Winter Guide

It’s winter in Central Park, and we’re celebrating with the Central Park Conservancy’s OFFICIAL guide to the season.
Feel that nip in the air? Winter is here—and it always brings a special magic to Central Park!
Our Conservancy staff are in the Park every single day (no matter how cold), and they can’t wait to share this time of year with you. So put on your hat and mittens and take full advantage of this dazzling season with our Official Winter Guide!
Before we begin, don’t forget to bookmark our Alerts page for all the info you’ll need on scheduled or weather-related Park closures. Another great spot for Central Park updates? Our social channels. (You can now find us on TikTok and Pinterest!) Give us a follow, tag us from the Park @CentralParkNYC, and keep up to date on all the goings-on in these 843 acres.
A Gorgeous Shade of Winter
We could go on and on about why we love caring for Central Park—and we have! Check out our robust online magazine to learn about the Conservancy’s work, how we care for this space, and the history behind the creation of the Park.
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Things to See and Do
Snow-Day Fun
There are so many ways to enjoy Central Park in the winter—check out this article for 20 of our favorite cold-weather activities!Tags: Tips for Visiting / Winter
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Park History
Worth a Thousand Words
Take a jaunt back in time with this collection of photos from our archives—and then follow the links to find these locations and visit them for yourself.Tags: Conservancy Staff / History
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Things to See and Do
Hot Tips for Cool Pics
With fewer crowds and a tranquility not found in other seasons, winter is an ideal time to photograph Central Park. Brave the cold and get an Instagram-worthy pic this season—no filter needed.Tags: Tips for Visiting / Winter / Highlights
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Do You Know Where the Ducks Go?
It’s not just Holden Caulfield that’s asking. If you’re curious to know how our non-human Park visitors spend the cold months, check out these seven stories of winter wildlife.
A Winter Wonderland
The Park may look peaceful, sleeping under its blanket of snow. But don’t be fooled by appearances: Winter in the Park is full of activities, from skating and sledding to leisurely literary strolls. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful moment of hibernal solitude or holiday fun for the whole family, Central Park is here for you.
Get to Know the Park with a Conservancy Guide
Interested in an even more tailored Park experience? Look no further than our expert Conservancy staff and their decades of Park research. Our staff offer in-person and virtual tours, online weekly walks, and handy maps for your self-guided tours.
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Tours
Hidden Highlights of the North End
2:00 pmLace up your snow boots and set out for an energetic hike through Central Park’s north end. The dramatic topography of this area offers a plethora of hidden highlights—from stunning views of Manhattan to remnants of the American Revolution. Central Park Conservancy guides will reveal fascinating discoveries and insights along the way.Tags: History / Art & Architecture
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Tours
The Ramble Tour
11:00 amA 36-acre woodland landscape at the very heart of Central Park, the Ramble has it all: maze-like paths, meandering streams, and rustic arches, all under a canopy of trees. And while it’s beautiful in the summer and fall, the Ramble’s bare branches offer a special drama during winter. Join our Conservancy guides for an amble through this wintry labyrinth overlooking the Lake.Tags: Art & Architecture / Plants and Trees
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Tours
Birding Basics
A lush woodland that hosts more than 210 species of birds each year, the North Woods is a paradise for bird-watchers. Visit this vibrant habitat with one of our Conservancy guides, and catch sight of some of the birds that call Central Park their winter home.Tags: Seasonal
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Weekly Walk: What's the Weather in Central Park?
When a meteorologist announces the snowfall in Central Park, have you ever wondered where these measurements are actually taken? Join us on a virtual walk as we discover this wintertime tradition.

The Park Needs Us
How can you keep the Park healthy, clean, and safe? The Conservancy’s Director of Community Relations has three easy tips for you.