The winter season is here and it won’t be leaving anytime soon! To fight off the stir-crazy urges and to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed with boredom, we’ve created a list of amazing places that you’ll want to get out and visit before the winter is over. From small towns worth visiting to attractions that will make you appreciate our frigid season, keep reading to find some getaway inspiration below! Here are 11 winter day trips in New York you should take:

1. Peek'n Peak Resort
Peek'n Peak Resort, 1405 Old Rd, Clymer, NY 14724, USA
Peek'n Peak Resort/Facebook
Hidden away near New York's westernmost corner, Peek'n Peak Resort is the perfect getaway to take during the winter. Within the small town of Clymer, the resort features a variety of trails for skiers, a terrain park, snow tubing, indoor pools, and so much more.

Read our previous coverage to learn more about Peek'n Peak Resort.
2. Chestnut Ridge Park
6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA
Wikimedia Commons
A fantastic park to visit no matter what season it is, during the winter this destination turns into your ultimate snow-filled playground. Aside from the fact that you'll find perfect hills to go sledding down here, there's also the historic toboggan chutes that are a must-see. Built back in the 1930s and restored in more recent years, visiting Chestnut Ridge Park during the winter is a family tradition for many of us. It's one of the best winter attractions in New York.

Read more about the toboggan run at Chestnut Ridge Park in our previous coverage.
3. Windham
Windham Mountain, 19 Resort Dr, Windham, NY 12496, USA
Windham, NY 12496, USA
Windham Mountain Resort/Facebook
Known as the "Gem of the Catskills," the small town of Windham is nothing short of charming. People from all over begin to make their way to this area of the Catskills to hit the slopes at the Windham Mountain Resort. Other things that will make you fall in love with this town? The Catskill Mountain Country Store and Restaurant, the mouthwatering Chicken Run Family Restaurant and Steakhouse, and also the quirky B&B - Beds on Clouds! It's the perfect town to explore when you're searching for things to do in winter in New York.

Read more about the town of Windham in our previous coverage.
4. North Pole
Santa's Workshop, North Pole, NY/Facebook
Visiting the North Pole during the winter is a must! An actual hamlet up in Essex County, North Pole is home to Santa's Workshop AKA America's first amusement park. Within this Christmas village is where you'll be able to find Santa, all of his reindeer, and everything else that's magical. This spot is perfect for the whole family and is one of the favorite winter attractions in New York.

Read our previous post to learn more about North Pole, New York.
5. New York City's Holiday Train Nostalgia Line
99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Operating every Sunday from late November until December 24th, New York City's vintage train cars are highly anticipated each year. With cars from different eras between the 1930s and 1970s, passengers will get to make their way through eight different vintage cars for a blast through the past. Decked out in vintage advertisements and old subway maps, you'll love getting a taste of nostalgia with these train rides. It's one of the most exciting things to do in winter in New York.

Visit the New York Transit Museum website for more information.

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6. High Falls Gorge
4761 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA
High Falls Gorge/Facebook
An outdoor attraction that remains open for all four seasons, High Falls Gorge is a privately owned nature park within the town of Wilmington. Those of our residents who are looking to still chase waterfalls during the winter will have a blast here as they get to view four major falls along the Ausable River and explore nature trails with their snowshoes. And if it's cold enough, the waterfalls may even be frozen!

Read our previous coverage to learn more about visiting High Falls Gorge in winter.
7. The Milleridge Inn Shopping Village
585 N Broadway, Jericho, NY 11753, USA
The Milleridge Inn/Facebook
If you're someone who loves to shop whether it's the holidays or any other time of year, planning a trip to the Milleridge Inn Shopping Village is something you'll want to add to your list of things to do. Right on the other side of the parking lot from one of Long Island's most charming restaurants, the shopping village is made up of a Christmas Shoppe, General Store complete with a candy shop, a bakery, a cafe, and a whole lot more. It's one of the most charming winter day trips in New York you can take.

You can read more about the Milleridge Inn Shopping Village in this post.
8. Lake George
Lake George, NY 12845, USA
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Recognized for being one of New York's coziest mountain towns, Lake George is a much different place to visit during the winter as opposed to the summer time. While during our warmer months this small town becomes flooded with visitors and tourists from all over, during the winter season things calm down quite a bit, giving you more space. But you'll still find that there are plenty of restaurants, inns, and attractions that stay open during the town's off season.

Visit the Lake George website for a calendar of winter events.
9. Woods Valley Ski Area
9100 NY-46, Westernville, NY 13486, USA
Woods Valley Ski Area
Another snow tubing destination to add to your list, the Woods Valley Ski Area features a tubing park that is out of this world. The 600-foot long lanes will send you flying down an epic hill and off into the snow, an activity you can do on your own or choose to link up with other snow tubers. It's one of the best snow tube runs in New York.

Visit the Woods Valley website for more information on snow tubing and to book your session online.
10. Natural Stone Bridge and Caves
535 Stone Bridge Rd, Pottersville, NY 12860, USA
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park/Facebook
A unique attraction to check out when you feel like you've seen it all, Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is where you'll find the largest marble cave entrance in the Eastern United States. During the winter the park stays open, with visitors getting the chance to surround themselves with one-of-a-kind scenery and enjoy a snowshoeing experience that they'll never forget.

Read this post to learn more about Natural Stone Bridge and Caves.
11. Ellicottville
Ellicottville, NY 14731, USA
Holiday Valley/Facebook
A town full of adventure provides one of the best winter day trips in New York. Ellicottville has much to offer visitors during the winter. For many, the town's main attraction is its resort - Holiday Valley. But if you go explore around town you'll also discover a delicious chocolate shop, a salt cave and halotherapy spa, and even a winery!

Visit the Ellicottville website to learn more about this charming winter town.

How many of these places have you already visited? What are some of your favorite winter day trips in New York? Let us know in the comments!

To continue your search for more seasonal destinations, check out these 14 Gorgeous Frozen Waterfalls In New York That Must Be Seen To Be Believed!

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Winter Day Trips In New York

Melissa M. | January 23, 2022

What are some of the best ski resorts in New York?

New York is known for many things and ski resorts are just a part of what makes visiting the state so great in the winter. Known as the “Aspen of the East,” Holiday Valley Ski Resort rivals what you may find out in Colorado. Offering some of the best skiing in the northeast region, this 1,400-acre park also has a mountain coaster, 60 trails, plenty of lodging options, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and a whole lot more. You may also wish to consider a day or weekend trip to Bristol Mountain Ski Resort located in the Finger Lakes region. It offers fantastic programs for children and also for those who are new to skiing. 

Where can I go winter hiking in New York?

Enjoy some peace and quiet on a winter hike in New York this season. Visit the picturesque Mohonk Preserve to hike one of its five main trails. Find panoramic views at Whiteface Mountain, which is also known for its skiing. Search for a waterfall at Minnewaska State Park. You’ll find more information in this post.

What are some family-friendly winter attractions in New York?

While you can always visit a snow tubing park, there are also ice skating rinks and sled riding hills to visit. If you prefer to stay indoors, head to any of the fantastic museums around the state. The options are endless in New York! 

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