenient location close to lots of attractions, including...

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Image of Christmas, Christmas Decorations, Festival, Christmas Tree, Tree,

If skating isn't your thing, Rockefeller Center Plaza is still worth checking out for its iconic Christmas tree scene. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is carefully selected each year among candidates from across the country, this world-famous tree is the best of the best.

Lights go on just after Thanksgiving, and the tree is available on display for all to see for the entire month. It’s worth a visit to Rockefeller Center for even just a glimpse of this tree.

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square

Image of Urban, City, Person, Road, Metropolis, Light, Traffic Light, Car, Vehicle, Street, Bus,

It's iconic for a reason, tons of fun to be had celebrating the ball drop in Times Square. If you are planning on attending, be sure to check out these tips for New Year's Eve in Times Square – it's a long, long day waiting out in the cold, but can be all worth it if you plan properly.

Visit a World-Class Museum

Image of Building, Indoors, Museum, Person, Elephant,

Want to get in a little culture during your visit to New York? Head to one of New York City’s top museums. Whether you're looking to experience the emotional tour of the 9/11 Tribute Center, explore all things weird at Ripley's Believe It or Not!, or want to experience a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece (the Guggenheim Museum) in person, you're bound to find a museum that suits your interests.

For a more traditional museum experience, some of our top picks are the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York’s most renowned art museum, with its special exhibitions during the winter months, and the Guggenheim Museum, the sensational modernist building with its famous 'corkscrew' interior structure that plays hosts to a number of works by impressionist masters.

Check Out Yankee Stadium

Image of People, Person, T-Shirt, Baseball Cap, Cap, Hat, Adult, Male, Man, Plaque,

For a taste of real New Yorker life, be sure to check out the legendary Yankee Stadium with a behind-the-scenes tour.

You'll learn some of the unique history that makes the stadium great (at least in the hearts of Yankee fans). It's a great opportunity to take photos of Yankee artifacts and exhibits, as well as the field, dugout, and other specialty areas. Indulge your love of baseball in the offseason!

Winter Jazzfest

What started as a one-day event has evolved into a full multi-day annual festival. Jazzfest features some of the best established and up-and-coming jazz artists to make for an unforgettable event that celebrates the history and culture of all things jazz. Check out this year's lineup and settle in for a week of smooth tones.

Under the Radar Festival

Photo credit: Under the Radar Festival's Official Facebook Page

The Under the Radar Festival at The Public Theater is one of the most exciting ways to experience New York City's famous theater culture. The annual event features diverse comedy troupes from around the world performing over a dozen shows.

These performances provide high-quality cultural entertainment at a fraction of the price you’d pay to see a show on Broadway. Take a look at their site for all the latest information.

Empire State Building Run-Up

Image of Handrail, Terminal, House, Housing, Staircase, Airport,

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to work out more, consider heading to the Empire State Building for a totally unique and totally challenging workout: the annual Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU).

While only a quarter-mile in distance, a sprint to the top of the 86th floor is no easy feat. The trip to the top takes visitors under a minute by elevator, and the fastest runners can do all 86 floors in 10 minutes. Start training now for this event.

Check their site for more information and available dates. If you're interested in touring the Empire State Building but could do without the running, visit on another day to see the Art Deco interiors and amazing views from the exterior.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Shoe, Dancing, Group Performance, High Heel,

Image credit: Radio City Christmas Spectacular Facebook page.

Attending the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a popular NYC bucket list activity for visitors and residents alike. The show is always a little bit different each year, making it a fun tradition for those who've even already seen it.

It’s got nutcrackers, dancing animals, flying presents, amazing special effects, and the world-famous Rockettes® – the best way to get in the holiday spirit! Can’t make the show? Take a tour of Radio City Music Hall and go behind the scenes of the famous show.

Admission to this event is separately ticketed, but Radio City Stage Door Tour tickets are available with a Go City® pass.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of a few things to do in New York in the winter, including holiday events, other seasonal activities in December, January, and more.

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available with Go City. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available New York passes, attractions & prices.

Please note, the winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available on a Go City® pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

Empire State Building vs The Shard - Comparing the Major Differences

World travelers often wonder how the globe’s most famous observation decks stack up against one another. While there are some obvious differences, when it gets down to the tiny details it can be a difficult task to sort out when the attractions are in different countries. If you’re trying to compare the Empire State Building and the Shard, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you consider which attraction appeals to you the most. Visit one, or visit them both on different trips. Both observation decks are located at significant heights above street level, and both have plenty to offer adventurers looking for an exciting view of the city below. Each is also located in a building of cultural significance. However, there are many differences between the two, the most basic of which is their location: the Empire State Building is located in New York City and the Shard is located in London. For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the more nuanced differences and similarities between the two attractions, arranged by: What’s Included with General Admission Location Scenic Views Building History Tips for Visiting Thinking about Visiting the Empire State Building or The Shard? Save up to 50% on admission to the Empire State Building plus your choice of other popular New York attractions with the New York City Explorer Pass. Tickets to The Shard are separately priced and are not included with the New York City Explorer Pass. Another fun alternative in New York City the Top of the Rock, which also provides stunning aerial views of the city and is also available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Or, if your trip takes you to London, a great alternative is the Coca-Cola London Eye, a famous observation wheel that’s an iconic part of the London skyline. What’s Included with General Admission Both attractions include admission to the relevant observation decks, as well as informative exhibits and guides. Location Empire State Building: Located in Midtown Manhattan by Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and the famed NYC Macy’s. The Shard: Located in Southwark, London, near the iconic Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the HMS Belfast. Comparing the Scenic Views Each observation deck offers unique views of their respective cities, and both are located at a significance height above ground level. The Empire State Building offers panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan, as far north as Central Park, and as far south as the Statue of Liberty. The Empire State Building offers open-air and enclosed observation decks. The Shard offers excellent views of the Thames, the Tower of London, and the London Bridge, as well as London riverfront. You can also see as far as 40 miles in any direction on a clear day. The Shard also has both open-air and enclosed observation decks. Building History The Empire State Building In 1931, the Empire State Building came into the world as a symbol of hope in a dark time. Designed and executed by the architecture firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates, this iconic NYC landmark was among the most beautiful of all Art Deco buildings in the city. Designed to honor American industrial strengths and capitalist progress, the Empire State Building still stands today as a monument to commerce. It was awarded the distinction of being classified as one of the seven greatest architectural achievements in the United States in 1955, and its reputation has only grown since. Today the building is home to a variety of companies – nearly 1,000 all told (including restaurants and bars that are worth a quick trip to snag a cocktail and some photos) – as well as the observation deck and historical exhibits. It is located on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. The Shard The Shard is a much newer construction, begun in 2009 and opened to the public in July of 2012. The View from the Shard (the official name of the observation deck) opened in February of 2013. It was designed by iconic Italian architect Renzo Piano (who is also known for his work on the Art Institute of Chicago and the Whitney Museum of Art in NYC). Piano intended for the Shard to evoke the feeling of emerging from the Thames, so the design is very modern and sleek. The Shard was part of the redevelopment of the then very industrial Southwark neighborhood of London, in an effort to revamp the area and bring new business to the city. Today it is home to a number of businesses, including restaurants and a hotel on the ground floor (as well as the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel located on floors 34-52). There are also residential floors above the hotel but below the observation deck. Tips for Visiting The Empire State Building and The Shard In Summary (The Biggest Differences) Each of these attractions is incredibly popular with tourists, but both offer different views and cultural perspectives. The Empire State Building is an iconic historic structure with a long legacy of standing tall and proud in NYC’s skyline. It also features gorgeous Art Deco décor and a variety of special exhibits on multiple floors. The Shard is much newer, but also boasts a beautiful, striking design – by none other than Renzo Piano. The Empire State Building offers views in Midtown Manhattan, where you can see as far north as Central Park and as far south as the Statue of Liberty and New Jersey. The Shard offers views along the Thames waterfront, including Big Ben, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and much more. Visit the Empire State Building and Save on Admission Remember to visit the Big Apple with the New York City Explorer Pass! You’ll get admission to the Empire State Building plus tickets to dozens of other top attractions in the city, like the American Museum of Natural History, a Statue of Liberty Ferry, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Top of the Rock, and many more. Save up to 50% on combined admission versus paying at the gate with the New York City Explorer Pass – it’s a smart choice for savvy travelers! If you are planning your trip to London rather than NYC, consider picking up a London Explorer Pass. You can save up to 40% on the city’s top attractions, including another great observation option in the Coca-Cola London Eye.
Katie Sagal
Blog

New York in April

April is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit New York. Whilst the city isn’t exactly known for its balmy winters, millions make the expedition each year to experience its wonderful springtime. From beautiful gardens and parks to fantastic Easter celebrations, this place has it all. If you’re looking for some inspiration when it comes to planning a trip to the Big Apple, check out our list of the best things to do in the warmer months. To make your money go further, have a look at our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less. Taste the City Music festivals provide an experience like no other. To grab a slice of the action, head down to the Brooklyn Folk Festival. True to its name, this event features the very best of American and world folk music across a wide variety of genres, including blues, bluegrass, Latin & Balkan music and much more. In addition, there are vocal and instrumental workshops, film screenings, and jam sessions to sink your teeth into. Ever dreamed of taking a sneak peek at the newest and most innovative automotive trends? Well, as it turns out, you can! The perfect activity for a somewhat disagreeable afternoon, the New York International Auto Show presents the very best that the automobile industry has to offer in a comprehensive and engaging way. A total car-lovers’ dream, this 10-day auto consumer extravaganza features everything from classics and luxury dream cars to new models and even futuristic concept vehicles, right in the heart of Manhattan. With almost 1,000 of the world’s most stunning vehicles on display, we promise you won’t leave bored! New York presents a wide variety of options when it comes to all things food. A total must for meat lovers, Brisket King is a culinary festival featuring 20 chefs and pitmasters serving up their best mouthwatering creations. Enjoy the juiciest brisket in Brooklyn prepared in every way thinkable as well as craft beer, hard cider and spirits. After the brisket king is crowned, guests are encouraged to stay for the after-party and – you guessed it – more food! Sounds pretty good to us. Soak up the Spring There’s no shortage of great outdoor attractions all over New York. Stretching through the Meatpacking District and along the West Side of Manhattan, the High Line is a linear park and popular city landmark, welcoming a whopping 8 million visitors each year. Perfect for a lazy springtime stroll, the structure was redesigned in 2006, and now serves as a living system for a wide variety of plants and animals. Go for a picnic, admire the majestic city skyline or sit back and enjoy the sunset – the choice is yours! Another one of our favorite places to see in the springtime is the Conservatory Garden in Central Park. Since first opening in 1937, the spot has become a favorite for visitors from all over the world and is now known as one of the most noteworthy public gardens in New York City. The garden is comprised of three areas, each with a specific design: the English-style South Garden, the French-style North Garden, and the Italianate Center Garden. April is the perfect time to amble through the winding pathways and admire the waterlily pools and stunning floral displays along the way. If you're travelling during Easter, you might want to check out the many egg hunts taking place around the city. At the beginning of the month, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan throws its own event with egg sculptures hidden throughout the institute. Another great option is the Rockefeller Center’s Inaugural Easter Egg Hunt with live musical performances, Easter bonnet making stations, prize giveaways, and more. Meanwhile, those who want to get in touch with their inner child should consider looking into Central Park’s Easter Egg Scavenger and History Hunt. Get Cultured For those rainy spring afternoons, it just makes sense to have a good backup plan. Eclectic and full of character, Chelsea Market is a great place to visit with friends and family. Located right in the center of the Meatpacking District, this fun attraction is known for its seriously tempting food hall, unique stores and live music performances. Grab a bite to eat, weave through the interesting stalls, and pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs for loved ones along the way. The market’s bohemian flair and laid-back atmosphere puts it in a class of its own. Those who are looking to celebrate Easter in style should definitely consider checking out the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival. Beginning as a spontaneous event in the 1870s, this fun annual procession began as a means for the city’s most fashionable dressers to exhibit their impressive festive finery. Though the event draws in smaller numbers nowadays, New Yorkers participate each year with great enthusiasm and increasingly outlandish costumes. Creative and eccentric, the event is a unique cultural expression of Easter which you won’t see elsewhere. Spring weather can be a little touch-and-go - still, New York presents a wide array of fantastic indoor activities right at your disposal all throughout the month. Those who are looking to soak up the culture of the city should consider checking out Tribeca Film Festival. Set up by Robert De Niro himself, this event was developed as a way to restore the Tribeca neighborhood of Lower Manhattan following the 9/11 attacks. The event attracts around 150,000 attendees each year and is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious film festivals in the area. Showcasing a diverse selection of feature films, short pictures, and documentary pieces, there’s a little something for everyone here. Those who are especially interested can also attend immersive programming and Q&As with relevant storytellers. New York in the spring is a beautiful time for many reasons. The weather is warm, the streets are bustling with life, and the city is in full bloom! But the best part? No matter where your interests may lie, you’ll always be able to find fun things to do. From cherry blossom peeping at the Conservatory Garden to seriously tempting food festivals in Brooklyn, there are so many great things to do in the city for every type of traveller! Make the most out of your visit with our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. For more information, check us out on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
Statue of Liberty in close-up with the New York skyline beyond.
Blog

Empire State Building Vs Statue of Liberty NYC Comparison

Ask your average Jane or Joe to name as many top New York attractions as they can in 10 seconds and it’s fairly likely the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building will be first out of their mouths. But how do they measure up? Which has been around the longest and which has stolen the most blockbuster movie scenes? We got up close and personal with these two titans of the Manhattan skyline to find out. History The Statue of Liberty arrived on US shores in 1885, a gift from the people of France. This beautifully rendered copper giant was designed by celebrated sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with a metal framework by his engineering pal Gustave Eiffel. Yes, that Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on Liberty Island in October 1886, where she has stood ever since, her gorgeous patina earning her the nickname ‘Green Goddess’. Still the definitive emblem of American freedom after more than 140 years, the statue attracts around 3.5 million visitors every year. The Empire State Building joined the party a little later, and will reach its centenary year in 2031. Perhaps the most iconic Art Deco building on the planet, it stands at 1,453ft and was the world’s tallest building for over four decades, until topped by the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1970. No other building has held the record for that long, just one of many accolades held by this monolithic Manhattan masterpiece, which attracts around four million visitors a year, primarily for the birds’ eye views afforded by its observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors, some 1,250ft from terra firma. At the Movies The iconic status of the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building mean both have featured in countless movies, TV shows and music videos over the years. How many can you think of? The image of King Kong at the top of the Empire State Building, clinging to his beloved Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) and swatting away airplanes like flies before succumbing to their gunfire, is one of the most recognizable in movie history. It’s the Empire State’s mic drop moment, but the Green Goddess is no cinematic slouch either, having appeared on the silver screen many hundreds of times, even as far back as the silent movie era, when she made what is thought to be her debut alongside Charlie Chaplin in 1917’s The Immigrant. As a proud symbol of American freedom, Lady Liberty has also done innumerable stints in disaster movies, representing hope – or the fall of humankind. We’re talking the haunting image of the statue half-buried in sand in the closing scenes of Planet of the Apes as well as appearances in – deep breath – Independence Day, Deep Impact, The Day After Tomorrow, Cloverfield and, um, Sharknado 2. What can you do at the Statue of Liberty? A trip out to the planet’s most famous torchbearer takes in both Liberty Island (where the statue is located) and its near-neighbor Ellis Island, home of the National Museum of Immigration. And it’s well worth visiting both while you’re here. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich history of New York and the USA itself, there’s no better place to start. Photographs, heirlooms and a database of searchable historical records track the history of immigration in the US, and you can even peep into the baggage rooms and dormitories once used by ‘the huddled masses’ who arrived in New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Of course, the statue herself is the main event, and there are various options depending on what you want to see. You can book to climb to the top of the pedestal on which Lady Liberty stands, or go the whole hog and climb the 162-step spiral staircase inside the statue for epic views from right up inside her famous crown. Tickets for these experiences are available via the Statue City Cruises website, while a pass from Go City includes your ferry ticket plus entry to the museums, as well as dozens more New York attractions including the Guggenheim, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and – yep – the Empire State Building. What can you do at the Empire State Building? Really the only downside of visiting the observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors of the Empire State Building is the fact that those crazy views don’t include... the Empire State Building itself. Instead, soak up some of the best selfie opportunities in town with backdrops that include Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and many other icons of the New York skyline. The 86th floor is in pole position for photo opps thanks to its open air platform, while the top floor is higher up (obvs) but fully enclosed. You can pimp up your visit with a range of direct ticket options that includes skip-the-line tickets, premium champagne packages and guided tours of the building, including the incredible Art Deco lobby. Or go straight for the 86th floor with an attraction pass from Go City. How to get to the Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty’s location on Liberty Island means the only way of getting there is by ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or the Liberty State Park in New Jersey. All passengers are required to undergo a security screening before boarding, so we’d recommend arriving 30 minutes or so before your planned departure, to avoid missing the boat. The Staten Island Ferry is another option if you just fancy a close pass (with stacks of great photo opportunities of both the statue and Manhattan skyline) but without actually physically visiting the attraction. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty here. How to get to the Empire State Building Getting to the Empire State Building is an absolute cinch. It’s right in the center or the Big Apple and you really can’t miss it; it’s visible from just about everywhere. The nearest metro stations are Herald Square and Penn Station, or arrive in style at the awesome Grand Central, and make the 10-minute walk from there. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Empire State Building here. Save on New York Activities and Attractions And that concludes our deep dive into the world of the Empire State Building vs the Statue of Liberty. We hope, in the unlikely event that you choose to visit only one of these big attractions, that in some small way our guide can help you make your decision. If not, and if indecision continues to dog you, remember you can easily visit both and save money thanks to Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes for New York. So what are you waiting for?
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.