The weather outside might be frightful, but New York City doesn’t stop when the temperatures plummet. The city that never sleeps is awake all winter too with events, dining, exhibitions and more to keep visitors entertained. BlueOrange Travel, a Manhattan-based travel agent, is sharing the top 10 Things to do in NYC in the winter. So pull on your hat and coat and get ready for all the fun.
Can’t-Miss Things to do in NYC in the Winter
Ice Skating in Bryant Park
Discover the Winter Village at Bryant Park and see the true splendor of the season. With free ice skating on the 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink, food kiosks and indoor beer garden, this Big Apple attraction is a winter tradition for many visitors. The Holiday Shops will close January 2, but the Rink and the Lodge will stay open until March. Bring your own or rent skates for $20.
Holiday Train Show
There are holiday trains, and then there is NYC’s Holiday Train Show that lights up the New York Botanical Garden with the sights and sounds of the city. Look for miniature versions of the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall, all crafted out of natural materials like leaves, twigs, bark and berries. The trains will run through January.
Harry Potter: A History of Magic Exhibition
Learn the history of magical creatures, essential facts about Hogwarts and see notes and Harry Potter memorabilia at this celebration of Potterlore. Drawing from the collections of the British Library, the New-York Historical Society and J.K. Rowling’s personal archives, this exhibition at the New-York Historical Society includes illustrations, costumes, and a packed museum gift shop.
Winter Jazz Fest
Between January 4 and 12, 2019, music lovers can indulge their ears at Winter Jazz Fest. The annual concert series brings world-renown musicians to the city for concerts and shows. The annual festival celebrates both the history and the future of the genre. Performances are at a variety of venue spaces downtown, so be sure to visit the website for ticket and location information.
NYC Restaurant Week
Visit the city during Restaurant Week this winter for dining deals at some of New York’s top restaurants. From January 21 through February 8, diners can enjoy prix-fixe meals at over 380 restaurants for $26 for a two-course lunch or $42 for a three-course dinner. This is your chance to try new flavors, discover new favorites and expand your palette. The full list of participating restaurants is revealed and reservations open on January 9.
Andy Warhol from A to B and Back Again
Visit the Whitney between now and March 31, 2019, to see a full retrospective of Andy Warhol, his life and his works. In the first exhibition compiled by an institution in the U.S. since 1989, you can see a wealth of new materials, research and details that have been discovered since the artist’s death in 1987. The exhibition is meant to introduce Warhol to the 21st century.
Chinese New Year
This February, get ready to celebrate the Chinese New Year when the city fills with color, dragons, parades, floats, delicious foods and more. The celebration’s highlight is the Chinese Lunar New Year Parade on February 5, 2019, in Chinatown, and the last night is memorably celebrated on February 19 at the Lantern Festival.
Big Apple Circus
Celebrate the Big Apple Circus’s 41st season with a brand new show that features the women of the company. The female ringmaster, trapeze daredevil, trampoline artists and more present a family friendly show at Lincoln Center that is sure to please and delight. The single-ring, big top event includes acts from all over the world. Performances run through March.
New York Fashion Week
Fashion Week is always one of the city’s most popular and most photographed events. Put on your designer best and be ready for runway shows from leaders in the fashion industry from February 8 to 16, 2019. Even if you can’t score tickets to the hottest shows, you can still feel like an insider at some of the smaller shows. Plus, you never know who will snap your photo and where it might appear, making fashion week a must-do for influencers and fashion lovers.
New York Jewish Film Festival
Each year the Jewish Museum and the Film Society of Lincoln Center partner to present a global survey of inventive and diverse movies that illustrate the Jewish experience. 2019 will be the 28th year of the annual film festival that runs between January 9 and 22. The mix of documentary, narrative and short films will feature fresh voices and restored classics.
Plan your Big Apple visit with BlueOrange Travel. With so many things to do in NYC in the winter you can fill your trip with the sights and sounds of the city. Contact BlueOrange to plan your travels, and don’t forget your gloves.