New York City is exciting all year round, but during the winter, there are even more events to attend and things to see. Take advantage of your proximity to the city by enjoying all that the New York has to offer this winter season.
The Rink at Bryant Park
Now through March 6
Bryant Park between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues, New York City. Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Free except for optional skate rentals, which are $19 until Jan. 3 and $15 off-season. 212-661-6640 www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/iceskating/3
This 170’ x 100’ rink is free to all guests (unless you plan on renting skates) so why not take the opportunity to skate in the Winter Village? Or, if you’re not much of a skater, you can watch others and enjoy the atmosphere at Celsius, a 2-story restaurant that overlooks the rink and offers lunch, dinner and drinks.
Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche at the Met
Now through Jan. 6
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., New York City. Free with admission into the Met. 212-535-7710 www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2015/christmas-tree
View the Met’s towering tree that is decorated with lights and cherubs and is accompanied by an 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene.
NYC Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Now through Jan. 3
David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, New York City. Ticket prices range from $65 to $265. 212-496-0600 www.nycballet.com/Ballets/N/George-Balanchine-s-The-Nutcracker.aspx
The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic, and what better place is there to view it than at Lincoln Center with the New York City Ballet?
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Now through Jan. 3
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York City. Ticket prices are between $40 to $481. 212-247-4777 www.radiocitychristmas.com. The Radio City Christmas show, featuring the Rockettes, is a NYC holiday favorite that will bring the whole family together.
Hornblower’s Holiday Cruises
Dec. 24 and 31
Pier 40 at 353 West Street, New York City. Ticket prices range from $50–400 depending on the cruise. 212-206-7522 www.hornblower.com/port/category/ny+diningcruises
Hornblower is offering a number of cruises in the New York Harbor, all which include food and a DJ. For an afternoon treat, check out their Holiday Lunch Cruise, or, if you don’t have any plans for New Year’s Eve yet, they also have a dinner cruise from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., complete with a six-course dinner, open bar and a perfect view of the fireworks display.
Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night
Dec. 27
Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th St., New York City. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $15-35. (212) 531-5300 www.apollotheater.org/event/kwanzaa-celebration/
This performance will feature Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre and will honor the traditions of Kwanzaa through song and dance.
Good Riddance Day
Dec. 28
Times Square, New York City. Noon to 1 p.m. Free. www.timessquarenyc.org/events/new-years-eve/good-riddance-day/index.aspx#.Vmr4wrRbSFI
Good Riddance Day, hosted by Allison Hagendorf, prepares New Yorkers for the approaching new year by giving them a chance to destroy any of their worst memories.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Dec. 31
Grand Army Plaza at Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn. 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. Free. 718-965-8951 www.prospectpark.org/news-events/events/2015/12/31#new-years-eve-fireworks-15.
Enjoy a New Year’s Eve fireworks display while listening to live music and sipping on hot chocolate. It will be the perfect way to ring in the New Year.
Polar Bear Club’s
New Year’s Day Swim
Jan. 1
Boardwalk at Stillwell Ave Coney Island, Brooklyn. Swim time is 1 p.m. Suggested $20 donation. 917-533-3568 www.polarbearclub.org
Not afraid to plunge into some ice cold water in the middle of winter? Join the Polar Bear Club in their annual New Year’s Day swim. All donations go to Camp Sunshine, who uses the funds to send children with life-threatening illnesses and their families on a one-of-a-kind retreat in Maine.
Winter Jam
Jan. 23
Central Park, Manhattan
Bandshell Area, Enter at 72nd Street, New York City, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. 212-360-8216. www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/festivals/winter-jam
This winter sports event allows participants to snowshoe, snowboard, ski and sled all for free. It’s a snow day for New Yorkers of all ages.
