2021 has been a whirlwind of a year — to say the least. While COVID-19 continues to plague our nation, there’s still socially distanced, safe, good ol’ fun to be had! I rounded up my top 14 favorite things to safely do in New York City this winter season. So, beat the winter blues (safely) with these top recommendations from me, a New York City native! Oh, and some of these are super Instagrammable spots too! Check them out, stay safe, and #nystrong:

Ornament Shopping

Nothing says “holidays” more than ornament shopping! Sure, it may be cliche, but I am super excited to buy new ornaments and decorate my new home. Plus, since a lot of us are still “sheltering in place” for the holidays, this is a great way to bring a bounce of cheer into your home.

Experience New York Helicopter Tours

Safe and sanitized, helicopter companies across NYC are now back in action and offering holiday tours. Make this holiday a special one when you reserve a custom curated tour today. Check out Flynyon Helicopter Tours — they offer “doors on” or “doors off” if you really want to experience the thrill of sitting above NYC! They’re known for being the ultimate helicopter photo experience, snapping amazing photos from above! Click here to check it out and reserve your tour today.

Frankie and I before getting on a doors off flight with Flynyon — My partner and I before getting on a doors off flight with Flynyon

Explore Festive Hotel Lobbies

Hotels are aching to recover after many months of their industry suffering from the pandemic. A great way to support local hotels and get into a festive mode is to visit the beautifully decorated hotel lobbies. For a list of local NYC hotels to visit, click here!

Get Cozy with Holiday Cocktails

Everyone loves a good holiday cocktail! Here's one of my favorite holiday drinks recipes to get you in the mood!

Visit German Restaurant Rolf's

Even if you don’t love German food, a visit to Rolf’s German Restaurant is a holiday must. The restaurant is literally decked out floor-to-ceiling in colorful holiday lights and decor in every corner. It’s worth a visit!

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

A NYC classic, the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show is reopening this year with safety measures in place. Watch as model trains zip through NYC landmarks, like the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge. They’re operating at limited capacity this year, so click here to reserve your tickets and learn more today.

Skating at Wollman Rink

During the holiday season, I love to head to Central Park’s Wollman Rink, located at the southern tip of Central Park at 59th street and 6th Ave, for ice skating with friends and family. Click here to learn more and get skating today!

Walking through the Holiday Markets

One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season in NYC is walk through many of the open-air markets and browse local, artisanal goods as well as enjoying delicious food & drinks! Check out one of the holiday outdoor markets at Bryant Park. If you want to stay warm and stay indoors, check out the Grand Central Holiday Fair and holiday pop-up shops at Westfield in the World Trade Center.

Classic Harbor Cruises

Enjoy a trip around New York’s harbors on one of their stunning yachts. What’s best is they have a wide array of holiday programming including the Sunset & Holiday Cocoa Cruise (I did this one!), and the New York City Lights Holiday Cocoa Cruise. Note: They’re following all the COVID-19 guidelines, but be sure to click here for a list of precautions and updates before you set sail.

Checking out the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

A beloved NYC holiday classic tradition of mine is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. This year marks the 90th year of the Rockefeller Center tree lighting. Click here for more info on the tree lighting and how to visit safely this season.

Soak in the Window Displays Across the City

A timeless New York holiday tradition is going to see all the window displays in department stores around the city. One of my favorites is Saks Fifth Avenue and its daily light show starting at about 4:35pm to 11:35pm, every 10 minutes. The light show lasts about 5 minutes — check it out!

Walk through the Dyker Heights Neighborhood

Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in South Brooklyn, famous for going all-out with holiday decorations. Some houses are literally dripping in lights with over 500 bulbs, holiday music, and every decoration imaginable! It’s quite a spectacle. Click here to book a tour, or just show up on your own and stroll around.

Skating at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

Another favorite spot of mine for ice skating in NYC is at the Winter Village in Bryant Park. It is quite magical as the park is re-designed to house many holiday shopping booths and ice skating rink. Click here to learn more about how to reserve your spot today.

Enjoying Apple Cider Donuts

Mmmmm… apple cider donuts are one of my all-time favorite holiday indulgences. Check our Grow NYC to find a list of available merchants and markets across the city!

Take a look at these NYC restaurants that have outdoor heat lamps for open-air dining experience this winter season.

14 Ways to Enjoy the Holiday Season in NYC this Year