When winter blankets New York in frost and snow, there’s no better time to embrace the cozy comforts that lift your spirits and warm your soul. From sipping on velvety hot cocoa in a charming Catskills café to relaxing by a crackling fireplace in the heart of the Adirondacks to roaring with laughter at a comedy show in the city, New York offers endless ways to chase away the chill. Explore our list of the best places and experiences to keep you warm this winter in the Empire State.

Indulge in Igloo Dining

Photo courtesy of Kacey O’Brien, Lake George Area/Warren County Tourism Department

Drink and dine outdoors all winter long in the warmth of a cozy, beautifully decorated igloo at some of New York State’s most inviting destinations! In East Aurora, Rick’s on Main offers heated igloos equipped with wireless speakers, letting you set the mood with your own curated playlist. At Tappo in Buffalo, savor multi-course, family-style meals in your private igloo. At the twinkle-lit Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn in Le Roy enjoy an intimate evening surrounded by picturesque scenery. In the Adirondacks, the Lake George area offers various stunning igloo experiences with views of the majestic snow-covered wilderness. For a trendy urban vibe, head to New York City where igloo setups pair perfectly with cocktails and bites under city lights. On Long Island, Coach Meeting House in Oyster Bay provides a warm and inviting escape. In the Finger Lakes, Kettle Ridge Farm offers a unique maple-inspired five-course brunch among the farm’s maple trees, while City Winery in the Hudson Valley combines igloo dining, delicious food, and live entertainment.

Enjoy Indoor Entertainment 

Immerse yourself in endless arts and culture experiences. Craving laughter? Head to the Comedy Cellar in Manhattan, Funny Bone in Albany, Comedy @ The Carlson in Rochester, Helium Comedy Club in Buffalo, or Laugh It Up Comedy Club in Poughkeepsie. If theater, dance, and other performing arts are more your style, Lincoln Center in Manhattan, Proctors in Schenectady, the Stanley Theatre in Utica, Landmark Theatre in Syracuse, and Shea’s 710 Theatre in Buffalo will captivate you with spectacular performances. For concerts and more arts events across the state, check out our events calendar.

Revel in Play

There’s no wrong way to play, and you can get in on the fun all across the state. The Castle Fun Center in Chester offers axe-throwing, Ballocity ball play arena (a 2-story play structure for all ages), bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and roller skating. At Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark in Queensbury, slide into adventure with water attractions like a lazy river and thrilling slides, and the water is always 82 degrees. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Westchester sparks creativity with LEGO-themed rides, a 4D cinema, and massive build-and-play zones. In Rochester, the National Museum of Play captivates all ages with its hands-on exhibits, life-sized toys, and the world’s largest collection of video games. Plan a dude ranch getaway to the all-inclusive Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland where you can play all day at the  arcade, archery range, laser tag and Eldorado Hot Springs, a 98-degree year-round indoor/outdoor aquatic experience that features multiple therapy jets, built-in seating, and an adjacent fire pit. WonderWorks in Syracuse is an amusement park for the mind with 40,000 square feet of “edu-tainment”, including a space discovery zone and an extreme weather zone.

Sip and Savor

Credit: @Ja.coffeeculture on Instagram

For hot cocoa lovers, these Instagram-worthy spots in the city offer the perfect way to warm up. In Lake Placid, Emma’s serves up 15 decadent gourmet cocoa flavors, each topped with homemade marshmallows. Over in Binghamton, Strange Brew Cafe crafts unique cocoa creations like candy cane white mocha, gingerbread, and peanut butter cup. For an indulgence like no other, Fruition Chocolate Works in Shokan offers award-winning hot chocolate made from ethically sourced cocoa.

Coffee enthusiasts can rise and grind at cozy coffee shops across the state. In Albany and Troy, Jacob Alejandro elevates the coffee experience with creative lattes such as blueberry French toast, pecan bun, and peanut butter banana flambé. Lake George’s Caffe Vero tempts with its espresso bar, featuring a variety of specialty lattes. Lewiston’s Orange Cat Coffee Company is a converted house offering warm and welcoming vibes along with flavorful coffee concoctions.

If tea is your cup of comfort, the tea and honey bar at Saratoga Tea & Honey Company in Saratoga Springs is where you want to be. For more tea time adventures across the state, don’t miss our guide to the best spots for afternoon tea.

Experience Eclectic Exhibits

Escape the chill and discover fascinating indoor adventures at diverse museums. Dive into the world of espionage at SpyScape or celebrate canine companions at the AKC Museum of the Dog, both in Manhattan. In Beacon, marvel at contemporary art at Dia Beacon, while the New York State Museum in Albany offers exhibits that span history, science, and culture. Head to the Adirondacks for an immersive experience at The Wild Center, or explore the beauty of glass art and live demonstrations at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning. In Buffalo, the newly renovated Buffalo AKG Art Museum dazzles with its world-class art collections, and Long Island’s Cradle of Aviation takes you on an epic journey through aerospace history. For laughs and entertainment, the National Comedy Center in Jamestown is the perfect spot to have a laugh.

Melt The Stress Away

A little rest and relaxation does wonders for the body and soul. Keep cozy with Salt Therapy, known for relieving stress, fatigue, and offering a range of health benefits. Spots around the state like Ellicottville Salt Cave, The Salt Den, and Montauk Salt Cave are ready to rejuvenate you. For a luxurious spa retreat, Mirbeau Inn & Spa offers indulgence across its three locations in the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, and Capital-Saratoga regions. At the iconic Mohonk Mountain House Spa, unwind in the steam room, sauna, or heated outdoor mineral pool. Experience the healing waters of Saratoga‘s mineral springs at Roosevelt Baths & Spa, or melt away tension with the signature hot stone massage at Emerson Resort & Spa.

Cook Up a Good Time

Turn up the heat and sharpen your culinary skills with cooking classes at top venues across New York State! At New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, master the art of crafting creamy risotto or gnocchi. At the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, dive into artisan bread-making or authentic Spanish cuisine. Capital Cooks in Colonie offers themed classes for kids, pasta-making workshops for adults, and lessons in creating Thai dishes from scratch. In Manhattan, Eataly invites you to perfect pizza and bake tiramisu. Over at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute in Niagara Falls, you’ll learn to grill the perfect ribeye or whip up a carbonara. Chocolate lovers will thrive at Raaka in Brooklyn, where you can hand-roll truffles and create bean-to-bar chocolate. At Phantom Chef in Endicott, explore cooking classes inspired by the flavors of New Orleans and the Mediterranean. On Long Island, The Cook’s Studio offers hands-on lessons in crafting homemade ramen and sushi. 

Game On

There’s no better way to warm up than cheering on your favorite New York teams or jumping into the action yourself! The Syracuse Orange keep the energy high all season long, dunking in the Dome. The Knicks light up Madison Square Garden, while the Nets bring the intensity to the Barclays Center. Slip on your jersey and join the roaring crowds as the Buffalo Sabres take to the ice at KeyBank Center, the Islanders battle it out at UBS Arena, and the Rangers skate for victory at Madison Square Garden. Up north, the Adirondack Thunder keep the Cool Insuring Arena buzzing with excitement. For lacrosse fans, the Albany FireWolves and Buffalo Bandits elevate the indoor game at MVP Arena and KeyBank Center. Even in the offseason, baseball lovers can hit a grand slam with a visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. And if you’re ready to work on your own game, try some of the state’s top indoor golf spots like Five Iron Golf, AVID Indoor Golf, The Bunker, and GolfDojo.

Don’t forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram and Twitter with #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook!