I still remember the first time I ever came to New York City: It was late January 2013 and I couldn’t wait to spend 12 days there [here]. Back then I didn’t seem to mind the City winter much. Now that I am spending my third winter living in Manhattan, I am far less excited about the seemingly endless months of cold. On the other hand, there are plenty of things to do here even in winter. Sometimes I even think it would also be fun to do the same things again I did in 2013 and reevaluate. Maybe next year … I have a list of 10 things I would love to do in NYC this winter – but due to being highly pregnant, I don’t think I will do any of these activities. Sadly. But I don’t want to keep them from you:
1. Visit the Governors Island Winter Village
I still haven’t been to Governors Island at all. Even though it is so easy to get there by ferry from Southern Manhattan. This winter they even have a winter village that consists of an ice skating rink, fire pits, lawn games, food trucks, etc. The village is open until 27 February.
2. Go ice skating
I enjoyed ice skating on the rink in Bryant Park so much last winter and would have loved to continue the exercise. Alas, I am not as balanced now and rather avoid accidents. I highly recommend the Bryant Park rink (open until 6 March) because you can reserve a time for free when you bring your own ice skates. But one day I also want to try the Wollmann Rink in Central Park (open until 31 March) and the rink at the Rockefeller Center (open until 6 March).
3. Enjoy the NYC Restaurant Week
Eating is a wonderful indoor activity. And so many great restaurants participate in NYC Restaurant Week. Although “week” is a little misleading because it lasts from 18 January to 13 February. You can get two or three courses for $ 29 to $ 59. Usually restaurants have special menus.
4. Visit the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum
I like fashion and Dior. So a Christian Dior exhibition sounds amazing. Also, the Brooklyn Museum does fashion exhibits really well. They mix photos with videos, actual clothes and accessories, etc. as pieces. The exhibition takes place until 20 February. If I were to go, I’d also want to visit Andy Warhol: Revelation. Unfortunately, I will miss both.
5. See the Music Man on Broadway
Do I have to say more than Hugh Jackman?! I mean I love most musicals and I am sure I would highly enjoy the Music Man. The good news is that the musical seems to be on Broadway for most of 2022. So maybe I still get to go in a few months.
6. Visit the Andy Warhol Photo Factory exhibition at Fotografiska
Another Andy Warhol exhibition, this one is at Fotografiska in Midtown Manhattan. It focuses on his studio The Factory and his photographic works. The exhibit is on until 20 February. I always find his photos and stories of Warhol’s life exciting. Most likely because he was such a NYC iconic figure.
7. Make Potions or Have Wizard Afternoon Tea at the Cauldron
The Cauldron in Downtown Manhattan sounds like such a fun place: it is a bar and restaurant where you can book different experiences like potion making and a wizard afternoon tea. Apparently, you get to work with wands and make your own drinks.
8. Visit the Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts exhibition at the MET
The MET is probably my favorite museum in the world. Although I mostly love their ancient world and Middle Eastern collections, I also always like their special exhibits. The Walt Disney one about how European decorative arts inspired him sounds super interesting. It is still on until 6 March.
9. Celebrate Chinese New Year
The Year of the Tiger starts on 1 February and I am sure that Chinatown will be full of amazing decorations and (hopefully) celebrations. Lunar New Year celebrations will take place all over the City (most between 25 January and 12 February) and it looks like parades will take place this year. Plus I have always loved to try food in Chinatown …
10. Take long walks through the rather empty City
One of my favorite memories from 2013 and also from my last two winters here is that the City is relatively empty. Tourists in general stay away when it is freezing and locals stay at home (just like me this year, ha ha). So it is a great time to take really long walks through NYC and enjoy the else way more crowded spots. Personally, I also feel that the air is clearer in winters so that photos turn out better, e.g. if you cross the Brooklyn Bridge and want to enjoy the view at Manhattan.
