The dark months of winter are officially here. The Christmas markets have been broken down, the holiday decor has been dismantled and seasonal cocktails have been removed from our favorite menus. THIS is the time of year that I hate living in New York City the most. It’s cold, sometimes really wet and so dark but I continue to remind myself that in just a few more months (around mid-March), everything will return back to normal!
While New York City is bursting with things to do during the holiday season (I even wrote a blog about it in December!), the activities and fun are a little bit more hidden in January and February. Here are a few things that are on my bucket list to get me through the dark months:
1|Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I honestly take New York City museums for granted! Whenever I travel somewhere new, I’m always looking up the best and most interesting museums to tour but I’ve barely explored those in my own backyard. Last year, Tom and I spent a winter day wandering around the Natural History Museum and it was actually fantastic. This year, we’re hoping to make it to the MET.
2| Ice Skating at Wolman Rink. This is one of my favorite things to do in NYC during the winter and it has kinda become a tradition with me and my Sigma Kappa alumnae sisters! Wolman Rink is located in Central Park and tickets are $25 per session. I like to make a day of it and head to a local brunch spot afterward like at Sarabeth’s or The Wayfarer.
3|See a Broadway Show. One of my absolutely favorite things to do in New York City ANYTIME of the year but since it is inside, it is especially perfect for winter. This year, Tom and I have plans to see Dear Evan Hansen and I couldn’t be more excited!
4|New York Public Library. I haven’t visited the library since I was in high school and I truly don’t know why it is so beautiful! Again, this is another indoors activity perfect for those cold weekends. Beyond finding a book and snuggling up in a one of the many nooks of the library, I absolutely love the library’s architecture. If you are a Sex and the City fan, this is a must-do as you’ll recognize various settings from Carrie’s almost wedding to Mr. Big.
5|Central Park in the Snow. If you haven’t seen it, it is truly magical. It’s been a few years since I ventured to Central Park during a snowstorm and I’m hoping to make it happen again this year. Not only is it truly beautiful and great for the Insta 😉, but it’s also one of the few times that you feel a true feeling of togetherness between New Yorkers. Kids are building snowmen, people are cheersing their hot chocolates, it is an experience.
6| Treat myself to a winter Spa Day. I’ve been trying to get to the SoJo Spa for the last year or so and I’m hoping I do so sooner rather than later. I’ve never been, but the SoJo Spa is in Jersey City and a short shuttle ride away from New York City. On a day that it’s painful to be outside, why not enjoy it from a heated hot tub overlooking the New York City skyline?
7|Indulge in a True Snow Day. Snow days always seem to happen on the worst days. Days that I can’t work from home and have 1,000 in-person meetings at the office. BUT this year, I’m determined to take true advantage of snow days. I want to wake-up a little later than normal, make cinnamon bus, and watch movies while I simultaneously ‘work from home.’
8|Concerts & Comedy Shows. New York City is one of the best places to stumble on an unexpected performance. One of my favorite ‘always-on’ concerts is 80s night at Le Poisson Rouge every Saturday Night featuring an incredible band called Jesse’s Girl. If you are more into Comedy, I highly recommend the Comedy Celler in the Village.
9|Spend an entire day reading. Nothing is better than waking up on a Saturday and Sunday with absolutely no plans and this year, I’m hoping to have a lot more of those opportunities. I’d like to take one of these days and spend the entirety of it sipping tea or hot chocolate and reading from my bed.
10|Host a Game Night. I don’t care how cool you are, Game Night is always a good time and it is the perfect excuse to throw a party. I don’t entertain in my apartment as much as I’d like to and I’m hoping to change that this season with a night of Scategories, Monopoly, and Cards Against Humanity.
Throughout the winter, there is nothing I want more than to snuggle up on the couch and binge-watch the latest TV show, but I’m challenging myself to get out there and actually live my life this season. I hope you can find some inspiration in this and try to do the same!
