From grabbing a festive beverage to outdoor winter adventures to holiday markets, here are 12 ways to launch you and your loved ones into the spirit of the season, New York State style.

Originally published 11/12/2018

1. Holiday markets with artisan foods and gifts

Union Square Holiday Market

While some may cringe at the thought of shopping, holiday markets are the loved exception. Explore the holiday markets all across New York, brimming with artisan gifts, crafters, and food and drink vendors galore, and see why a visit to local Christmas markets is a cherished tradition around the world.

2. Light up your night

A building decorated with glowing snowflakes surrounded by string lights formed into the shape of trees
Photo courtesy of Fenimore Farm & Country Village

Seeing a beautifully lit tree brings a magical, nostalgic feeling that needs no introduction. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and a camera to capture those special winter moments at awe-inspiring holiday light shows and festivals across New York. 

3. Gardens that get decked out in holiday cheer

The Statue of Liberty and other landmarks made of plant material at the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

When winter rolls around, botanical gardens dress to impress. Think train tours, massive Christmas bulbs, winter art, concerts, and special displays galore. Check out Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens’ Poinsettia Exhibit, Brooklyn Botanic Garden's magical Lightscape, and New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show—just to name a few.

4. Theater tickets that won't break the bank

Exterior of the Palace Theater

Classic performances from The Nutcracker to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol can be found on stage at a bargain price. Check the calendar at Shea's Performing Arts in Buffalo, Proctor's in Schenectady, Palace Theatre in Albany, Tarrytown Music Hall, the Oncenter in Syracuse, and local theaters near you for holiday shows—because Broadway isn't the only stage that lights up the winter.

5. Small towns that go all out for the holidays

Lights and garland are strung across downtown Seneca Falls at the holidays

A visit to New York's charming small towns will have you feeling like you've stepped into a Hallmark movie. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as you stroll main streets decked out in festive decor, start a new family tradition at beloved holiday festivals, and find the perfect gift at a local shop. 

6. Take a ski holiday with the whole family

Couple Skiing

New York State is home to the most ski areas in the nation with nearly 100 downhill and cross-country ski centers, offering trails for the whole family ranging from beginner to challenging double-black diamonds. Take your family on a ski holiday they’ll never forget this season. After all—when the weather gets white, it’s time to hit the slopes.

7. Explore New York State by snowmobile

Snowmobiling at Allegany State Park

Hop on and ride one of New York State’s more than 10,000 miles of snowmobiling trails from the Hudson Valley to Greater Niagara. The Adirondacks alone are home to 800 miles of scenic trails, earning the title of the snowmobiling capital of the East and the wild forested routes of Tug Hill Plateau are a snowmobiler's dream, getting covered with 200 to 300 inches of lake-effect snow every year.

8. Cross-country ski the state

Man Cross-Country Skiing

Snap on your skis and explore New York State’s wintery goodness. Cross-country skiing is a relaxing yet invigorating way to explore New York as a winter wonderland. Snowy shorelines await at Wellesley Island State Park in the Thousand Islands, stunning mountain views can be found along the Catskill Scenic Trail, and more.

9. Enjoy the great indoors

School bus painted in psychedelic colors at The Museum at Bethel Woods.

Outside feeling a little too chilly? Winter is the perfect time to head inside and hit one of New York State’s renowned museums, top-named stage and musical performances, award-winning wineries, or spas. Take a load off and enjoy yourself in the name of the holiday season!

10. Delight in some of the best holiday shopping in the country

Woodbury Common "Market Hall" building decorated for the holidays. A Christmas tree sits in the area in front of the building.

Whether you’re into outlets, boutiques, malls, or antiquing, New York is host to some of the best shopping in the country—and we’re not just talking the Big Apple. The Hudson Valley’s Woodbury Commons is home to more than 200 outlet stores, Destiny USA in Syracuse is the largest shopping mall in the state, and on Long Island you’ll find two Tanger Outlet locations, just to name a few. Shop gifts for family and friends at these New York State shopping hubs.

11. Visit a festive restaurant or bar

Ornaments hang from the ceiling of a restaurant
Credit: @girlintheyellowtaxinyc on Instagram

Looking for a low-key way to get into the holiday spirit? New York is packed with restaurants and bars that go all in for the holidays with themed beverages, dazzling decorations, and cozy atmospheres. In New York City, Rolf’s is decked out in extravagant Christmas decor year-round while Lillie's Victorian Establishment transforms its locations in Union Square and Times Square into holiday wonderlands. Olde English Pub in Albany is filled to the brim with holiday cheer and festive cocktails.

12. Stroll through winter carnivals and villages

Snowmen figurines surround a gazebo covered in garland in string lights
Credit: Marta Zielinska

Step into a real life storybook at celebrations that go all out for the holiday season. Rochester’s Holiday Village fills the city with holiday cheer, free ice skating, cozy winter igloos, Santa visits, a handmade shopping village, and more. Step into what feels like a Hallmark movie at Long Island's Milleridge Holiday Village (pictured) when the shops are decked out in holiday magic. Huntington’s Wall Street becomes a Holiday Spectacular for the season with a holiday market, Santa, and beautiful displays. In February, the Saranac Winter Carnival is the place to be with a weekend filled with ice castles, fireworks, and other events.

Don’t forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram and Twitter with #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook!