What to do in winter in New York City as a teenager
New York is amazing all year round, but there is something special about winter in the city. It is magical. Are you planning on coming to New York in winter? If you are and you are wondering what you can do while being here, please follow along for some inspiration.
Also, if you want to add some English learning, meet amazing people from all over the world and experience the city with our help, you can also check our Winter Junior program!
1. Visit fun Museums
New York is full of exciting museums. You may have heard of MOMA or the MET, which focus mainly on paintings, sculptures, and traditional art, but there are so many others! And some of them are definitely much more interesting for teenagers… Try some of the below...
FIT: Did you know you could visit the Fashion Institute of Technology? If you are passionate about fashion or are merely interested in the fashion industry, this is a great place to wander around. And you may even be lucky to be around when an exciting event is happening. And if you are interested, you can also visit their library!
American Museum of Natural History: Do you want to explore the museum where Night at the Museum was filmed? Then this is your place. Wander around the world and discover nature from a new perspective. They also offer great events for teenagers, such as film reviews or game nights...
Museum of the moving image: Film, TV, and media museum. Learn about how your favorite TV shows and films were made. This is a really fun, interactive museum for teenagers.Also, twice a month on Friday afternoons, teens aged 14 and up are invited to come to hang out, get exclusive access to the Museum, and experiment with new tools while solving design challenges. They also have programs that involve learning about curation and the film industry for teens.
Universal Hip Hop Museum: For music lovers, this is the perfect place. Situated in the Bronx, they will open your eyes to the world of hip hop and its culture. You may even be able to record yourself!
2. BSL Movie Tour
Movies and TV shows have been set everywhere in New York.
Movies like I legend, Moonstruck, Spider Man, Kick Ass or West Side Story. TV shows as popular as Friends, How I met your mother, Sex in the city or Gossip Girl. They have all been set in New York!
And we will discover them all on our own movie tour around the city... are you ready?
3. Dyker Heights lights
This is one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets. Enjoy the warmth of the lights and the people in this nice neighborhood in Brooklyn. Check out the dazzling displays from 11th to 13th Avenues, and from 83rd to 86th Street. They are definitely worth it!
4. Winter Village at Bryant park
Walk around Bryant Park and enjoy the winter village magic in the heart of Manhattan, they have events almost every day, from concerts to yoga classes. If you are lucky you can see the tree lightning too.
And of course, visit the only free-admission ice rink in New York City and show your friends your best moves.
5. Shopping
Shopping on Fifth Avenue is one of the most iconic plans in New York. And what better than doing it right after the Christmas season, when the best deals are on!
Enjoy the wonderful holiday spirit, the lights, the music, and the energy along the most famous shopping street in Manhattan. However, if you are looking for more festive plans, you can also check all the holiday markets around the city, like the indoor Brooklyn Flea Market, Union Square Holiday Market, Brooklyn Renegade Craft Market, Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, BUST Craftacular Holiday Market, Grand Central Holiday Fair or Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
And if you feel adventurous, I strongly recommend visiting different thrift stores in Brooklyn for cheaper prices. You will definitely find something impressive.
6. Broadway show
Another classic which gets even better in winter. Enjoy an amazing performance in one of the various Broadway theaters in New York. Some of the best shows include Wicked, Aladdin, West Side Story, or The Phantom of the Opera.
7. Christmas tree tour
If you feel like enjoying a nice walk around the snow, try finding as many Christmas trees as you can… they are everywhere. Try and take a picture of each of them. From the famous tree at the Rockefeller Center to the Origami one at the Museum of Natural History, there are trees all over the city. If you need more inspiration, check this.
8. Enjoy the snow in Central Park
I don't know about you, but there is certainly no snow where I come from, and the first time I saw it in Central Park, I was astonished. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I have had in New York. Step on the biggest and most famous park in the city and discover the beautiful paths with your friends... it is incredible! Also, there are a lot of places around to have a hot chocolate afterwards 😉
