20 cheap holiday activities in New York City

While the weather outside may be frightful, the parks in New York City are still delightful year-round. Bring the whole fam sledding in Central Park for an afternoon or simply take a stroll through your neighborhood park — maybe with a warm beverage in hand. No matter what you choose to do outside, New York City parks have a lot to offer in the winter months.

This Brooklyn neighborhood is known for its magical display of holiday lights and decorations. Nearly every home and business decks out with a dazzling display of lights and decorations that makes for a magical walk after dark. 

Did you know that New York City has not one but two giant menorahs? Both menorahs share the title for largest in the world, each standing at 32 feet tall and weighing in at 4,000 pounds. You can experience the lighting of each menorah every evening of Hanukkah at sunset.

Is there anything more picturesque than ice skating in front of the huge Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center? The Rink at Rockefeller Center is open all season, with tickets starting at $11 for young kids.

New York is known for its expansive list of museums — most of which offer affordable options throughout the year. Check out the museums near you to see when they offer free or discounted admission days, and hide out from the cold while taking in some incredible artwork.

Transport yourself to a festive winter wonderland. The Bryant Park Winter Village features shopping, ice skating, food, and beverages. There is even a covered “apres-ski-themed” lodge where you can purchase seasonal food and beverages. Whether you’re looking to do holiday shopping or grab a drink and watch the skaters, the Winter Village has it all.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s light show, Lightscape, is a magical way to celebrate the winter season. Experience the glow of thousands of lights and lighted sculptures illuminating the extensive gardens. Sip on hot chocolate (regular or spiked!) while you explore the grounds in a captivating new way.  

The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a wondrous way to spend an afternoon. The exhibit, which has been going on for the last 30 years, features model trains that travel through replicas of over 190 New York City landmarks made from natural materials like bark and leaves. 

The holiday season doesn’t end after New Year’s Eve — Chinese New Year takes place in January each year, and New York City features plenty of festivities. Celebrate the Lunar New Year by catching a lion dancing troupe and watching the Lunar New Year parade.

Seeing a show on Broadway is one of the most “New York” experiences of any season, but it’s not an activity we always associate with being cheap. There are ways to reduce your cost by using a site like Today Tix to score last-minute reduced tickets, rushing tickets, or waiting for the two-for-one ticket Broadway Week sale at the beginning of the new year.

The Ice Theater of New York hosts a number of pop-up concerts at local rinks where you can watch professional skaters at a number of venues across the city. Locations and dates are listed here.

This free holiday activity is a favorite for a reason. New York City offers some of the most intricate and imaginative window displays. While the world-renowned Macy’s holiday windows are, of course, one that’s not to be missed, there are several businesses downtown and throughout the city boasting impressive displays.

While this building is newer to the New York City skyline, its light installation is already an impressive holiday staple. Spend the day window shopping and viewing the millions of holiday lights that illuminate the building. 

While most New Yorkers may think of the charming Little Island as a summer activity, visiting in the winter can make for a beautiful winter day. The free park is still open throughout the colder seasons. Explore a quiet stroll along the Hudson River among the snowy landscape’s paths.

Each year the Winter Lantern Festival lights up the sky with an assortment of stunning lights, lanterns, and lighted sculptures. The displays take place in various locations across New York City with several different exhibitions and shows. You can find the event schedule here.

Spending the day near Rockefeller Center can put you in the holiday spirit even if you're not up for ice skating. Grab a hot beverage and watch the skaters glide in front of the iconic (and massive!) Christmas tree.

Each year, a number of holiday pop-up bars appear throughout the city. Treat yourself to a holiday-themed spirits with friends in a decked-out bar.

What better way to warm up than hiding from the winter weather in a brewery? Whether you have a local favorite in mind or do a quick Google search, we guarantee that wherever you are in the city, there’s a cozy brewery nearby.

If you have a car or can borrow or rent one, cozying up at a drive-in is the perfect way to spend a chilly winter evening. There are a number of drive-in theaters throughout the city, many of which show holiday favorites through December. Pack snacks and blankets, invite a loved one, and chill out to a festive film.

This national landmark becomes a mystical sight in the winter. Visit the graves of famous figures such as Basquiat or explore the cemetery’s calendar of events and art installations.