We are still a month away to the official start winter date, but you know that it is already chilled. So, there is nothing better than tips on what to do in the coldest season of the year. Remember that I already wrote a post with 10 other things for the winter in the city – if you haven’t seen it, click here.
Wine tasting at Red Hook Winery – Red Hook Winery is a winery located in Red Hook, Brooklyn. It is focused on viticulture in the state of New York. That is, the grapes used for the production of wines are all from the state itself, from 15 different areas like North Fork, Long Island, and Finger Lake. The place has a social area with rustic decor where you can taste wines from a selection of 70 types. You can order a glass or a bottle or try the wine tasting. The menu also has a selection of cheese and chips. The atmosphere is very nice, the staff is super attentive and the wines are a delight.
Address: 175 Van Dyke St. You should use Water Taxi or NYC Ferry to get there.
Little Italy, The Bronx – winter is good for… eating! And if you wanna enjoy a delicious and different experience, you should get the subway to The Bronx and exploring the real Little Italy in New York. Generations of Italian families have given the area a special small-town character unique for an urban setting, while at the same time establishing traditions that permeate the neighborhood like the sweet smell of sausage and peppers. It’s the best place for bread, pasta, meat, pastries, the only place to buy Italian sausage, and more. The quality and values are great – a recent ranking confirmed once again by critics like the Zagat Survey whose readers repeatedly give “Best Buy” status to more Arthur Avenue shops than any other neighborhood in New York City. Check more info!
Holiday Train Show – this exhibition happens every year at New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx. Enchanting model trains zip through a display of 150 landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming along among familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half-mile of track. Check more info!
Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx.
SantaCon – it’s a convention of groups of men & women dressed like Santa. After Halloween, this is probably one of the best days to observe people in New York. It is typical that all the Santa Clauses meet in pubs and bars. The event details can be checked on this site.
Winter Flea + Smorgasburg – Smorgasburg is famous and crowded during the summer. Don’t worry: they also promote a winter version. Saturdays + Sundays, 10am-6pm, from November through March. Make sure to check the website for location and details.
Grand Central Holiday Fair -In December, you have another reason to visit Grand Central: Grand Central Holiday Fair. It is one of the finest, longest-running indoor holiday fairs in New York City. Highly selective about the artists chosen to participate, planners spend the year looking for unique vendors with a focus on American-made and handmade products with locally-sourced materials or a socially-conscious business model. About 40 vendors take over half of the historic Vanderbilt Hall for almost six weeks to sell artwork, clothing for all ages, men’s/women’s accessories, children’s clothing/toys, and home goods. Since 1993, the Holiday Fair has been a must-shop destination during the holiday season. Check out the details.
Foundue – if during the summer we want frozen drinks, ice cream, and beer, during the winter it’s good to drink some wine and having warm food. How not relate winter and fondue? I searched for some options in New York. One is Taureau, a French bistro in Soho. They offer a price fixed menu with two options: $43 per person with cheese and chocolate and $53 per person with meat, cheese, and chocolate. They only accept cash or Amex. More details and reservations here. Another place to eat fondue is Cafe Select, Nolita. The season starts in December and you can check details on the website.
Addresses: Taureau – 558 Broome Street / Café Select – 212 Lafayette Street.
Restaurant Week – Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to eat well in renowned restaurants for an affordable price. The idea is to enjoy a full meal – appetizer, main course, and dessert – for fixed prices – $29 for lunch and $42 for dinner, on average. It happens twice a year – once in the summer, between July and August and another edition in winter, between January and February. You can click here to check out the details.
Winter Jazzfest – every year in January, Winter Jazzfest promotes a special jazz week with an amazing line-up. The schedule includes the classic two nights marathon in Greenwich Village. There are 150 groups in performances at various locations. You buy the pass and can explore them all. There are also tickets for other nights. For those who enjoy music, it’s certainly amazing. Click here to check out more details.
New Year’s Day Swim – Coney Island is definitely not the same place in the winter. The amusement parks are closed and the place is much more empty. But if you want a reason to go there, there is a good excuse on January 1 st! The Polar Bear Club, the oldest organization of winter bathing in the United States, promotes the New Year’s Day Swim, a special New Year bath. The collective bath happens at 1 pm and must be at least funny to see. More details here.
Did you like these ideas?
Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!
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