Updated on October 25, 2025
A fresh dusting of snow over New York’s scenic brownstone streets is postcard-perfect during the winter season. (Photo credit: Miles Nicholls via Flickr)
Imagine this: you’re strolling down a snowy sidewalk in your warm hat and coat. A few steps later, you’re standing in front of the most breathtaking holiday lights imaginable. Around the corner, you have your pick of cafes on the same block for a steaming cup of hot chocolate or a bagel from Ess-a-Bagel or Tompkins Square Bagels. Sound like a dream? It’s not, this is winter in New York City!
During the holiday season, the city comes alive with some of the best Christmas light displays, skating rinks, sledding, holiday shows, and cultural celebrations. Ready to experience it? New York Habitat can help you find the perfect apartment so you won’t miss a moment. Just don’t forget your winter coat, it gets chilly! Use our guide below to plan your perfect NYC holiday trip.
Immerse Yourself in New York’s Fabulous Holiday Window Displays
New York City’s fabulous shopping gets an upgrade during the holidays thanks to stunning window displays. (Photo credit: Phil Roeder)
New York is one of the best places in the world to get your holiday shopping done! From the unique boutiques of Soho to the luxury designers of the Upper East Side and the massive chain stores of Times Square, you’ll find everything you need to cross off your list without ever leaving the city. Beyond its convenience, holiday shopping in New York is an experience in itself thanks to the spectacular holiday window displays stores set up. Grab a warm drink and stroll along Fifth Avenue, where department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, along with designer names such as Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton, unveil some of the most dazzling storefronts each season. Explore some of them in our walking tour of New York’s spectacular holiday window displays!
If a quainter shopping experience is more your style, don’t miss New York City’s holiday markets. These festive pop-ups are perfect for finding handcrafted goods like ornaments, home décor, knitwear, and seasonal treats. You’ll find some at Bryant Park (open through early January), Union Square (through Christmas Eve), Grand Central Station (through Christmas Eve), and Columbus Circle (also through Christmas Eve). Keep an eye out for other pop-up markets around the city, you never know what hidden gems you might discover!
This one-bedroom furnished apartment is perfect for long winter nights. (Rental ID: 19853)
If you love the winter wonderland in New York’s holiday markets and window displays, you’ll love this elegant one-bedroom furnished apartment in the Upper West Side! Located in a classic brownstone, this impeccably designed rental features a soft neutral color scheme that creates a soothing atmosphere
especially inviting on cold winter nights. Large windows fill the space with natural light during the day, while a decorative fireplace adds a touch of coziness in the evening. After a day of exploring the city’s festive streets, unwind in this serene space or end the night with a snowy stroll through nearby Central Park.
Holiday Shows to Dazzle and Delight
The famous Radio City Rockettes put on a must-see show during the holiday season! (Photo credit: Ralph Daily)
New York City is famous for its live theater, and the holidays are no exception. One of the most famous holiday shows you can see is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes. The 90-minute show features more than 140 performers singing and dancing to holiday musical numbers and performing classic holiday scenes. Another annual tradition is the performance of The Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet. The beautiful dances and lavish costumes and sets are sure to delight attendees of all ages! You can also always opt for a Broadway play or musical—if you go to the ticket kiosk in Times Square, you can occasionally find bargain tickets the day of the show. Finally, for something a bit less expected, you can attend The Apollo Theater’s Kwanzaa Celebration in Harlem in December featuring music and traditional dances celebrating the African holiday.
Light Up Your Night with the Best Holiday Decorations in the City
The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the famous ice rink below create a holiday atmosphere for the entire area. (Photo credit: Angelo Amboldi)
One of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit, for free, is to wander through the city and enjoy its festive decorations! Start with the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in person. Towering several stories high and adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, it overlooks the historic Rockefeller ice rink.
For something a little less touristy, visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Christmas Tree and traditional crèche in the Medieval Art wing, or stop by the American Museum of Natural History to see its annual tree decorated with hundreds of handmade origami decorations. Another beloved display is the annual Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, where model trains wind through a miniature cityscape made entirely of natural materials from the garden. During Hanukkah, head to Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Heights, where the world’s largest menorah is lit nightly in celebration.
The classic exposed brick and wood furniture of this Chelsea one-bedroom apartment give it a cozy cabin ambience (NY-12100)
After a day of exploring in the cold, warm up in this one-bedroom furnished apartment in Chelsea. The homey space features classic wooden furniture and an exposed-brick decorative fireplace for chilly winter nights. The vintage-inspired bedroom even has a second fireplace and a queen-sized bed to ensure a restful night. Located on a residential street, the apartment offers access to transportation so you can explore every corner of the city’s festive landscape.
Winter Fun After the Holidays
Grab your boots and go for a stroll in Central Park when it snows. (Photo credit: Caitlyn Wilson via Unsplash)
Winter fun doesn’t have to end when the holidays do! Enjoy outdoor winter activities like playing in the snow or taking a snowy walk through Central Park, Prospect Park, or Fort Tryon Park. Afterwards, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at some of the city’s best spots, like any Jacques Torres Chocolate Shops scattered throughout the city. Want something stronger? For adults, NYC also hosts a variety of winter-themed pop-up bars such as Frosty’s Christmas Bar and Jingle Jangle at Pier 17.
Views of the Empire State Building and surrounding Midtown skyline add some atmosphere to a skating session at Bryant Park.
Ice skating is another great way to enjoy winter outdoors—the rink in Bryant Park, Wolman Rink at Central Park and The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers are some of our favorites! Take in stunning views of the skyline as you glide across the ice, then escape the cold with shopping at Bryant Park’s Winter Village or Chelsea Market. Once you’ve had your fun skating and holiday shopping, it’s time to ring in the new year with one of the city’s most iconic celebrations.
The dazzling celebration of New Year’s Eve is a must-see in NYC. Watch the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square or enjoy fireworks across the city. Check out our complete guide to New Year’s in the Big Apple!
Snuggle up in this Chelsea apartment for a cozy winter slumber. (Rental ID: NY – 19210)
Get away from the cold and rest in this furnished studio in Chelsea. The space features warm hardwood floors, a sofa to sink into after a cold day, and a double-sized bed dressed in white linens for a restful night’s sleep. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the window or catching up on work at the desk, this inviting studio offers the perfect retreat from the city’s freezing streets.
The City’s Best Late-Season Celebrations
The brilliant colors of Chinatown’s Lunar New Year parade light up the chilly NYC streets in early February. (Photo credit: Daniel Guinan, www.instagram.com/dgnyc)
When the new year rolls in, January and February have some exciting events to attend! If you’re feeling brave, you can sign up to participate in the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day. The tradition involves running into the icy Atlantic Ocean, wearing only a swimsuit! We won’t blame you if you prefer to stay dry; spectators are welcome to cheer from the sidelines.
In January, Winter Jazz Fest in the West Village with jazz performances from around the world.
In February, celebrate the Lunar (Chinese) New Year in Chinatown or Flushing, Queens, with vibrant parades, dragon dances, traditional costumes, and mouthwatering Chinese cuisine. Don’t forget Super Bowl Sunday: head to sports bars in East Village, Murray Hill and Hell’s Kitchen to watch the game and order some buffalo wings, a New York state specialty, or cozy up and watch from the comfort of your apartment rental!
This inviting space in Williamsburg provides a warm welcome as things get old outside. (Rental ID: 17853)
This two-bedroom furnished apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is perfect for cozying up in winter. The apartment features a king-sized bed, two twin beds, a sofa, and an open kitchen. Additionally, the Williamsburg neighborhood is well-connected, with bars, restaurants, cafés, and shops just outside your door.
Winter in New York City is anything but bleak! As the temperatures drop, the city comes alive with gorgeous lights, festive shopping, and a truly magical atmosphere. Live like a local with New York Habitat. Contact us today to find your perfect furnished apartment and start planning your stay in NYC’s winter wonderland!
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