Check out these amazing things to do in Central Park when it's chilly in New York!
Whether you prefer crisp autumn days or snowy adventures, Central Park offers plenty of ways to enjoy the cooler seasons.
Experience the Fall Foliage
Autumn - NYC Style
Capture the breathtaking fall colors that make Central Park a true autumn paradise. Want to snap the perfect shot? Check out our Best Fall Photo Spots guide for Instagram-worthy locations. If you have a favorite tree or color in mind, the NYC Parks Department offers a handy Fall Foliage Tracker.
Bird Watching Tours
Did you know Central Park hosts more than 200 species of birds, including black-capped chickadees and red-winged blackbirds? Join expert guide Dr. Robert “Birding Bob” DeCandido on his morning walking tours to spot these fascinating birds. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera! Visit our bird watching page for details.
Great photography spots for birds and other wildlife include the Pond and the Reservoir.
Picnics in the Park
Reservoir Picnic
Picnics aren't just for summer! Choose one of our gourmet picnic bags or indulge in a fully catered picnic experience like our luxurious Gold Picnic Experience. If you prefer staying cozy indoors, we offer customizable gift cards and picnic gifts too.
Yoga in the Park
Balint Hirling
Yoga Sunset Pose
Our outdoor yoga classes start in early spring and run through November, weather permitting. Join us to breathe fresh air, stretch your body, and rejuvenate your mind, all while surrounded by nature’s beauty!
Ice Skating
Ice Skating is one of the park's most popular pastimes. It can be a romantic outing for couples, a fun activity for families, and a great reason to get friends together on a brisk fall or winter day.
There are two separate ice-skating rinks in Central Park: Wollman Rink, located in the southeast part of the park, and Gottesman Rink (formerly Lasker Rink) at the Davis Center in the north.
Visit our ice skating page for this year's most up-to-date details!
Macy's Thanksgiving Parade & Balloon Inflation
The Thanksgiving Day Parade begins alongside Central Park, on Central Park West at W. 77th Street. The best viewing can be found first on Central Park West and then again later going down 6th Avenue.
You can also join New Yorkers for a traditional viewing of the massive balloons being inflated the day before the parade.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market by UrbanSpace is well known for its festive and elegant presentation of holiday shopping. It's also a foodie's paradise. There are also two other markets nearby to check out on your way home from the park as well.
Horse and Carriage Tours
Horse-drawn carriage rides are another traditional way to spend time in the park while kicking back with a loved one and indulging in the crisp fall air and winter wonderland sights. They are available year-round and can be reserved online.
Sights include the Wollman Rink, The Dairy, The Mall, Balto Statue, Bethesda Fountain, Cherry Hill Fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, Tavern on the Green, and many more.
The price of the ride is based on how long you want it to be. Most rides are between 25 and 60 minutes, and additional time can be added. You can also customize your ride with add-ons such as photography, flowers, chocolate, or specific pick up and drop off locations. Rides can be personalized beforehand for wedding proposals, anniversaries, birthdays or other special occasions.
Reserving online is highly recommended, as carriage rides are very popular during the holiday season and there is usually a line for a walk-up ride.
Chanukah on Ice
Enjoy skating under the stars with traditional Jewish music, kosher food including donuts and latkes, and even a skating dreidel!
Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza Manhattan
The world’s largest menorah stands on 59th Street in Manhattan across from the park and the Plaza Hotel. Gatherings and lightings occur each night of Chanukah.
This event is free and open to the public. Located at the southeast entrance to Central Park.
Emma Goldschmidt
Annual Holiday Lighting
The Conservancy’s Holiday Flotilla at the Harlem Meer (located at the entrance west of Fifth Avenue and south of 110th Street) is a well-known neighborhood tradition.
On the afternoon and evening of the lighting, activities for the whole family include beverages, singing, ice carving, and more. The finale is a flotilla of sparkling-lit Christmas trees floating across the Harlem Meer.
NYRR New Year's Eve Holiday Run
NYRR holds an annual New Year's Eve run in Central Park at midnight. It's a festive atmosphere with Santa costumes, fireworks at midnight, music and dancing, and oh yes, the 4-mile run!
Sledding
When snow blankets the city, head to Central Park for some classic winter sledding fun in New York’s backyard!
Pilgrim Hill, located at Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street, has the steepest slopes. Another less populated sledding area is Cedar Hill, at Fifth Avenue between 76th and 79th Streets.
Winter Jam
No need to worry about snow, because Winter Jam supplies its own!
This annual winter sports event takes place in February and is free for all ages. It includes lessons, games, ice carving, and so much more.
Running and Fitness Tours
Year-round fitness enthusiasts can choose from running and yoga walking tours to explore the park’s beauty and history. Whether you want to see the sights while burning off the holiday calories, or if you're just looking for some company and motivation, you have options to choose from. Book Now
Walking Tours, Bike Tours, E-Scooter Rentals, and Pedicab Tours
Bike and e-bike rentals and e-scooter rentals are a fun way to ride through the winding paths and explore Central Park. Bike tours and e-scooter tours are also available and offer a chance to learn fun facts about Central Park while taking in the sights up close with an expert tour guide.
Visit many famous landmarks and attractions like Belvedere Castle, Wollman Rink, Gapstow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, and more on our Central Park Walking Tour. Learn about the history and architecture of the park and see where many famous movie & TV scenes were shot. Or book a pedicab tour and sit back and watch someone else do all the work!
DIY Scavenger Hunts
Unsplash
Use your smartphone to get clues to a scavenger hunt inside Central Park. Answer questions, solve puzzles, and learn NY trivia. Groups of all sizes and people of all ages love this enduring favorite.
Here's your first clue: Visit this page to find out more and get a discount code for 10% off.
Weddings in Central Park
Central Park is known as one of the most romantic parts of the Big Apple to have a wedding.
Popular places to say "I do" are Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, the Loeb Boathouse, the iconic Bow Bridge, the Carousel, the romantic Shakespeare Garden, the picturesque Belvedere Castle, and other top wedding spots in Central Park.
Contact us to start planning your perfect wedding!
Proposals in Central Park
Central Park is one of the most romantic places to propose during the holiday season, especially when paired with a horse and carriage ride and surprise photography.
Contact Us to start planning your perfect proposal!