There is nothing quite like winter in New York City. The air is frigid, but the world-renowned restaurants and designer boutiques are very warm. Rural locations may be calm and quiet, with most folks remaining indoors, but this is “the city that never sleeps.”
When you’re lucky enough to spend your winter trip in a stylish luxury hotel less than fifteen minutes from Central Park, you get to experience the best of both worlds. Enjoy the magic of the busy city streets and holiday window displays, but don’t forget to stop by Central Park to bask in the beauty of nature. Here are some of our favorite winter activities in Central Park;
1. Arthur Ross Pinetum
The Arthur Ross Pinetum offers four acres of gorgeous evergreen trees. You’ll find picnic tables and a playground, as well as a scenic view—especially if it snows! Arthur Ross had two goals when he designed and funded this part of the park: to get closer to the original park architects’ view of the space and to block the unsightly buildings of 86th Street Transverse Road.
2. Sledding
When more than six inches of snow falls in Central Park, Pilgrim Hill and Cedar Hill open for sledding. There are ideal spots for beginners as well as those who might be a little more adventurous. Places near the park to buy sleds include Target and ACE Hardware.
Alternatively, just ask our concierge for assistance in obtaining one.
3. Ride the Carousel
Take a spin on Central Park’s famous Carousel, a longtime favorite for kids and adults alike. With its lively music and hand-carved horses, it’s been bringing joy to visitors for generations. The current Carousel, found years ago in an old Coney Island trolley terminal, has been in the park since the 1950s, continuing a tradition that started in 1871. As one of the largest carousels in the country, it’s a fun way to enjoy a piece of the park’s history.
4. Swedish Cottage
Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted spotted this picturesque cottage in Philadelphia in 1876 and brought it to Central Park in 1877. In 1947, it became home to a marionette company. Keep an eye out for performance dates, or just take a walk to the cottage for a serene, fairytale experience.
5. Visit the Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is open all year and is home to sea lions, penguins, snow leopards, and more. It's a great stop for families, with plenty to see no matter the season. Just a short walk away, the Tisch Children's Zoo gives little ones a chance to meet animals like potbellied pigs, sheep, and even the only cow in Manhattan. If it is your first visit or the hundredth, the zoo always has something new to enjoy.
6. Relax in a Boat Landing on the Lake
The boat landings along the Lake are a great spot to take a break and enjoy the view. Originally built in the 1860s and rebuilt in 2016 using their original designs, they offer a quiet place to sit and watch the rowboats or just take in the surroundings. Each landing has a distinct design, adding a little bit of history to your walk through the park.
7. Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing
The Central Park Conservancy recommends visiting Sheep Meadow and The Great Lawn for the best snowshoeing and cross-country skiing experiences. Bridle Path also offers an excellent option for snow travel and a gorgeous view of the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. It’s a 2.5-mile loop (although you can choose a shorter loop) that is never plowed due to the soft dirt surface.
Just be sure to watch out for horses that may be on a winter ride! Ice skating is always an excellent choice when you’re visiting the park. However, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the winter activities that are more “off the beaten track.”
If you’d like more information on any of these winter activities in Central Park, our 24-hour concierge is always happy to make recommendations and help you get there. Not every hotel offers the service, luxury, and comfort we pride ourselves on.
Be sure to spend your winter trip to NYC in style by booking your room at The Marmara Park Avenue.
