NYC may not be known for its mild winters, but a trek through Central Park’s snow-covered paths, seeing a show on Broadway, or taking a lap around the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center just may change any intrepid local or visitor’s mind about embracing the season. Whether you’re staying inside of braving the frigid temps, here are the best winter events and things to do in New York City.
[How to Spend the Holidays in NYC]
1. See a NYC Ballet Performance at Lincoln Center
After George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker wraps on Dec. 31, NYCB’s Winter 2024 schedule illustrates the Company’s evolution with ballets from integral in-house choreographers. Coming to the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center this winter: Tribute to Robbins (Jan. 23 - Feb. 3), Wheeldon + Martins + Peck (Jan. 25 - Feb. 3), New Combinations (Feb. 1 - 24), All Balanchine (Feb. 6 - 17), Classic NYCB (Feb. 9 - 29), Copland Dance Episodes: A Ballet by Justin Peck (Feb. 11 - 21), Innovators & Icons (Feb. 15 - 28), and Balanchine + Wheeldon (Mar. 1 - 3).
2. Listen to Live Jazz During Winter Jazzfest
NYC Winter Jazzfest celebrates 20 years this Jan 10 - 18, 2024. The festival takes place across dozens of stages throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, with hundreds of musicians scheduled to perform at the “#1 Jazz Festival in North America” according to JazzTimes magazine.
3. Visit one of NYC’s Top (or Lesser-Known) Museums
This may be an obvious choice for a winter excursion, since NYC’s winter temperatures typically hang out around freezing. The Met, American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art, The Guggenheim, and the Whitney are all excellent top NYC museums and world-renowned institutions. Even if you’ve been to one of these mega museums more than once, there are always new halls to explore, tours to take, and exhibitions to see. Plus, underrated museums like The Morgan Library and Museum, Rubin Museum of Art, Merchant’s House Museum, Museum of Chinese in America, New York Fire Museum, The Skyscraper Museum, and Tenement Museum paint a portrait of NYC history and culture you won’t find anywhere else.
4. Watch a Broadway Show
See what’s on Broadway now, or check back for these brand new openings slated for Winter 2023/24: Prayer for the French Republic at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, Days of Wine and Roses at Studio 54, The Notebook at Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, and Doubt at American Airlines Theatre, starring Tyne Daly, Liev Schrieber, and Zoe Kazan.
Bookmark Jan. 16 - Feb. 4 for NYC Broadway Week (2-for-1 tickets to Broadway shows) and Feb. 12 - March 3 for NYC Off-Broadway Week (2-for-1 tickets to performances in the city’s most intimate theaters) and stay steps from all the Broadway action at The Manhattan Club. We’re just minutes from the Theater District. Check in with our Concierge, we are always happy to book your theater tickets for you.
5. Go Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Secure your spot at The Rink, Rockefeller Center’s iconic ice skating rink that remains open until March 24, 2024. The Rink in the famed complex between 50th and 49th Streets is open daily from 9 a.m. - 12 a.m. Fun add-ons to your ticket include hot cocoa, extended skate sessions, complimentary skate rentals, and your own private rinkside Après Skate Chalet.
6. Eat Your Way Across the City During NYC Restaurant Week
Winter NYC Restaurant Week runs Jan. 16 to Feb. 4, where you’ll be able to enjoy reduced or discounted prix-fixe meals at hundreds of restaurants across the five boroughs. As an extra perk, when you book your stay with us at The Manhattan Club, you’ll receive exclusive dining deals at our partnered restaurants. Visit our Concierge for more information.
7. Dress to the Max for New York Fashion Week
NYFW is back Feb. 9 - 14 with iconic designers, runway shows, and the latest trends that have come to define the New York Fashion Week experience. Looking to fit in? Check out our Shopping in Midtown guide.
8. Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chinatown
Kick off the Year of the Dragon at the 6th Annual New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival at Sara D. Roosevelt Park at Grant Street (Feb. 10, 11 a.m. - 3: 30 p.m.), followed by the 26th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival (Feb. 25, 1 p.m.).
9. Spend Valentine’s Day in NYC
Celebrate the ‘day of love’ at annual Valentine’s Day events in the city. There’s ‘Love in Times Square,’ where hundreds of couples take part in the annual Vow Renewal Ceremony, Cupid’s Undie Run, Merchant’s House Museum’s ‘Love in the Parlors: A Valentine in Concert,’ a Valentine’s Day sunrise and Champagne toast at Edge, and ‘Love on Top’ at ASPIRE, which includes a multi-course meal and premium open bar on the 102nd floor of One World Observatory.
Other top Valentine’s Day experiences include romantic dinners in Midtown, walks along Central Park’s snow-covered paths and bridges, a visit to the romantic Met Cloisters, wine tastings, couples massages, and a Valentine’s Day dinner cruise.
10. Explore a World of Color at the Annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden
NYBG’s Annual Orchid Show returns Feb. 17 - April 21, 2024 with the theme ‘Florals in Fashion.’ The 21st edition of the colorful spectacle features the unique designs of Collina Strada by Hillary Taymour, Dauphinette by Olivia Cheng, and FLWR PSTL by Kristen Alpaugh, paired with a variety of diverse orchid species. Walk the ‘orchid runway,’ take part in on-site activations, and public programs, and show off your own personal style, love for orchids, and fashion-forward connection to the natural world.
For more ideas on what to do during your trip to New York City, follow The Manhattan Club Blog. We’re welcoming winter with our seasonal special offers. For a limited time, take advantage of our monthly offer and book your Manhattan stay to receive 20% off your nightly rate, plus an Uber gift card. Read more.
Looking to ring in the New Year in style? The Manhattan Club introduces the new Skyline Duplex Suite, perfect for any special occasion whether it be an anniversary, honeymoon, or the perfect place to pop the question. This two bedroom unit sits high above Midtown and includes exclusive access to the Penthouse Terrace. Experience the Skyline Duplex Suite through our lens:
