You don’t need warm weather to enjoy the Big Apple. Here’s how to make the most of a wintertime visit.

Don’t let the freezing temps fool you. New York City is hot right now. From ice skating rinks aplenty to cozy rooftop igloos, there are loads of things to do and see in NYC during the winter. Plus, with smaller crowds—in comparison to the summer and holiday seasons—it’s easier to enjoy the city’s main attractions and hidden gems. Plus, mid-to-late winter typically brings lower airfare and cheaper tickets to attractions like Broadway shows.

Keep reading to find out what makes New York City a great winter getaway.

Hot Chocolate Hotspots

New York is home to plenty of chocolate shops, bakeries, and cafes serving cups of hot cocoa that will make you ditch the Swiss Miss. Angelina Paris is conveniently located by Bryant Park near Park Terrace Hotel and serves its luxe thick hot chocolate with light Chantilly cream. The menu also includes Parisian savory faves such as croque madame.

Head downtown to Dominique Ansel in Soho for the blossoming hot chocolate, which comes with a marshmallow “flower.” Keep in mind that there’s usually a line outside, and you’ll probably have to wait a bit, so be sure to bundle up!

Or try the “it” beverage of the moment: the s’mores hot chocolate from Glace, an Upper East Side ice cream shop. The decadent hot drink is made from a blend of milk and dark chocolate and is topped with homemade marshmallow fluff that billows around the rim along with whipped cream.

NYC Broadway and Restaurant Weeks

From mid-January to early February, you can score tickets to Broadway shows for a steal. The promotion takes place during the traditionally slow winter months to attract theatergoers by offering tickets two-for-one for participating shows.

The 2024 offer is available for the following performances: How to Dance in Ohio, Aladdin, Back to the Future, Moulin Rouge!, Days of Wine and Roses, Prayer for the French Republic, Harmony, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Sweeney Todd, Kimberly Akimbo, The Book of Mormon, A Beautiful Noise, & Juliet, Purlie Victorious, SIX: The Musical, Wicked, The Lion King, Spamalot, Gutenberg! The Musical!, Hamilton, Chicago, Hadestown, and MJ The Musical.

NYC Restaurant Week also runs around the same time, offering deals on dining including two-course lunches and three-course dinners for $30, $45, and $60 at participating restaurants citywide. Consider stopping by Talea Beer Company, which is connected to Park Terrace Hotel (or one of NYC’s other popular breweries) for a pre-dinner draft or cocktail.

Lunar New Year Parade and Festival

Celebrate the start of the new year a second time during the Chinese New Year Parade. This Chinatown annual event is held in late February and features dragon dancing, martial arts performers, and more. It usually runs down Mott and Canal Streets to Chatham Square to East Broadway, ending on Eldridge and Forsyth Streets toward Grand Street. After the festivities, be sure to check out a karaoke bar (or two) and grab some dim sum.

Post-Holiday Shopping

Take advantage of the post-holiday sales at NYC’s many department stores, boutiques, and high-end shops. Even though the seasonal window displays are gone, the bargains will still make your trip jolly and bright.

Central Park

This urban green space turns into a winter wonderland this time of year. During the snowy weather, be sure to sled down the park’s slopes, take a whirl around Wollman Rink, grab a bag of warm nuts from the street vendors, and wander along the many pathways, taking in views of the cold but still beautiful cityscape. Plus, if you need to warm up, just stop into one of the many museums that line the east and west sides of the park.

Bryant Park’s Winter Village

Bryant Park’s annual Winter Village is open through early March and features cozy igloos, Bumper Cars on Ice, curling at the Curling Café & Bar, and ice skating at The Rink. Plus, Park Terrace Hotel is located right by all the action in Midtown, making it a perfect home base for a wintertime visit.

Embrace the winter months and snuggle up with your loved one during a romantic getaway at Park Terrace Hotel. From February 1st–18th, book our sweetheart stay and enjoy luxurious accommodations, sparkling wine, Läderach chocolates, curated amenities, early check-in, late check-out, and more. Book now through February 7th to take advantage of this special offer.