2026 Winter Guide to 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.
2025 Holiday Events in Central Park
Central Park in December transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a variety of holiday events for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for festive performances, enchanting light displays, or family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.
Wollman Rink Opens!
Central Park’s beloved Wollman Rink is officially reopening this Sunday, October 26, marking the start of its 75th anniversary ice skating season!
Ice skating in Central Park is easily one of the most picturesque activities to be enjoyed on a fall night. Feel the cold tingle of New York’s crisp autumn air, listen to the music, and take in the incomparable surroundings as you glide (gracefully or not so) around the rink.
Halloween on Central Park’s Harlem Meer
Celebrate Halloween in Central Park with a family-friendly event full of magic, entertainment, and music, featuring the Central Park Conservancy’s signature Pumpkin Flotilla. Enjoy live music, spooky stories, pumpkin carving demonstrations, a costume parade, and the flotilla, which sets sail across the Harlem Meer at twilight!
2025 Central Park Conservancy Film Festival – August 12th – 15th
WHAT: Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the magic of the movies under the stars at the 19th annual Central Park Conservancy Film Festival, a beloved summer tradition. Sponsored by EY, the 2019 Film Festival features a sci-fi classic, a beloved romantic comedy, and an...
Shakespeare in the Park Will Return with ‘Twelfth Night’ In Summer 2025
The Public Theater will return this summer to stage ‘Twelfth Night’ as this summer’s Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. The Delacorte is just completing an extensive, two year revitalization program to make it more accessible, and more sustainable than ever before.
PickleBall at Wollman Rink
The largest pickleball installation in the Northeast is now open at Wollman Rink. The rink has been converted into 14 Pickleball courts offering 196 hours of play a day, according to CityPickle, which is running the installation. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The installation stays through Oct. 9.
Delacorte Theater Revialization
Nestled under a canopy of majestic trees, The Delacorte Theater is a unique destination in the heart of Central Park. After 61 years as the home of Free Shakespeare in the Park, The Delacorte is due for a major makeover. When The Delacorte reopens in the summer of 2025, it will be more welcoming, more accessible, and more sustainable than ever before!
Seneca Village – Central Park’s Lost Community
Seneca Village was one of the first African American communities in New York City and existed from 1825 through 1857.
2024 New Year’s Eve Midnight Run in Central Park
The NYRR Midnight Run is a cherished New Year’s Eve tradition in New York City, offering runners a unique way to ring in the new year. Organized by the New York Road Runners (NYRR), this four-mile race takes participants through Central Park, commencing precisely at midnight.