I love New York City and I love my wife. The wonderful thing about living in NYC and bonus… having someone you love is that there are so many cool things to do with them. So with this blog, I share with you a list of 45 romantic things to do in NYC during the cold winter months. If you reside in NYC or are visiting during the winter season I am sure that you will find this ultimate winter guide very helpful.
Hit the Ice
So many choices and so little time! You can’t go wrong by taking a few laps at any of the skating rinks around New York City. You may have already heard about the Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park, the Rink at Rockefeller Center, or the Rink at Bryant Park.
Those rinks are cool and all but my personal recommendation is the Lefrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park. It’s my favorite because it’s less touristy, more budget-friendly, and beautiful when you have snow coating the park grounds.
If you want to take your skating skills indoors, I’ve got you covered.
- Chelsea Piers for beautiful views of the Hudson River
- Aviator Sports in Brooklyn
- World Ice Arena in Queens
- Staten Island Skating Pavilion
Paint and Sip Experience
These dates are so much fun. They are usually two hours long and may include wine tastings and sugary goodies to try. This type of date is great for you creative folks.
Not too long ago, my wife and I went on a double date night at Pinot’s Palette in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I wasn’t too sure how it was going to go since I have not one artistic bone in my body. All I can say is that we’ve been looking at other paint and sip places to visit. Here’s a couple of others on our list to visit soon:
- The Paint Place in Astoria, Queens
- Painting Lounge (4 locations throughout NYC)
- Painting with a Twist (Several locations throughout U.S)
NYC Restaurant Week
Enjoy a romantic lunch or dinner date at one of New York City’s best restaurants during this all-city event. This is one event we always look forward to. Restaurant Week occurs twice a year in the winter and summer with over 250 restaurants offering deals on three-course lunches and dinners. For dates and participating restaurants click here.
Take in a Broadway Show
Impress your sweetheart with tickets to a Broadway show. I recommend one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Phantom of the Opera. You will undoubtedly fall in love with this story of a masked man and his obsessive love of soprano opera singer Christine. Take a look at my other blog post “11 Best Broadway Shows to watch with your family” for tips on saving money on show tickets.
Catch a dine-in movie
Date night has consisted of dinner and a movie for what seems like forever. However, movie theaters have come a long way. Now you can take your significant other to a dine-in theater where food and drinks are delivered directly to your seat while you enjoy a movie.
I highly recommend Nitehawk Cinema at their recently opened location in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We just recently caught Aquaman there and really enjoyed the food selection. Their other location is in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Several other dine-in theaters include:
- Alamo Drafthouse City Point in Downtown Brooklyn
- iPic Theater Fulton Market at the South Street Seaport
- Syndicated in Bushwick Brooklyn.
Go Bowling
Bowling is still cool and you don’t have to be a pro to have fun. Have a few drinks and some bar food while knocking down some pins at any of the bowling alleys located throughout NYC. I recommend any of the following:
Watch a Burlesque Show
If you want to spice things up a little, I recommend watching a Burlesque show together. My wife and I had a romantic night out at Duane Park NYC not too long ago. The food and show were amazing. We highly recommend it. There are many shows around town. Check out Time Out New York for their reviews on the best Burlesque shows around NYC.
Stroll the Brooklyn Bridge
I know, I know its very cliche. However, if you time your walk right you can catch a beautiful sunset behind the skyline. You may not find any activity more romantic than strolling this beautiful bridge.
In fact, I’ve seen many newlyweds using this beautiful bridge as their backdrop for their wedding pics. I recommend reading my ” 40 Cheap Things To Do In NYC Today” for more budget-friendly ideas.
Walk the Highline
I really enjoy the Highline during the winter months because it’s quiet and peaceful. I am sure you and yours will enjoy the romantic sunset views. They are spectacular.
It was the year 2000 when Jacques Torres opened his first chocolate store in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn. I visited along with my wife not too long after the Grand Opening. We both quickly fell in love with their chocolate treats.
BUT, what spoke to us the most was their Wicked Hot Chocolate.
If I remember correctly, Jeanette and I started sharing a cup but she quickly told me to get my own.
LOL. What’s not to love about hot chocolate that contains a little bit of allspice,
Visit a Jazz Club
Jazz in New York is some of the best in the world. There is no shortage of venues you can visit. I recommend the Blue Note, Birdland, and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (Jazz at Lincoln Center).
Take Cooking Lessons
This is another great option for those looking to do something different on date night. Book a couples only class at Appetite for Seduction.
Appetizing name don’t you think?
Home Cooking New York is a good choice if you want to arrange a lesson in your own home.
Last but not least I recommend you drop in for date night at The Brooklyn Kitchen. This school prides itself in teaching people to cook dishes that can be easily replicated at home.
Shuffleboard Anyone?
I know what you’re thinking. Why didn’t I list this idea at #1? Ha Ha Ha. This may not be that much of a romantic thing to do but it is definitely a fun time. Don’t knock it till you try it.
I recommend The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club in Brooklyn, NY. Besides shuffleboard, they have giant size board games, booze, food trucks, DJs, and super friendly staff.
We enjoyed it a few months back with a group but caught a few couples enjoying some couple time competition while we were there.
Enjoy a Romantic Dinner
This list can be extensive. A search for romantic restaurants on Yelp yielded this list of over 500 to choose from.
Get a Couple’s Massage
Imagine laying side by side with the person you love at a Spa. You both drift into a world of bliss as you enjoy a full body massage.
I wholeheartedly recommend Natural Balance Massage and Wellness Center in Brooklyn, NY. We have been there several times and have always left feeling rejuvenated.
What are you waiting for? Schedule your appointment today.
Laugh at a Comedy Show
Did you know that countless comedians perfected their stand-up acts at comedy clubs in NYC? Iconic comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Joan Rivers, and Richard Pryor rose to fame here. If you have never been to a comedy show be sure to check out:
I highly recommend you DON’T sit in the front row at a show. Trust me.
― Audrey Hepburn
“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.”
Let’s Talk about Sex, Baby
Who knew that Museums could be sexy?
At the Museum of
Carriage Horse Ride in Central Park
This is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in NYC any time of the year. During the winter don’t forget to bring a blanket for cuddling. Free Tours by Foot has a nice write-up on the “Best Central Park Horse and Carriage Tours in NYC” on their website. Check it out.
Romantic NYC River Cruise
With Bateaux Dinner Cruises you will enjoy amazing views of the city skyline, a gourmet dinner, and a live jazz band. Other options include:
These river cruises should definitely be considered for your Valentine’s Day date which happens to
Visit Hayden Planetarium
Purchase tickets to Romance Under the Stars which is an annual event that takes place every Valentine’s Day. Enjoy an open bar, hors-d’oeuvres, chocolate, and live music. All while listening to romantic love stories and taking in the views of the stellar night sky. Visit the American Museum of Natural History for more info.
Throw Around a Few Axes
This right here has to be one of the most unusual things to do in New York. Be sure to check out Kick Axe Throwing in Brooklyn. The names of some of these places kill me! (Pun intended)
It may not be the most romantic date but its a helluva ton of fun!
You can also throw around a few axes at Bury the Hatchet which is also in Brooklyn.
Last but not least is Axes and Arrows located in Long Island City, Queens.
“Nothing brings you closer together than flying axes or shooting arrows”!
Have Drinks at a Rooftop Bar
I know what you’re thinking. Rooftops bars and winter season don’t usually mix well. But here are a few out of the ordinary rooftop bars to check out with your bae.
Dance the Night Away
I have to admit. We have never been big on dance clubs. The last nightclub we went to must have been when we were literally partying like it was 1999. I will again defer to our friends over at Time Out for the 10 Best Places to Dance in NYC.
Fondue
Do you love all things CHEESE like me? If yes, then you will love sharing a bubbling pot of your favorite cheese with a heap of fixings. And don’t forget dessert! Check out Grub Street for a comprehensive list of best fondue restaurants in NYC.
Stay at a Local Airbnb
Book a romantic room and have someone else prepare breakfast for the two of you the next morning. Click here for Airbnb.
New York Sports Games
Surprise your babe with tickets to watch their favorite New York Sports team live.
If my wife is reading this, I just wanna put it out there in the ethos that I have never been to see my favorite football team, the NY Giants.
Ha! I put this in here because she will definitely read this since she is this blog’s editor-in-chief. (Ha. Clever man! Got you
Bar + Arcade = Barcade
This is another one of those matches made in heaven. Come on I know you were addicted to Pac-Man, Centipede, and Donkey Kong back in the day. Relive the good old days at Barcade. Warm up with some drinks and compete against your partner. A little competition is good for relationships
Ride Jane’s Carousel
Take your sweetie on a ride on Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Click here for hours of operation.
Snag tickets to a live Performance
Check any of the following venues for event listings. Who knows? Your favorite singer or band may be performing.
Empire State Building
You know this made the list. It is one of the most romantic spots not only in NYC but the world. Did you know that this landmark is open from 8 A.M. to 2 A.M. every single day of the year? Yep, there’s an opportunity for some alone time on the 86th floor with your partner. Just visit on off-peak hours.
Riverside Park
Riverside Park is another one of those hidden gems in NYC. It spans four miles from 59th to 158th streets and runs along the Hudson. This beautiful and secluded setting is perfect for making memories with that special someone.
Coney Island Boardwalk
During the winter months, the amusement park is closed and the area is pretty isolated and abandoned by tourists. This is your opportunity for a romantic date. Buy a couple of Nathan’s Hot Dogs and walk along the boardwalk. If you are lucky there will be snow on the ground.
Head to the Top of the Rock
The views of the city from the top of the Rock are just beautiful. They are more stunning in the winter when snow has covered all the buildings in the city. Hold on to your partner tightly though because it’s very windy up there.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
This is an ideal location for you to take a stroll and chat with your significant other. Sit on any of the benches along the path and take in the views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Take a Scenic Helicopter Tour
This may be pricey but will definitely impress your date. Take in spectacular aerial views of NYC’s famous attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Search helicopter tours on LivingSocial for discounts.
Delicious Dinner at Home
Nothing wrong with staying indoors and preparing a delicious dinner if the weather is just too cold for you, or you just want to avoid other people.
Set the romantic mood by dimming the lights, lighting some candles like these from Amazon, and playing a little Barry White or Marvin Gaye.
Don’t forget to finish off dinner with a dessert like these chocolate covered strawberries.
Wine Tasting
Sign up for any of the wine tasting classes throughout the city by clicking here.
Peter Luger’s Steakhouse
Treat your carnivore to the best steak on the planet. Make your reservations
Puppy Love
If you both love dogs and want to learn more about the different breeds prior to buying one then you may want to attend the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This two-day event takes place at Madison Square Garden every February. In 2019, the show will be on February 10th and 11th.
See the Opera or Ballet
Winter is the peak season for Opera and Ballets in our city. No place is more quintessential for these performances
Gantry Plaza State Park
This park is a great choice since it’s off the beaten path in New York City. I wouldn’t recommend visiting in the dead of winter, but if it’s not too cold don’t be deterred. You both will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of New York’s skyline from the Borough of Queens.
Private Couple Dance Lessons
Please don’t spread what I am about to share with you all. I am embarrassed to admit that my wife and I are Puerto Ricans who can’t dance Salsa. We do a good job of faking it though on the dance floor. LOL. Dance lessons have been on our radar for a while and we will be rectifying this situation very soon. Fortunately, I started to do some research and came up with a list for you of highly rated schools here.
Take a Pottery Class
Sign up for a couples class at any of
Not sure why, but I suddenly want to watch the movie Ghost for the umpteenth time.
Lace up them Roller Skates
This is a cool alternative to ice skating. Party like its the 70s all over again at these indoor roller rinks around the city. Take a look at Dreamland Roller Rink at Industrial City in Sunset Park Brooklyn or RollerJam USA in Staten Island.
Love Sculpture
Take a pic with the love of your life in front of this sculpture. It is located on the corner of 55th Street and 6th Avenue. The lines tend to be very long so try to snap that pic early in the morning.
I hope I’ve provided plenty of terrific romantic ideas of places for you to choose from if you’re visiting NYC or, like us, have been here all of our lives and just need to find something different to do with your boo. Enjoy!
Have you and your significant other done any of the activities on this guide? Any ideas that we didn’t include here? Please comment below.
Sharing is caring. Please forward this guide on to another pair of lovebirds.
They will THANK YOU for doing so.
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