The Farmer’s Almanac has predicted that the next few months will be a “winter wonderland”! And you know what’s no fun to do in a winter wonderland? Drive! So, it’s time to embrace the chill-scented air, and car-free travel. Cozy or snowy, whatever your ideal winter vibe may be, we have a guide to help you plan.
First thing's first: you need to bring more plants into your home. It's winter, time to transport the outdoors to your bedside. Here's our guide to plant shopping off the subway.
There's no time like the winter to warm up at one of the area's many galleries and museums. Nothing can cure the winter blues better than the butterflies at the American Museum of Natural History, or the warm glow from their dioramas. Meanwhile, The Met has The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism coming in February, The Whitney has a wonderful Henry Taylor show, and off Metro-North, you'll find the welcoming Dia:Beacon (you can even save money with our MTA Deal).
This one is a bit pricey, but worth it. Mohonk Mountain House is not too far from the end of the Metro-North line, and all you need is 24 hours there to feel like you've been on a satisfying vacation. The price of a room comes with all of your (excellent) meals, and there's plenty to do around the grounds — from forest bathing to a spa to simply reading in a cozy chair by a fireplace. Bonus: they have special winter pricing.
Winter is the perfect time to cook and bake — so whether it's for the holidays, or for the long winter months that follow, treat yourself to a cooking class.
There are some new ice skating rinks in NYC this year, including one that sits underneath the Brooklyn Bridge!
Psshhh, why ice skate when you could snowkite? That's rhetorical. Get on the LIRR and head to the NY Kite Center to find out what that's all about. We’ve also got a guide to help you explore the region’s ski slopes, ice fishing spots, and so much more.
It’s also (unofficially) speakeasy season, which is to say, a great time to cozy up on a barstool. Here’s a guide to some great spots for just that, located off the LIRR. Not your thing? Then bring your main character energy to one of these Hallmark Movie-esque towns in the region.
Is 2024 the year you take the plunge... into the freezing cold water with a bunch of strangers? The Coney Island Polar Bear Club will be taking their annual New Year's Day dip again on January 1st, but they're also at it every Sunday until April. Join them?
Speaking of getting out on those choppy winter waters — you'll be able to spot the winter harbor seal population out in Freeport, LI after the holidays. (And don't worry, the cabins of the Captain Lou fleet are heated.)
Meanwhile, up in the air, the winter is a great time to spot majestic bald eagles — here's our guide to finding them in Westchester, right off Metro-North.
'Tis also the season to be passing through a major transit hub. Whether you’re headed out of town on Metro-North, the LIRR or Amtrak, we've got you covered with our Moynihan Train Hall and Grand Central food guides.
Gardens are for winter, too. Wave Hill in the Bronx is offering forest bathing and Winter Haven events this season, you can find them in our events calendar, and our full guide to Wave Hill is here. And don't sleep on Staten Island's Snug Harbor, where they have igloos throughout December and plenty of other events on their calendar in early 2024.
Even if you don't participate in First Day Hikes on January 1st, you can still kick off the year with some hiking in the winter months. Just pick a park and get out there!
Take the LIRR out to UBS Arena for an Islanders game! Here’s our guide to all the food you’ll find there this season. Fun fact: the arena is just a 30-minute ride from Grand Central Madison!
And finally, if you’re traveling with a dog, here are some winter tips from Maxine, everyone’s favorite corgi and frequent MTA train traveler.
Our events calendar is regularly updated, so keep checking throughout the season for even more events around the region. And as always, check MTA.info before you head out.
Please share your fall photos with us by tagging @MTAaway on Instagram!
