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Posts from December 2025

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival  - Photo by NYS ESD

Winter in New York State is magical! When the snow starts to fall, the fun heats up with festivals, carnivals, and events showcasing the best of the snowy season. Watch fireworks erupt over dazzling ice castles, warm up with vibrant jazz performances at NYC Winter Jazzfest, or cheer on Team USA from two-time Olympic host city Lake Placid ahead of the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. Add some of these 28 can’t-miss winter carnivals, festivals, and events to your winter bucket list and plan your next cold-weather adventure in New York State. 

Vibrantly-colored balloons soar over a waterfall at Letchworth on a sunny day

Make 2026 a year of new opportunities, and most important of all, new travel experiences! If you’ve been gazing wistfully at the stars wondering where on Earth you’ll set foot this year, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of must-see trips and can’t-miss events from America 250 to the FIFA World Cup to add to your calendar for 2026.

A small dog wearing a green jacket and scarf stands on snow-covered ground. In the background, a snowy landscape with a waterfall is visible, creating a serene winter scene.

A snow-draped escape awaits you and your furry friend this winter in New York State. Leaving home is never easy when you’re met with puppy-dog eyes, but luckily for you and your pup, destinations

Wide view of people skiing and snowboarding alongside a ski lift at Hunter Mountain.

If you’re looking to experience the magic of winter in the Catskills, look no further than Hunter. This picture-perfect ski town offers everything you’d want in a winter escape: snow-dusted main streets, cozy lodges with crackling fireplaces, and a mountain known for having some of the most reliable ski conditions in the East. 

A person dressed in a polar bear costume stands in the ocean water in Coney Island during the New Year's polar plunge

Say hello to 2026 in style in New York State by warming up with a variety of fun, exciting, and delicious events! Whether you want to take in a two-for-one show on Broadway, groove to the smooth

Lake Placid

Pride is in full swing this winter in New York State!

A vibrant coffee setup features a latte with heart art and crumbles, a glass of iced coffee, freshly sliced apples, and whole apples on a rustic tray. Warm, cozy autumn vibe.
Credit: @ja.coffeeculture on Instagram

There’s a latte to love in New York State, and we’ve brewed up a list of the most unique coffee spots to make yourself at home. Whether you crave a classic drip

Two people ski down Belleayre Mountain with the ski lift in the background

From snowy slopeside upgrades to cozy coffee shop openings, there’s always something new to discover in New York State! Embark on a peaceful winter stroll along the newly-completed Adirondack Rail Trail, spend the night in Hudson’s newest luxury boutique hotel, or watch the world’s top biathletes compete at Lake Placid’s first IBU Cup. Whether you’re planning a wonderful winter weekend getaway or just looking to make magical memories, be sure to add the Empire State’s latest and greatest to your winter must-do list. 

Lavishly decorated room with a large Christmas tree, red carpeted stairs, ornate wooden paneling, and elegant furniture at the Staatsburgh State Historic Site.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, when New York State’s beautiful Gilded Age mansions and historic estates deck their halls with brightly lit trees, elegant wreaths, glittering ornaments, and festive garland.

People sit to enjoy a performance at an open air amphitheater with waterfront views at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

The 2026 concert calendar is starting to take shape, with artists spanning all genres making tour stops in New York State.