Despite the snow and cold temperatures, winter in New York City is actually one of the most magical times to visit. Many of the best events and attractions are located indoors - and the outdoor ones are worth braving the cold for! Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re planning your first winter visit to the Big Apple, we could all use a few new ideas. Here are some of the top things to do in NYC this winter 2022.
Although we strive to provide the most current information, activities mentioned may become unavailable at any time. We recommend checking city mandates and facility websites for operating hours, updates, and social distancing measures before visiting.
Ice Skate in Bryant Park
Strap on a pair of skates and take to the ice at New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink at Bryant Park. Skate for free with your own skates or rent a pair at the Midtown park. The rink is open daily until March 6 and requires online registration in advance. Cozy igloos are available to rent, as well as an iceless curling lane, which includes a dedicated lane and tent with food and drinks for your party.
Attend the Winter Jazzfest
Praised by New York Times, The New Yorker, NPR, and others, NYC’s annual Winter Jazzfest is where some of the most exciting and forward-thinking contemporary jazz music is being made today. The “#1 Jazz Festival in North America” will offer conversations and performances January 13 - 22, 2022. Stay up to date with NYC Winter Jazzfest to see a complete list of programs offered to the public.
Enjoy Delicious Food During Restaurant Week
Starting January 18, NYC Restaurant Week is back with two-course lunch ($29) and three-course dinner ($39) options from nearly 450 participating restaurants across the five boroughs. NYC Restaurant Week will kick off January 18 and run through February 13. Visit their website for a full list of participating restaurants and to book ahead.
Stay Active as the Temperature Drops
NYC winters can be brutal. Fortunately, the city offers some great ways to stay active outdoors during the winter months. Central Park is dazzling this time of year with its snow-covered trees, bridges, and arches. Enjoy a brisk walk through the park and don’t let the snow discourage you! Walking along paths that are blanketed with snow is known to increase the calorie burn of each step. Take advantage of the snow with the entire family at one of the city’s family-friendly sledding slopes. Visit Pilgrim Hill, Cedar Hill, or Great Hill in Central Park, or popular sledding spots in Inwood Hill Park, Van Cortlandt Park, or East River Park.
Go to a Professional Sports Game
The New York Knicks and New York Rangers are both in the throes of their regular seasons. The professional basketball and hockey teams share Madison Square Garden, and each competes through April. Visit their respective website to snag tickets to the historic Midtown arena.
Find the Best Hot Chocolate in the NYC
Warm up a NYC winter with a tantalizing cup of hot chocolate. Daily Provisions in Gramercy makes a heartwarming cup of cocoa with three kinds of decadent chocolate and is topped with a housemade vanilla marshmallow. Squish Marshmallows in the East Village specializes in small batch, handcrafted marshmallows to enjoy atop a cup of their hot chocolate. Their unique marshmallow flavors include peanut butter jelly time, rocky road, birthday party, and banana pudding. Lastly, Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo crowns each cup of their hot chocolate with a marshmallow flower that’s wrapped in a band of chocolate. Once activated by the heat of the hot cocoa, the flower “blooms”, revealing a small bonbon in the middle. Thirsty for more? Find the perfect cup of coffee at one of our favorite cafés near The Manhattan Club.
See a Show
Escape the frigid temps and cozy up in one of Midtown’s historic theaters. See what’s new on Broadway this winter and visit the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, and New York City Ballet to check out the latest shows and reserve a spot early.
Looking for more travel tips and activities this winter? Stay up to date with The Manhattan Club Blog and get your guide to the best of New York. Choose from our best rates and special offers when you book direct with The Manhattan Club.
