In honor of a new major and a bit of daydreaming about New York City, I’ve been determined to visit the US’s favorite city in either winter or spring of the new year.

9 Reasons to Visit New York City in Winter

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Restaurant Week

Every time I’ve been to New York, I’m greeted with a laundry list of restaurants I absolutely have to go to. Restaurant Week runs from January 20 to February 12 this year, and the prices are set for two-course prix-fixe lunches at $30, $45, or $60 and three-course prix-fixe dinners at $30, $45, or $60, depending on the restaurant. They’ll be announcing more details by December, and I can’t wait to see what makes the list.

William Vale Outdoor Scandinavian Spa

Sixty minutes in a sauna session sounds amazing in the winter. The William Vale has not only saunas but also hot tubs and complimentary hot toddies when combined. I envision being surrounded by snow but tucked away in a warm little hut. It’s something I’ve never done before, but it’s been on my bucket list for quite a while. Dreamy thoughts: maybe someday.

Broadway Shows

I’ve seen Phantom of the Opera in New York, though not on Broadway, and Wicked off-Broadway in Seattle, which made me fall in love with musicals all over again. Seeing a true Broadway show would be such a dream. There are so many I’d love to experience in person: Chicago, Hamilton, & Juliet, SIX: The Musical, and Disney’s The Lion King or Aladdin.

The Metropolitan Opera

I’m such a music lover, and I adore the opera. I’d love to make it a priority to attend more often. The theater itself looks incredible! So chic and glam (eep!). It’s the perfect excuse to dress up, whether you’re going solo, on a date, or with your girls.

Ice Skating

Another dream of mine is to go ice skating in New York. I’m not even a confident skater (stopping has never been a forte of mine), but I still want to experience it. Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink in Central Park are at the top of my winter list.

Go on a Hot Chocolate Self-Guided Tour

This is something I would love to do. It’s an affordable way to see the city and gives you a fun mission at the same time. Jacques Torres in Brooklyn or Grand Central are great spots to start. I’ve seen people rave about their hot chocolate, and I want to see what the hype is about.

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Mafia Walking Tour w/ a NYC Detective and Italian Pastries!

I know you’re surprised, but I found yet another Viator tour that sounds absolutely killer. This one is led by a retired NYPD detective who takes you around the city to showcase its criminal history. For lovers of The Sopranos (hello, me!) or anyone interested in crime families, this tour is perfect. Not to mention, cannolis are included.

The Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise

What I love about New York is that there’s always something to do, no matter the season or time of day. You can hop on a dinner cruise all year round. This one is a little pricey, but dinner is included along with a live band and all the hot drinks you could want. The cruise is heated and would be an amazing way to see the skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge from the Hudson. There’s also a slightly less intimate tour that looks equally fun and could be a great way to meet new people.

Go See Dinosaurs!

After some reflection, I realized I don’t think I’ve ever seen real dinosaur fossils up close. I have zero memory of it, and that just can’t be right considering all the museums I’ve been to. However, this is your chance to make it memorable. The American Museum of Natural History is featuring its APEX exhibit, which includes a 150-million-year-old Stegosaurus skeleton that’s nearly 80 percent complete. It’s supposed to be 11.5 feet tall. That’s double my height!

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Have you been to New York in the Winter? Please share what you’ve done in the past! I’m hoping this trip will be one for the books in a city I adore so much.

Other posts you might enjoy:

• 23 Things I Miss About New York
• The Best 7 Things to Do Solo in Porto, Portugal
• 10 Amazing Cottagecore Recipes for Autumn

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