Seven Ways to Make the Most of Winter Break

Winter break is the perfect time to unwind in cozy cafés, enjoy snowy strolls, and a little adventure around the city. Whether you’re looking for indoor escapes or outdoor opportunities, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to explore NYC. Wrap up warm and discover a few of our favorite wintertime experiences below!

• Explore The Morgan Library & Museum
  A museum and independent research library located in Murray Hill, The Morgan Library & Museum was once the personal library of J. Pierpont Morgan. Offering a beautiful showcase of rare manuscripts, books, and art spanning across ages, this museum’s exhibitions are a must-see! Admission is free every Friday from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and college students can visit for free on the first Sunday of each month. 
   
• Dive into Film History at the Museum of the Moving Image
  The winter break is a great time to catch up on your watch-list! If you’re a movie fanatic, the Museum of the Moving Image is a great stop for film, TV, and video game enthusiasts, offering exhibits on film history, technology, and media culture. Free general admission is offered every Thursday from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. with no reservations required.
   
• Find a Novelty Item at the Chelsea Flea 
  If you’re into treasure hunts, look no further than the Chelsea Flea, a weekend outdoor market in Manhattan. You can find all sorts of trinkets, clothing items, and knick-knacks, and enjoy meeting the vendors that make this weekend stroll so memorable!
   
• Relax and Unwind in a Local Bakery 
  Nothing says “New Year, New Me” like sitting in a cafe and enjoying a pastry and warm drink all the while reading, journaling, or catching up with friends. Enjoy a few local spots like The Hungarian Pastry Shop, Dear Mama, or Cafe Amrita. 
   
• Take a Stroll through Central Park
  Venture outside to Central Park and try your hand (or feet) at ice-skating at Wollman Rink. Enjoy the winter landscapes and soak up one of New York City’s most classic cold-weather experiences. Bonus points if you can catch the park during a snow day!
   
• Brave the Cold Plunge at Coney Island on New Year’s Day
  Kick off 2026 with a jolt of adrenaline at the iconic Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge. Dive into the icy Atlantic alongside hundreds of fellow plungers, but fair warning: it’s freezing, exhilarating, and definitely not for everyone. As a note, the plunge is free, but donations are encouraged as this special event raises essential funds for local non-profits that strengthen the surrounding community.
   
• Pick up a new novel at the Housing Works Bookstore 
  Winter break is the peak time for relaxed reading. Housing Works is a beloved downtown New York City non-profit, where every donation and purchase helps to support Housing Work’s lifesaving services, making it a meaningful stop for book lovers looking to give back while discovering their next great read.
   

Whether you’re staying close to campus or traveling afar for winter break, University Life wishes you a restorative and relaxing recess!