New York City is always a good idea. And winter in NYC is my favourite time to visit because every street corner, every place you look, is it’s own celebration of possibility. Every dream and every hope feels possible. NYC in winter casts a magical spell on all that visit, leaving them with a beautiful gift of hope and gratitude.

I know – strong statements. But I mean them.

Many years ago I travelled to NYC a lot for work – the agency I worked for had an office in Times Square and since we shared an account, I was there almost weekly (so it felt). And while my trips were short and usually spent in the office, I always managed to explore as much as possible. And even though I wasn’t a winter person (I still can’t stand it), there was something unique about winter in NYC that drew me outside. Every visit in the winter months was a gift that I could not wait to open!

NYC in winter awoke something in me that I still can’t put a finger on, but it made me so intensely happy.

My last winter visit was almost three years ago – my daughter and I celebrated her 16th birthday – her champaign birthday – in NYC. Watching her experience this incredible city for the first time, and in winter, was pure magic. Her eyes sparkled more than usual and I could feel her energy level rise with each new experience.

Having been there so many times, I knew what she was feeling, and I was feeling it too because every visit to this city bring about crazy levels of excitement and wonder – it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been, the feeling is like it’s your first visit.

Since that visit in 2016, I’ve been back once (with my daughter, son and hubby), but in the summer. And while I love NYC at anime of year, winter holds a very special place in my heart. Here’s why…

5 Things to do in NYC in the Winter:

Rockefeller Center

Cliche I know. But Rockefeller Center in December is pure heaven on earth. And if you haven’t seen “the tree” or experienced this angelic spot before, this should be your first stop.

1. The tree. It arrives early November and the lights are lit urned on early December (2019 they are turned on December 4th). While Christmas trees are associated with Christianity, this tree has it’s own symbolic meaning. This tree is a symbol of peace, community and humanity. It is less about organized religion and more about having faith in one another and bringing us together with the hope that living in harmony is possible. This tree gives faith in one another. This tree is a reminder to be grateful for each day we have with one another. It represents all that is good in our community.
2. The plaza leading to the tree is lined with holiday decor that will fill your heart with happiness. I don’t know why, but it does. Something about this laneway that will make you feel like you can do anything. I know it sounds crazy because it’s just decorations – but it’s not. It’s also the energy from the other visitors that are there witnessing the same beauty, feeling the same happiness. Feeling hopeful.
3. Ok, now, turn around. Literally. Look across the plaza at SAKS Fifth Avenue (across the street) light show. Not even Las Vegas can rival this unbelievable dazzle. My daughter and I stood there, watching this light show (with our mouths on the ground) for over 30 minutes. We didn’t move. We were in awe. This spectacular show was breadth taking and will leave you speechless.
4. Oh, and of course if you like to ice skate, this is a must!

Bryant Park Winter Village

The Bryant Park Winter Village is one of my favourite spots to sit and sip a coffee (and people watch), and it is a must for holiday shopping. It’s like Etsy but a live market place in a park.

You’ll find unique handmade products that make great gifts (for others and yourself!), delicious winter snacks, coffees, teas and cocoa. And yet another outdoor skating rink that the entire family will enjoy.

Window shopping!

The best dressed windows are in NYC in December! You can literally spend half a day touring the most incredible, theatrical window displays – these displays have become a NYC winter staple and they will ignite your creativity and leaving you feeling like you just visited Oz! Here are my picks for must-see store displays…

Macy’s at Herald Square – not only are the window displays out of this world, but Santaland and the in-store holiday experience will have you smiling from ear to ear.

SAKS Fifth Avenue – the light show across from Rockefeller Center. (see above)

Fifth Avenue – stroll along Fifth Avenue to see all of the luxury brands like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany, Louis Vuitton,etc. try to out-do one another with their lights and holiday decor. The result is a beautiful sight for those of us that are “just browsing”. 🙂

Bloomingdales – while you’ll want to check out their Third Avenue displays the ones along Lexington Avenue are the best! Each year they are themed differently and never disappoint. You’ll also find the most entertaining Salvation Army Bell Ringers in the city, at Bloomingdales and you’ll find yourself watching until your toes get cold!

Barney’s on Madison Avenue is another favourite of mine (and my daughter’s) as they usually break free from the traditional and focus on a message of change. Change for a better world.

Times Square

People watching, (cheaper) holiday shopping and always a place to grab a quick bite to eat or coffee. And since I’m visiting from Toronto, I never find NYC all that cold in December, so I happily grab a bistro table in the street, sit back, sip my hot cocoa and enjoy watching all of the smiles walk by.

Go to the Top of the Rock!

Most people think that the best views of NYC are from the top of the Empire State Building. But I disagree. There is nothing more mesmerizing that the Top of the Rock, at night in winter. The lights of the city, the hum of people below, and the panoramic views from central Manhattan will take your breadth away. While looking out at all below, you can’t help but feel at peace, humbled and full of gratitude – not just for all that you have, but for all of the possibilities left to explore. Yes, this experience really is transformative.

There are so many things to do in NYC all-year round, but I have found winter, especially December, my favourite time to visit.

I’m always amazed that I can be surrounded by hundreds of thousands of people, contained by some of the largest buildings in the world (block after block), surrounded by commercialism at it’s worst, and still feel a sense of purpose, peace and humanity that can only be felt there, at that time of year.

There is a magic to this city that allows you to see past commercialism and all that needs to change to make our world better – you can feel opportunity, gratitude and possibility for yourself and others.

This my friends, the the BEST thing to do in NYC in winter.