Winter Guide
Feel that chill in the air? Winter is here, so lace up your skates, grab your hot chocolate, and discover the Central Park Conservancy’s guide to the season.
Make the most of the shortest days of the year! While the cold air may compel you to stay inside, there is so much to do and explore in Central Park this season. So, start the new year on the right foot and among the Park’s natural beauty.
While many birds go south for the winter and other wildlife shelter in their respective habitats, our hardworking Conservancy staff is out in the Park every day. They brave the elements, dedicated to making NYC’s backyard look and feel its best this season. Experience all this space has to offer with our official Winter Guide!
Don’t forget to stay connected and up to date on the latest events and happenings around Central Park by following us on social media. Also, be sure to tag us @CentralParkNYC in your Park memories and snapshots this winter.
Reads for Frigid Days
Before you head out on your winter adventure, discover some insider tips, learn how the Conservancy cares for this space, and explore the history behind the Park on our magazine.
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Things to See and Do
Winter Bucket List
Start a snowball fight. Build a fort. Slide down the wintery slope. Or, if you prefer something a little less rowdy, take a stroll through the Park with a hot chocolate in hand. Find inspiration on this list of our 20 favorite winter Park activities!Tags: Tips for Visiting / Winter
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Things to See and Do
Don’t Forget Your Camera!
This season, the cold keeps crowds at bay and fallen leaves reveal open vistas, offering a unique chance to capture breathtaking photos. Both seasoned professionals and iPhone photographers alike can discover these shutter-worthy spots to turn your winter stroll into a photography adventure.Tags: Tips for Visiting / Winter / Highlights
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Wildlife
Where Does Wildlife Winter
Animals have unique ways of protecting themselves from cold weather, wind, and snow. Occasionally, you might see a squirrel hop across the snow-covered lawns or a blue jay perched on the leafless branches. But where do all the Park’s wildlife go during the winter? Learn how these animal residents spend the seasonTags: Winter / Nature Lovers
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Park Information
Cold Weather Hot Spots
No matter the weather, no one knows the Park like the Central Park Conservancy! Our experts put together this list of can’t-miss seasonal spots to visit during the colder months. Lace up your ice skates or get ready to spot some snow leopards at the zoo—there’s a place for everyone this winter in the Park.Tags: Families / Best for Kids / Staff Picks / All Ages / First-Time Visitors
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Guides
A Snow Day in Central Park
Are you ready for a snow day in Central Park? We've all been waiting, and snow has finally fallen in NYC. Check out all the essential details for your upcoming snowy adventure in the Park.Tags: Winter / Kids and Families / Health & Fitness
Discover a Winter Wonderland
We love the peace winter brings to the Park. But don’t let the calm fool you: These 843 acres boast cold-weather activities galore, from skating to voyages through history. Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment of hibernal solitude or active fun for the whole family, Central Park is here for you.
Get to Know the Park with a Conservancy Guide
Interested in an even more tailored Park experience? Look no further than our expert Conservancy staff and their decades of Park research. Our staff offer in-person and virtual tours, and handy maps for your self-guided tours.
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Tours
Famous Winter Vistas
10:00 amCurious to see how these well-known Park locations look during the wintry months? Embark on a tour with our official Conservancy guides where you can learn about the history of these memorable locations and see the timeless beauty that shines year-round. This tour runs seven days a week at 10:00 am.Tags: History / Art & Architecture / Daily Tours
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Tours
Your Winter Watchlist
2:00 pmImmerse yourself in the magic of iconic movie moments set against snow-covered meadows, majestic architecture, and twinkling city lights. Join us on this cinematic tour to rediscover beloved seasonal classics and uncover new winter watches to enjoy while you’re cozied up indoors.Tags: History / Staff Picks / Art & Architecture
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Tours
Winter Forest Bathing
Do the winter blues have you feeling down? This immersive experience through the Arthur Ross Pinetum will engage your senses with nature’s calming elements. Join our expert guides in science-backed mindfulness exercises to reduce stress and promote mental wellbeing.Tags: Staff Picks / Wildlife / Plants and Trees
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Tours
Learn About Seneca Village
2:00 pmThis guided experience leads you through the landscape that was once home to Seneca Village, the largest community of free African-American property owners in pre–Civil War New York. Our guides will explore the community's layered and complex history and share about the displacement of its residents through eminent domain for the construction of Central Park.Tags: History
The Park Needs Us
How can you keep the Park healthy, clean, and safe? The Conservancy’s Director of Community Relations has three easy tips for you.