With temperatures dropping and prices rising, finding activities for winter break can be a challenge. These are some affordable winter-exclusive and non-exclusive activities that will make winter break more enjoyable.
In Manhattan, there are several free options open to the public. Although there are typically crowds, experiencing New York City during the winter is an unforgettable experience. The New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store in the Shuttle Passage at Grand Central Terminal is open until February 2026. It’s a great way to experience and immerse yourself in the city’s transit history. It also offers transit-themed merchandise.
In addition, the New York Transit Museum is only $5 for students up to the age of 17. This museum is located in Brooklyn, at 99 Schermerhorn Street.
Several museums are open to the public and are free. One of them is the Museum of Moving Image. It’s open to the public free of charge, depending on the day and time. Tickets are typically $10-$20, but free admission is offered every Thursday from 2-6 p.m. Reservations are not necessary for this time. This museum is located at 36-01 35th Ave, Queens, NY 11106
To fully enjoy the experience and have a memory you can keep in your pocket, there is a $15 Photobooth that produces flip books, featuring your taken photos.
Another fun activity is visiting Bryant Park. The park offers various activities, such as ice skating. The price varies depending on what time you go, either peak or off-peak. It also varies whether or not you have your own ice skates. However, it’s important to note that reservations are required. Ice skating at Bryant Park ends on Jan. 4, 2026. The rink is in the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Along with ice skating, Bryant Park has a winter pop-up where you can choose from 180 stands of food. Options range from sweet treats like Belgian waffles and chimney cones, to savory foods like truffle cheesesteaks and Birria tacos. This winter village of food is an annual event and will roughly run from Oct. 24 to Jan. 4.
New York is a city known for delicious food that reflects its culture. Flushing is a staple spot that has a variety of Asian steaming food, good views, and best of all, options. There are various spots that offer cheap and tasty food, many are all within a small radius.
Some of the most popular spots include Queens Crossing, New World Mall, K-Pot (AYCE), Happy Lamb Hotpot (AYCE), Tangram Mall, and Teso X. Each spot has several stores that have delicious food that’s warm and enjoyable, certain to keep you warm in the winter. Flushing also has a variety of options, as well as horror escape rooms, billiards, claw machines, cafes (gaming cafes, cat cafes, regular cafes), and Photobooths that are within budget and within walking distance of each other.
Spending this winter break should be making memorable moments with friends and family. By keeping budgets in mind, there are still ways to enjoy the chilly weather that won’t run your pockets dry. Make sure to stay warm and have a happy holiday.
