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At long last, we're finally getting some significant snowfall in New York City! Today's heavy snowfall comes after a 701-day snowless streak, which finally broke last month.
Given the momentous occasion, we rounded up 9 of the best ways to make the most of a snowy day in New York City. Of course, be sure to bundle up and stay safe out there. Now, sing it with us: "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."
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9 best snow day activities in NYC
1. Go sledding
It’s the quintessential winter activity: Sledding! There are plenty of hills around town where you can slip and slide in the snow. A few favorites include Pilgrim Hill on the east side of Central Park, Inwood Hill Park, and Fort Greene Park. Here’s our full list of sledding spots. So bundle up, grab your sled (or tray or cardboard), and get outside once the flakes fall.
2. Warm up with a hot chocolate
A cup of hot cocoa after sledding is practically a requirement. Sure, you could make the Swiss Miss stuff at home, but why not leave it to the professionals? Beloved bakery Levain serves Valrhona hot chocolate, alongside massive chocolate chip cookies (get one of those, too). Another highlight includes the Farmacy Hot Chocolate at Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain; add the toasted marshmallow on top. Here are nine more hot chocolate spots to try.
3. Get cozy at a fireplace bar
Warm up next to a blazing fire at one of NYC's many fireplace bars. We're partial to the Lobby Bar at the Ludlow Hotel on the Lower East Side. Here are a dozen more to try.
4. Heat up with Moulin Rouge karaoke
Bring the heat at this sexy Moulin Rouge karaoke pop-up where you’ll get to belt out songs like you’re on Broadway. Decked out in red decor and lit with chandeliers, this pop-up in midtown promises to heat up the colder days. Book your time slot here.
5. Sip afternoon tea
Raise a glass—and a pinky—during an afternoon tea service. There are lots of great options around the city, like the cozy Tea & Sympathy, the kitschy Alice’s Tea Cup, Brooklyn High Low and the regal Grand Salon at the Baccarat. But for a snow day, we have to recommend Mandarin Oriental, which has some of the finest dining around, plus extraordinary views of Central Park. Here’s our full list of afternoon teas to try; be sure to reserve in advance.
6. Take a wintry walk in Central Park
As long as the snow isn't too deep, take a stroll through Central Park. There's nothing quite like admiring the ice hanging off the tree branches while breathing in the fresh, cold air.
7. Go ice skating
Speaking of Central Park, go ice skating at the park's Wollman Rink. Or head to one of New York City's many other rinks, including Rockefeller Center, Brookfield Place, and even beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.
8. Get tropical at the New York Botanical Garden
If you'd rather forget the snow, head to the New York Botanical Garden to bask in the flowers. You’ll find one million tropical, temperate, and desert flora within mere walking distance of a major metropolitan subway stop.
9. Relax in a winter spa
Do like the Scandinavians and truly embrace the winter weather at an outdoor spa. Warm up in a dreamy cedar sauna at The Rockaway Hotel and soak in a hot tub under the stars at The William Vale.