20 Things to Do in New York City on Cold and Snowy Days

Go Ice Skating

Sure, ice skating is a cliche winter activity, but New York City's ice skating options are pretty spectacular.

If you don't mind braving the crowds, you can skate at the Ice Rink at Rock Center, but if you want to experience New York City as a winter wonderland, you might prefer Wollman Rink in Central Park. From there, you can see skyscrapers surrounding the potentially snow-covered treetops of the park itself. There is also a free ice skating rink in Bryant Park and several other ice skating rinks around New York City.

Spend the Day at a New York City Museum

One great way to escape the cold and snow in New York City is to visit one of New York City's fantastic museums, many of which are free or "pay what you wish."

It's easy to spend an entire day or more at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History, but many smaller New York City museums offer wonderful collections, as well as a perfect way to warm-up for a few hours. Smaller museums worth visiting include the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and the Frick Collection.

Take a New York City Boat Tour

Taking a boat tour might not be the first thing you think of when you are looking to escape from the cold or snow of New York City's winter, but it can actually be a great way to relax and stay warm while still seeing the city. All boat tours that operate during the winter have closed-in areas, but keep in mind that tour schedules are more limited during the winter months, so call or check the schedule online before you head to the dock.

Stay Warm While You Shop

Winter in New York City is actually a great time of year for shopping because of all the post-Christmas sales that offer great savings and the wide variety of shopping destinations available throughout the season.

While a cold day in New York City might not be the best one for popping in and out of Madison Avenue shops, it's easy to waste away the hours in one of New York City's great department stores like Barney's New York in the Upper East Side, Bergdorf Goodman or Bloomingdale's in Midtown, or Macy's in Herald Square. On the other hand, if you're looking for a discount, visit Gabay's Outlet in the East Village, Century 21 in the Financial District or upper west side, or Nordstrom Rack in Union Square or Downtown Brooklyn.

The Shops at Columbus Circle, a large shopping mall located inside the Time Warner Center at the southwest corner of Central Park, is another great place to go if you want your choice of premium brands without having to venture out in the cold for too long.

Check Out the Brooklyn Flea Indoor Winter Market

Every Saturday and Sunday throughout the cold season, you can also get your shopping done at the unique Brooklyn Flea, a huge indoor winter flea market that features over 200 vendors selling food, crafts, clothing, and trinkets. Guests can also search through collectibles and vintage items as well as handcrafted art and goods or take home some home-grown produce at this expansive flea market.

Brooklyn Flea is open year-round on Saturdays in Williamsburg at the Williamsburg Hotel and Sundays in DUMBO at Pearl Plaza beneath the Manhattan Bridge.

Catch a Show on Broadway

One of the biggest attractions in New York City are the shows on Broadway, and you can warm up this winter while watching a play or musical every day of the week.

The cold weather means that lines at the TKTS Booth tend to be shorter, but if you're not into braving the cold to save some money, you can buy tickets directly at the box office. Sometimes, you may even find discounts if they offer standing room only or student rush tickets.

Warm up at a Movie in New York City

New York City is a wonderful city for film-buffs and is home to a number of interesting movie theaters including the Film Forum and the giant AMC Times Square. In New York City, there is a far wider array of movie-watching options than you might find in your hometown, and there are also yearly film festivals around the city for true cinephiles.

Get Boozy at Brunch

New York City socialites love brunch, and there are literally hundreds across the city that offer daytime service. Whether you're hankering for a light snack or you want to enjoy a full meal accompanied by Bloody Marys and Mimosas, there's no shortage of options in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.

Some of the best brunch spots in Manhattan include The B Bar and Grill in midtown, EJ's Luncheonette on the Upper West Side, and Elmo in the Village.

Laugh the Cold Away at the Comedy Cellar

One of the city's most famous venues for great standup comedy is the Comedy Cellar, which offers nightly shows year-round. If you want to spend the evening warming up by laughing your pants off, this is definitely the place to go. Be sure to check the full calendar for the lineup of upcoming shows—the Comedy Cellar is known to feature some of the biggest names in comedy throughout the year.

Take a Class

New York City isn't just a city for entertainment, dining, and nightlife—you can also learn a thing or two from some of the best schools and institutes in the country while you're visiting. From craft beer lessons in Brooklyn to photography courses and cheese-crafting and tea tasting workshops in Manhattan, there are plenty of classes offered throughout the winter season. TimeOut New York maintains a list of ongoing classes that residents and tourists alike can enjoy during the winter.

Cuddle With Cats at the Meow Parlour

There's no better way to beat the winter cold than to cuddle up with your beloved pet while enjoying a warm beverage, and in New York City, you can do this even if you left your pet at home thanks to the Meow Parlour. Known as New York City's first cat cafe, this unique venue invites guests to enjoy coffees and teas while hanging out with dozens of feline friends.

Visit Times Square

Although getting between venues, stores, and attractions will require you to go out into the cold, Times Square is packed full of places where you can spend hours indoors. From M&M World to the Museum of Wax, there are plenty of great attractions within the three-block by 10-block area that encompasses Times Square. You can even dine in some nationally-recognized chain restaurants, but keep in mind that prices will be inflated in this popular tourist area.

Get Active at Chelsea Piers

Chelsea Piers is home to an entire complex full of activities that can keep the family warm and entertained all day long. Featuring youth classes and camps, a fitness club, adult and youth leagues, drop-in activities like rock climbing and bowling, and a variety of special events throughout the winter, you'll have no problem staying warm and active on cold and snowy days at Chelsea Piers.

Tour the City by Subway

Although a majority of the subway lines in Manhattan are below-ground, you can get skyline views of the city if you take the F train out to Coney Island in Brooklyn and some great views of the city itself in Queens on the 7 and N lines. However, the subway can get quite confusing for tourists—and even some residents still struggle with directions—so be sure to check the map and ask for directions if you feel lost.

Go International at the United Nations

A little known fact about New York City: A part of the island of Manhattan is considered international territory since it's home to the United Nations. While you're visiting New York City, you can take a quick trip "abroad" on an hour-long tour the U.N. Headquarters. Available Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the tours offer guests a behind-the-scenes look at the inner-workings of the U.N. including the Security Council Chamber, the General Assembly Hall, and the Economic and Social Council Chamber.

Visit Grand Central Terminal

Whether you're arriving in the city by train or you just want to visit one of its most famous landmarks, a trip to Grand Central Terminal is a must-see for first-time tourists and a great way to stay warm in the winter. While you're there, you can't miss the giant mural on the ceiling of the main hall, and on the underground level, there's a full food court with some of the best food in the city. 

Visit the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show

A great destination year-round, the New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG) are especially lovely during the winter season if you're a fan of model trains. Each year, the NYBG hosts a spectacular model train display inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

The Holiday Train Show features over 175 New York landmarks constructed out of natural materials like bark, leaves, and flowers as well as the signature New York Central model trains. Located in New York City's northernmost borough of the Bronx, NYBG is easily accessible via a 20-minute train ride from Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal on the Metro-North Harlem line or via the NYC subway B, D, or 4 trains.

Explore Coney Island Attractions

Although the beach at Coney Island is closed for the season and the windchill can be downright frigid near the waterfront all winter long, there are still many attractions to enjoy in Brooklyn's southernmost neighborhood.

To stay out of the cold, visit the world-class New York Aquarium right on the waterfront, which features year-round exhibits and fish-feeding shows at an indoor reef filled with sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Afterward, stop in at the Coney Island Museum to explore the unique history of this storied New York neighborhood, especially if you're interested in the freak show side of Coney Island's past.

Alternatively, you can embrace the cold by walking along the famous Rigelmann Boardwalk to witness stunning views of the amusement park, Atlantic Ocean, and beach. To really embrace the cold on New Year's Day, watch or join the Coney Island Polar Bear Club's Polar Bear Plunge, which takes place each year on January 1 at 1 p.m. During the event, hundreds of participants take an icy dip in the frigid waters and splash around as part of the nation's oldest winter bathing club's annual celebration.

Go to Radio City Music Hall

From seeing the famous Rockettes' Christmas show to taking tours of this historic attraction, there are many things to do and see at Radio City Music Hall in the winter.

One of the most iconic experiences for New York visitors each winter is seeing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which features 36 of the famous Rockettes dancers in each performance. However, performances start in November and end in January, so you have a limited time to catch a show this season. Book your tickets in advance to get better deals and seats for the show.

Alternatively, you can also tour Radio City Music Hall for a behind-the-scenes look at the inner-workings of the venue—including a gallery of past performances and construction projects that made Radio City what it is today. During the tour, you'll also get to meet a Rockette and even stand on the famous block-long stage where the Rockettes perform.

Watch the Westminster Dog Show

Each February for two days, the Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show comes to New York City to pit purebred dogs against one another for various titles including best in breed and best in show.

A number of more intimate preliminary daytime events for the dog show take place Piers 92 and 94 while the larger dog show itself takes place in the evening of both days of the show at Madison Square Garden. While tickets can cost up to 200 dollars to attend, you can also score cheap seats if you book early.