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Posts from November 2023

Fireworks

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.

A transparent ornament hangs from a Christmas tree with shops in the background

Credit: Marta Zielinska

What do you buy for the person who has everything? Holiday markets are sprouting up across New York, where local art, specialty crafts, and food and drink make the gift-giving season a breeze. Here are the markets to hit before the season's over! 

Bristol Mountain

Does having the most ski resorts in the country make New York State the capital of skiing? We think so! When it comes to skiing and snowboarding—and pretty much all things fun in the snow—New York’s options are plentiful and diverse. We’ve compiled a list of the best skiing destinations to fit your unique needs, whether you’re a beginner, a pro, or trying to please a bunch of different people! Read on to find your dream ski trip in New York.

People ice skating at the Empire State Plaza ice rink

New York doesn’t go into hibernation during wintertime. As temperatures drop and snow falls, the Empire State transforms into a glistening winter wonderland with loads of fun to be had both indoors and out.

Glass ornament

Credit: @corningmuseumshops on Instagram

With the holidays fast approaching, now is the time to remind your friends and loved ones of their favorite New York State attractions and get them excited about their future travels throughout the state. These unique New York State gift ideas, all of which can be purchased online, are sure to bring back great memories of New York and brighten the day of a special person in your life. 

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and surrounding buildings at night

New York serves as the setting for many of the most memorable holiday movies and TV show episodes ever made. Seeing the sparkling lights of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or watching the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square is inspiring on screen, especially when it’s not possible to see these iconic symbols in person. Fortunately, these and other New York holiday traditions are available anytime and anywhere, thanks to these movies and TV shows that will get you in a festive mood while allowing you to experience New York-style holiday spirit. Let a classic scene from one of these gems inspire a future holiday season trip to New York State! 

A person skis down a tree-lined slope at Hunter Mountain
CREDIT: @NYCARCHITECT ON INSTAGRAM

Learning to ski can stir up some nerves, but New York’s mountains provide a fun and comfortable atmosphere for hitting the slopes.

The Statue of Liberty and other landmarks made of plant material at the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Credit: @eulises74 on Instagram

It’s going to be a festive December in New York State, with a variety of activities and events to get you into the holiday spirit. Travel back to the Gilded Age in the Hudson Valley, immerse yourself in two new winter wonderland experiences in Lake George, celebrate a classic holiday movie in Seneca Falls, be amazed by a dazzling light show on Long Island, and more!

Polar Express

Embark on an enchanting journey into winter wonderlands with a fun holiday train ride! From the snow-covered mountains of the Catskills to the sparkling shores of Long Island, climb aboard a real

six skiers navigating down a snow-covered Gore Mountain

With a new season comes exciting new openings and New York has plenty! Interactive art exhibits, dazzling holiday light shows, and tasty new cuisine await. Whether you’re preparing for a wonderful winter weekend getaway or looking to make some snowy memories, be sure to add New York State’s latest and greatest openings to your winter calendar.