 
Have a fairy tale in New York this winter. There’s plenty to do in Manhattan when it’s crisp and chilly, from one cool jazz festival to the endless skating rinks. Watch the forecast and hope for a perfect snow day in Central Park.
NYC Winter Outing
Visiting New York in January or February? Then don’t miss the NYC Winter Outing event, taking place between January 21st to February 9th, 2020. With such a wonderful bundle of offers, you can really make the most of your winter escape. Three key programs run concurrently so that you can take advantage of incredible savings on restaurants, Broadway shows and top city attractions.
Head to New York’s dazzling theatreland in NYC Broadway Week, with a two-for-one ticket purchase to participating shows. After catching an iconic show, dine at one of the best restaurants in town. NYC Restaurant Week features prix-fixe deals at nearly 400 restaurants so you can enjoy fine dining without the hefty bill– whether you fancy a two-course lunch or three course dinner. In NYC Must-See Week, you can purchase two-for-one admission tickets for selected attractions and tours, so you won’t miss a thing.
When: 21 January - 9 February
Where: Broadway
Nearest Subway: 49th Street
Where to stay: The Hilton Garden Inn Central Park South is near to the Broadway theatres, so returning after a big musical night out is a breeze.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
This is old school entertainment. At Radio City Music Hall, The Rockettes dance troupe perform with precision and glamour – a chorus line in top hats, sparkling leotards and heels. They put on a Radio City Christmas Spectacular every year – sometimes up to five shows a day – after months of training. They do it all with slick costume changes, sentimental show tunes and a twinkle in the eye. Look out for the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers which includes a perfectly choreographed show fall of 36 Rockettes. You’ll probably fall for this show too, as the musical numbers come thick and fast.
When: 9 November 2019 - 5 January 2020
Where: Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, 1260 Avenue of the Americas
Nearest Subway: 47th-50th/Rockefeller Center
Where to stay: The massive Roosevelt hotel is right around the corner from the Rockefeller. You can’t miss it - it takes up a whole block. The fancy lobby, friendly service and even the name (after the 32nd President) epitomise a classic all-American experience.
Time for some January jazz in the legendary blues bars of Greenwich village. Don’t get the winter blues anywhere else.
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Sliding scales
Hitting all the right notes, the NYC Winter Jazzfest will tingle your earbuds and tangle your headphones.
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Want to be a Rockette?
You’ll need to be a girl with all the gifts, a pro at ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance, and between 5’6” and 5’10½” tall.
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Holiday Train Show
A winter tour of New York is hard when the mercury is in the thirties – if you don’t fancy pounding the streets why not settle for the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden? Kids will be captivated by the model railway. The trains steam past 150 iconic New York buildings, all nestled in a winter scene. Bark, leaves, and other natural material render the bricks, tiles and stone of New York’s most famous landmarks. The creation is set under the glass roof of the Victorian Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
When: 23 November 2019 - 21 January 2020
Where: Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Bronx Park Rd, Bronx, NY 10458
Nearest Subway: Botanical Garden
Where to stay: Le Parker Meridien has an infamous burger bar. After a big trip to the Bronx, a slider from The Burger Joint in the hotel lobby might be the best thing you eat in New York.
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Under glass
The Holiday Train Show uses all natural materials to make its festive cityscape. It takes place in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a beautiful wrought iron greenhouse inspired by two London buildings; Crystal Palace and the Palm House at Kew Gardens.
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Shhh…
Make the most of a dark evening and a quiet city – join the Unsilent Night procession through the streets of New York.
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Times Square
The bright lights of Broadway culminate in a bombardment of billboards on Times Square. Book two for one tickets during Broadway Week.
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NYC Winter Jazzfest
Time for some January jazz in the legendary blues bars of Greenwich village. NYC Winter Jazzfest is experimental, genre-bending and very, very good. A jazz marathon is the signature event – a solid two days of frenetic music. Look out for artist in residence Nicole Mitchell, spellbinding as she scales the notes on her jazz flute. In 2020 the BBC and the PRS Foundation will oversee a special UK Jazz stage. Expect some powerful performances that resonate long after the final downbeat. Don’t get the winter blues anywhere else.
When: 8 January 2020 - 18 January 2020
Where: Venues around Greenwich Village
Nearest Subway: West 4 Street/ Washington Square Station
Where to stay: Standard Highline is in Greenwich Village and has gorgeous views out over the Hudson River.
Unsilent Night
All is calm, all is bright – but in 1992 American composer Phil Kline decided that New York was a little too quiet, and so Unsilent Night was born. Phil created a 45-minute musical work in four parts, designed to be played on cassette, phone or boombox by a procession of people, families and friends walking through the streets. It’s not your average carolling – the piece is glittering, eerie – and firmly secular. Anyone can join in. Follow Phil and be a part of a moving musical soundscape.
When: TBC
Where: Washington Square park
Nearest Subway: West 4 Street/ Washington Square Station
Where to stay: Book studio suites at the Shelburne Hotel if you’ve got the family in tow. This boutique hotel has enough space for the kids, too.
