As winter break approaches, here are some fun things to do if you are in NYC over the break:

1. Ice Skating – In NYC, there are many places to go ice skating; Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park are all ice rinks where skaters can enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the city and take in all of the holiday decorations. It is a great activity to do outdoors during the winter months.
2. See a Broadway show – Winter break is a great time to catch a Broadway show in NYC. Many shows are playing right now, including “Aladdin,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Lion King,” and “Wicked.” The theater is a great way to enjoy the arts and catch a nice meal at Le Marais in the Theater District.
3. Movies- If the theater isn’t for you, enjoy a movie playing in the theater with friends and family. Get buttered popcorn, a soda, and even some candy if you are ambitious. They are a great way to get out of the cold and take some time off.
4. Museums- As the temperature drops, there are many museums New York has to offer. Places where you can appreciate the fine arts include the Met, The Guggenheim, The Museum of Modern Art, The Frick, and The Museum of Natural history. Some more interactive museums include the Transit museum, the Math Museum, and my personal favorite, the Tenement Museum, which inspiringly illustrates immigrant Jewish life in the 19th-20th century.
5. Central Park- Central Park is a staple of New York. It is the backyard of millions of New Yorkers and is filled with stunning sights of nature. It is a wonderful outdoor space to take a walk and enjoy the winter scenery. You can also head down to the Central Park Zoo and make friends with some animals.
6. Shopping- Winter break is a great time to take advantage of all the holiday sales. It is a great way to beat the freeze, and you can catch up on Chanukah gifts or even just some treats for yourself.
7. Escape room- An escape room is a fun group activity to do with friends and family. It involves group cooperation and teamwork to escape the room filled with hidden clues and riddles that will help you escape. It is a good indoor activity, and there are many in Midtown and near Times Square. Just because it is vacation doesn’t mean you can’t use your brain a little.
8. Bowling- Bowling is indisputably the greatest family bonding activity. There is no better feeling than throwing the ball down the lane and hearing all the pins CRASH. There are a few places, but at Bowlmor Lanes, you can enjoy a good time bowling with friends and family and play in the arcade.
9. Empire State Building- If you are up for bracing the bone-chilling frost, the Empire State Building is a first-class way to take in the views of New York City from up in the sky.
10. Statue of Liberty: Another outdoor activity, so make sure to dress in warm clothes; the Statue of Liberty is a staple in New York landmarks. You have to see it at least once in your life. However, I recommend sitting inside the ferry and not outside if you want to feel your face when you get home.