Just because the weather is cold is not a reason to avoid New York City in the winter. In fact, the Big Apple is at its most alive during the Christmas holiday season. You may not want to visit the Bronx Zoo or hang out in Central Park, but there are more than enough indoor activities and special events to compensate. So grab a mug of hot cocoa and enjoy what New York has to offer in the winter.
Located in midtown Manhattan, the 22-acre Rockefeller Center is the iconic epicenter for winter activity. The lighting of the Christmas tree has been a tradition for more than 75 years, an event that is televised and features carols and musical performances. Rockefeller Center's ice rink is also famous, a place where you can either rent skates for some solo time on the ice or take a listen. Perhaps most famous of all is Radio City Music Hall. Its annual Christmas Spectacular with the Radio City Rockettes is a popular variety show that features dancing and seasonal music.
Another annual tradition is New York's Winter Restaurant Week. Many of New York's best restaurants reduce their prices, offering a three-course meal at a fixed price. Held each year in late January, the Winter Restaurant Week allows people who usually cannot afford these restaurants the chance to try them. Reservations are usually required well in advance and gratuity, tax and tips are not included in the price.
New York is also home of St. John the Divine, the country's largest place of worship. Located near Columbia University, the cathedral is still under construction and experienced a severe fire in 2001 that set back the reopening. Upon completion, it will be the third-largest cathedral in the world. It is a good place to come in out of the cold for reflection, hear a mass and to admire its stained glass. Sometimes live music is performed in the cathedral.
