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Best Touristy Things to Do in NYC During Winter

a man riding a boat on the water with a city in the background

Eight Fantastic New York City To-Do’s for Winter

Many people think that winter is a time to hibernate. Well, we think that’s for the bears! As the entertainment and cultural capital of the world, New York has no shortage of options to take on the city during winter. Check out our favorite things to do in NYC in the winter and all-year around.

1.   Bryant Park

A free ice-skating rink, tons of tiny shops, and beautiful light displays make Bryant Park one of the most happening places in winter in NYC. Also, Public Fare is one of the best places to warm up with a coffee, hot chocolate, or cafe fare around!.

2.   Kwanzaa Celebration

Take a step into African culture this winter celebrating Kwanzaa in the most New York way possible! The widely-acclaimed Forces of Nature Dance performance, along with food and art inspired by cultures from the African continent, you can dive into cultures thousands of years in the making.

3.   Winter Jazzfest NYC

For the music nerds, NYC’s Winter Jazzfest is one of the best ways to enjoy the talent of household names and up-and-comers to celebrate the decades-old tradition of jazz, one inspired largely by New York City life.

4.   Sea the City

There’s no better way to take in the sights of New York City’s skyline than on the Hudson River. Bundle up and take to the waters with an exhilarating jet ski ride with Sea the City’s expert instructors to make this winter a memorable and exciting one!

5.   East Village Walking Tour: Craft Cocktails and Speakeasies

Sip on the best that the East Village has to offer with the East Village Walking Tour. You’ll visit three locations that are at the forefront of New York City’s craft cocktail scene—who knows, you might find your next favorite haunt for incredible libations!

6.   Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise

Even if you don’t like warming up to holiday vocal music, it’s hard to avoid the charm of a warm cup of hot cocoa and breathtaking sights on the Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise. Enjoy the company of a professional local group to listen on or join in with friends or loved ones this season!

7.   The RIDE Holiday Bus Tour

There are so many bus tours of NYC because there’s just so much to see. If you want to take one of these during the winter months, The RIDE makes sure you see all the best light displays NYC has to offer.

8.   Slice of Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour

Brooklyn is home to some of the most legendary residential holiday lights displays in the world. The Slice of Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour takes you on an intimate journey through the deepest reaches of this famous NYC borough for memories that will illuminate this holiday season.

Ready To Ride With Us?

Our Jet Ski Tours Launch Just 10 Minutes from Manhattan.

SEA THE HIGHLIGHTS (1-HOUR JET SKI TOUR)
  • MOST POPULAR!
Starting at $179

Join us for the most exciting hour in New York City. Experience an amazing, fast paced jet ski ride through New York Harbor while getting up close to the Brooklyn Bridge, Lady Liberty and other sights that have made the Big Apple famous. 

What you’ll see: Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, Governor’s Island, Ellis Island, Freedom Tower, Janes Carousel, One Brooklyn Park, South Street Seaport, Empire State Building, and more!

SEA IT ALL! (2-2.5 HOUR JET SKI TOUR)

Starting at $319

Conquer all three rivers, while taking in a unique perspective of the 5 boroughs of New York City and The Statue of Liberty. This 2 hour, 32 mile (51 km) jet ski adventure around Manhattan Island will leave you breathless. 

What you’ll see:

  • East River: Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, Empire State Building, United Nations, Governor’s Island, Ellis Island, Janes Carousel, One Brooklyn Park, South Street Seaport and the famous Pepsi Cola Sign.
  • Hudson River: Freedom Tower, The Vessel, George Washington Bridge, and New York City Skyline 
  • Harlem River: Yankee Stadium, Spuyten Duyvil Bridge, Harlem River Bridge, and the Columbia “C”