Winter Bucket List

By - Emily De La Cruz Paulino 

“People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy." 

– Anton Chekhov

Winter. At first glance it's just snow, but if we dive deeper into it, we learn that there is a feeling of magic in every snow particle that falls around you. To most, Winter can be just as magical as Summer. But what can we do during this month, especially as teenagers on a budget that need transit-oriented places? This is your winter bucket list, everything to make the most out of your Winter season. 

Bryant Park Winter Village- Ice skating, Cozy igloos, and meeting Santa. Most importantly, there is food! Here you can explore different cultures through the taste in their cuisine. Bryant Park screams winter and magic. They are open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm until March 1, 2026. Admission is free. Skates range from 18 to 62 dollars, so it’s best to bring your own. This is the perfect place to start your Christmas season. 

Big Bus New York- I know we’ve all seen the bus in Times Square with the open seats on the top. It's a New York staple. While it is typically for tourists, New Yorkers can enjoy it too. Tickets range from 40 dollars to 81 dollars. You select your preferred route on their website. A perfect chance to explore New York. You’ll never know what you’ll find. 

Frost Fest at Luna Park - From late November to January 1st, you can enjoy Luna Park located in Coney Island for the Winter celebrations. It is festive all around with attractions, including the Cyclone and the Luna 360. It is a key experience as a teenager in NYC. It is train accessible making it a fun and easy experience. 

Movie marathon - Sometimes the best holiday celebration includes getting comfy on the couch, cuddled up with a nice movie and some hot coco. But what movies can we watch? Sometimes the best movies are the classics. 

Ps - The last one will make you cry but it provides emotional depth.

Explore the five Boroughs- A Winter classic is New York, it screams magic and snow. New York, most famously known as the big apple, isn't just Manhattan. While Manhattan includes most famously the Rockefeller tree and Central Park, Brooklyn offers art and food commonly expressed through the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, it is free for all, however if you would like a private tour you would have to pay. Queens offers community and entertainment while the Bronx offers culture. It offers an amazing experience to live in your city, not just your corner of it.