what to do in nyc — Off The MRKT

Winter is one of the best times of year to take a trip to New York City. View festive decorations, sparkling white lights, and towering Christmas trees, all blanketed in snow. Consider these tips for the best possible romp in the city.

Keep It Festive

'Tis the Season! Make the most of it. There are quite a few holiday-inspired events taking place in the city this time of year. Delight in the season with the holiday-themed event that most appeals to you. If you have a playful streak, you may want to read up on NYC's infamous SantaCon. The event encourages participants to dress up in Santa suits--full Santa suits--and meet up at the bar. Then another bar. Then another. You get the idea. Check online for the route and participating restaurants, and remember full Santa gear is compulsory! A Santa hat alone will not do. If you prefer a much quieter night and you happen to be in the city during SantaCon, don't worry. There are bars and restaurants that ban SantaCon participants to ensure a more relaxed evening.

Other holiday-themed events include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the world-famous Rockettes, and the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This year's tree is 77-feet tall, covered in five miles of twinkling Christmas lights, and lit from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. until January 6, and one last night on January 7 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The Rockettes offer shows after Christmas as well, with tickets on sale until January 5.

Cheers to Staying In, and Staying Warm!

Get out of the cold and taste the many flavors of New York City. There are several one-of-a-kind tasting experiences in the city, whether you prefer sampling food, tea, wine, or beer. Make it an experience with prohibition-themed beer and cocktail tastings, taking place inside the city's speakeasy-style bars. Indulge in your love for Asian cuisine with the Flushing Chinatown Food Tour. Taste Sichuan chicken, potstickers, tofu, lamb skewers, and more. Other tastings include sensory pairings bringing together taste, touch, and smell, mustard tastings, craft beer tastings, history-based cocktail-making lessons, and "temperance tastings," offering nonalcoholic options, like mocktails and fresh juice.

Go Ice Skating

New York City is in a great location for boating enthusiasts. Unfortunately for the 87 million U.S. men and women who take part in recreational boating every year, the winter is not the best time to do it. It is the perfect time for other outdoor pursuits, however--especially ice skating. The renowned Rink at Rockefeller Center is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park also offers ice skating during winter months. Bryant Park is less crowded than Rockefeller Center and allows patrons to reserve a time to skate. The Rink at Bryant Park offers additional activities and events, including broomball, an ice skating-based exercise program called Exerskate, ice skating lessons, park tours, game nights, Tai Chi, and yoga.

Travel Upstate

If you have been spending a little too much time in the city, you are probably well-aware that concrete is the most used man-made material in the world. Break things up a little, and plan a trip upstate to see luscious green fields and or the towering, snow-capped Catskills and the Adirondack Mountains. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), being in nature helps ease symptoms of depression and overall cognition. Get the mental boost you need by taking a day trip to see mountains, waterfalls, or the forest.

A quick word of caution: make sure your car or vehicle is up for the trip. There may be snow and ice on the roads, especially in less populated areas closest to some of the state's most breath-taking views. There are four basic types of off-road tires, including snow or winter tires, sand tires, mud terrain tires, and all-terrain tires. Obviously, snow tires are best. All-terrain tires may do in a pinch, but make sure to stow an emergency kit in your car just in case. Emergency kits should include cat litter (for traction), jumper cables, an insulated blanket, a snow brush, a flashlight, and batteries. A tool kit, first aid kit, charging cables, drinking water, and non-perishable food items, like trail mix and nuts are good things to have, too. If you’re adventurous and are heading out on snowmobiles remember to take snowmobile cleaning products with you to keep the equipment in tip-top condition.

Put Your New Year's Resolutions To The Test

New year, new you? The city has some pretty crazy ways to put your inspirational New Year's resolutions to the test! One of the most iconic races in the world takes place in New York City. According to the attraction's official website, "The Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU) challenges runners from around the globe to race up its famed 86 flights--1,576 stairs." If you think you can tackle the building's 1,576 stairs and one-fifth of a mile vertical distance, register for the event's lottery. Media, elite athletes, celebrities, the New York Police Department (NYPD), the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), and participants chosen through the lottery participate in the event every year.

Another winter-themed event that may help you jump start your resolutions is the Coney Island Polar Bear Club's annual New Year's Day plunge. The event is free with an optional donation. Donations raised will go to causes supporting local youth and environmental preservation efforts. It will be cold! The event website recommends bringing warm clothes to change into, towels to dry off, and old boots or sneakers to keep your feet warm. The same organization hosts group swimming events in the Atlantic Ocean from November through April.

Winter is a great time to visit the city. Enjoy all that New York City has to offer and then some--with thrilling, winter-specific events. Choose from holiday-themed wonders, tastings to bring our your inner foodie, ice skating, and upstate day trips for the best possible wintertime experience in NYC. Work off some of the weight from your tastings with a chilling polar plunge or a daring race up the steps of the Empire State Building.