New York State embraces winter’s seasonal splendor each year, as communities are transformed into holiday wonderlands and unique attractions offer a different kind of magic that can only be experienced during the wintry chill. From skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and snowshoeing, the Empire State is packed with outdoor and indoor winter activities for all ages. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a more relaxing way to enjoy the snow, New York State has it all.

I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “Come to New York State to celebrate the season of snow and experience a magical winter wonderland. New York offers a variety of activities including ice carving, sleigh rides and global winter sporting events. No matter what your interests, there are plenty of winter activities to keep you entertained all season long. After a day on the slopes on one of our more than 50 ski areas, check out some of the latest après ski options. Get in the holiday spirit with outdoor festivals and winter markets. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa and come see why it’s easy to love New York this winter.”

Here is a curated list of new and favorite activities to elevate your winter season:

HOT SPOTS FOR APRÈS SKI

• Frostfire Lodge at The Arnold House (Catskills) – Opening on November 24, this new Livingston Manor destination will offer an ultimate winter getaway as it’s transformed into an après ski oasis. Guests can relax on sofas and bean bag chairs by heaters while enjoying their favorite cocktails and a classic holiday movie. The Greenhouse, which features over 150 succulents and tropical plants, provides additional lounge seating.

  

• Windham Mountain Club (Catskills) – Formerly known as Windham Mountain, the popular ski resort offers luxurious amenities plus world-class dining experiences to its members and visitors. The club recently introduced four new dining options: an upscale food hall with hot entrees, soups, sandwiches and a full bar; Seasons, with a focus on Lebanese-Mediterranean cuisine located at base lodge; Cin! Cin!, a nod to the Italian Alps with a robust wine list located mid-mountain; and The Windham, a private members dining club.

MAGIC, ICE AND LIGHTS

• Winter Realms (Adirondacks) – The popular Ice Castles event has been reimagined, and will feature a large ice-skating rink, polar pub ice bar, and ice sculptures at Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George Village. The attraction is expected to open after Thanksgiving and scheduled to continue to March.
• Peace, Love & Lights (Catskills) – This stunning event at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts perfectly encapsulates the magic and meaning of the holiday season. Visitors turn off their car headlights to journey along the illuminated walkway surrounded by a mesmerizing display of over one million twinkling lights that create an enchanting and serene atmosphere. The artisan market sells unique treasures and gifts, while music sets the tone for a peaceful and joyful evening. The event is open after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day.

  

• Ice & Lights Festival (Finger Lakes) – Visitors can marvel at the creativity and skill of talented ice sculptors, enjoy live music performances, and indulge in an ice bar or warm drinks. Visits from Santa and a chowder cook-off are some highlights of this festival, held December 1-2 and December 9.
• Jingle Falls USA (Greater Niagara) – Old Falls Street in downtown Niagara Falls will bustle with holiday fun when this event returns November 24-26. A tree lighting ceremony and fireworks will highlight the weekend, and visitors can stroll Makers Market, visit four-legged friends at a petting zoo, enjoy hop-on horse and wagon rides, and other holiday activities.
• Magic of Lights (Long Island) – Jones Beach State Park brings joy and wonder to life with a dazzling holiday experience for visitors of all ages. From November 17 to December 30, this mile-long drive-through light show features more than one million sparkling lights in intricate and festive displays. Along the route, guests enjoy animated displays and traditional holiday motifs, a Holiday Village with refreshments, a synchronized light show and Santa’s Workshop.
• Rochester Holiday Village (Finger Lakes) – Every Wednesday through Sunday in December, this downtown festival is filled with enchanting events including visits with Santa, free ice skate rentals and skating, shopping for hand-crafted goods, cozy winter igloos, live music, kids’ crafts, fire pits and plenty of indoor and outdoor food and libations.
• Schenectady County’s 54th Annual Holiday Parade (Capital-Saratoga) – The Northeast’s largest nighttime holiday parade rolls through the streets of downtown Schenectady on November 18 with illuminated floats, glittering firetrucks, local marching bands and holiday-infused dance routines to welcome the season.
• Glimmer Nights Holiday Light Show (Central New York) – The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown hosts an evening light show every Thursday through Sunday from November 24 to December 30 (excluding Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve). Arrive after dusk to experience a season of wonder on a self-guided walking tour with colorful, themed light displays scattered throughout the museum and their on-site Country Village.

ON THE SLOPES

• FIS Ski Jumping World Cup 2024 (Adirondacks) – On February 9-11, top ski jumpers will be participating in three days of events at the Olympic Jumping Complex. Athletes around the world will be visiting Lake Placid – the Winter Sports Capital of the World – to compete for World Cup points while visitors enjoy a festive atmosphere with entertainment.
• Whiteface Mountain (Adirondacks) – The Notch Lift is an exciting addition to an already impressive ski resort. This high-speed quad lift provides access to previously inaccessible terrain, opening new areas for skiers and snowboarders to explore.

For more information on new developments and other happenings in New York State, visit iloveny.com