Winter Fun In Central Park

When winter settles into New York City, Central Park transforms into something quietly magical. Snow softens the paths, bare branches reveal long-hidden views, and the park takes on a slower, more intimate rhythm. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or walking it daily, winter is one of the most rewarding seasons to experience Central Park.

Ice Skating in Central Park

Wollman Rink

? East Side, near 59th Street
The classic Central Park winter experience — skating beneath the skyline with views of Midtown’s towers.

• Open late October through early spring (weather permitting)

• Skate rentals available

• Food pavilion overlooking the rink

• Evening skating offers especially dramatic views

The Davis Center at the Harlem Meer

? North End of Central Park (formerly Lasker Rink)
The newly reimagined Davis Center replaces the historic Lasker Rink and serves as a year-round recreational hub for the park’s northern end.

• Winter ice skating seasonally

• Designed for community use, families, and programs

• Set beside the Harlem Meer with a quieter, more local feel

• Transforms into other recreational uses outside the winter season

The Davis Center reflects Central Park’s evolving mission — blending recreation, landscape restoration, and accessibility — while continuing a long tradition of winter skating in the park’s north end.

Winter Walking Routes (Highly Recommended)

Winter is ideal for walking — fewer crowds, clearer sightlines, and stunning light.

Favorite Winter Walks

• The Mall & Literary Walk – Bare elms create a cathedral-like effect

• Bow Bridge ? The Lake Loop – Photogenic year-round, magical after snow

• Reservoir Loop – 1.58 miles, open views, great for brisk walks

• The Ramble – Quiet, wild, and surprisingly immersive in winter

? Tip: After snowfall, walk early — Central Park looks untouched for a brief, perfect moment.

Winter Wildlife Watching

Winter reveals a different side of Central Park’s ecosystem.

• Birding hotspots: The Ramble, North Woods, The Lake

• Look for:

  • Red-tailed hawks

  • Owls

  • Winter waterfowl

  • Woodpeckers

• Fewer leaves = better visibility

Bring binoculars — or just look up.

Winter Photography & Scenic Spots

Some of the park’s most iconic images are captured in winter.

Best Photo Locations

• Bow Bridge after snowfall

• Bethesda Terrace & Fountain (especially icy details)

• Gapstow Bridge with snow-covered trees

• Sheep Meadow framed by skyline and frost

• The Mall at golden hour

? Overcast days are often best — soft, even light with no harsh shadows.

Sledding Hills

Cedar Hill

When it snows, sledding is unofficially on — and absolutely joyful.

Popular Hills

• Pilgrim Hill (near 72nd St)

• Cedar Hill (east side, 79th St)

• Harlem Hill (north end — steeper and fast!)

? Dress warmly and bring something sturdy to sit on — sleds sell out fast after storms.

Warm-Up Stops & Winter Comforts

Winter in Central Park is best enjoyed with strategic warm-up breaks.

• Le Pain Quotidien (inside the park) – hot drinks + rustic charm

• The Loeb Boathouse area – seasonal options nearby

• Grab cocoa or coffee just outside the park on Fifth Ave or CP West

Pro tip: Walk first, warm up second — it makes the break sweeter.

Practical Winter Tips

• Wear waterproof shoes — slush is real

• Stick to main paths after snowstorms

• Gloves make phone photography much easier

• Check weather and park alerts before icy days

Why Winter Might Be Central Park’s Best Season

Winter strips the park down to its essentials — landscape, light, and space. It’s quieter, more contemplative, and often more beautiful than any other time of year. For those willing to bundle up, Central Park in winter feels personal — like the city letting you in on a secret.