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New York City (NYC) can be expensive in the winter with all the things there are to do there! This list of 5 activities include paid and FREE activities that are must-do’s on your next trip to the Big Apple!
1. See the NYC Skyline at EDGE or SUMMIT ONE Vanderbilt
A constant favorite activity is seeing the NYC skyline, which you can do from many places. However, seeing the city from above when it’s decorated is an event worth paying for.
There are a ton of options of seeing the skyline, but if you’re wanting to see the Empire State Building, you probably don’t want to go to the observation deck in the Empire State Building…. just food for thought.
Personally, SUMMIT ONE and EDGE are my top choices. SUMMIT ONE opened in 2021, is 93-stories tall, and is taking the NYC observation game to the next level. Edge boasts a lookout ledge at 1,100 feet as well as the option to SCALE the building.
Similarly priced, these two options are great choices for viewing NYC and getting those golden photos. I’d recommend buying through Fever which will get you $8 off your first purchase too. They make it easy and give you points you can use for discounts on other purchases!
2. Walk Central Park
Central Park is one of my favorite things to do in NYC. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s SO big (and FREE)! If you walk across it in certain areas, sure, it might seem like “just a park”. However, I think the beauty is that every time you walk it, you can walk a different path and see something you didn’t see last time. My favorite path is entering on West 72nd Street and exiting on East 76th Street. This path takes you through the beautiful Bethesda Terrace!
If you have extra time, you could also check out the Central Park Zoo for $20! 
3. Ice Skating in NYC
Ice skating is one of the most popular holiday events, especially in NYC! There tons of places with new ones popping up as well. Prices may vary, but depending on the location and time, there are some good deals to be had. 
Note: Some places like the Rockefeller Center are going to be MUCH busier than others, so account for that in the time that you plan for your activities!
Be sure to bring gloves and/or a beanie, New York winters are COLD! Depending on the rink and time of year, it can be even colder and not having the warmest clothes would make the holiday trip miserable!
4. Astra Lumos in Queens
Astra Lumos in Queens is an immersive light show in the Botanical Gardens – and it’s phenomenal. I’ve been to light shows before, but this being a celestial night walk made it stand out from anything I’ve ever seen before. I would highly recommend seeing it when it’s dark out to get the full experience, but that shouldn’t be too hard, seeing as it gets dark in NYC in the winter around 5pm!
This activity is pretty far into Queens, but it is completely worth it. Just make sure you give yourself time to get there, especially if you’re staying in Manhattan. You can also purchase snacks, drinks, and hot chocolate at the gardens.
Again, I’d recommend buying through Fever. They make it easy and give you points you can use for a discount on other purchases!
5. Window Shopping
Another completely free option is Window shopping in NYC. This might not cross a lot of minds because it’s not promoted as much as some other activities, but it is a great way to pass time and appreciate the decorations for the holidays. One beautiful sight is the entirety of Hudson Yard. I personally, would like to know just how much time was spent decorating there. It’s beautiful. It’s also working towards positive environmental change/impact, which will always score points in my book.
Another option for Window shopping in NYC during the holiday is Fifth Ave. It has lots of shops, including Saks Fifth Ave (which does a light show!) and the Empire State building’s ground floor display.
NYC seems to never run out of things to do, and that’s all year round. The Christmas season in NYC is absolutely beautiful and every should see it at least once. The activity prices can really add up, especially for multiple people, but a few free activities paired with paid ones really helps keep costs low.
If you’re going to the City That Never Sleeps this Winter, be sure to check out some of the 5 Best Holiday & Winter Activities and let us know how it goes!
