By Kalliann Briggs
When winter begins, we tend to fall back and get behind in life, sometimes we even become sluggish. The cold weather sometimes makes us prone to becoming inactive and staying inside more than we did before. Many people who don’t like the cold weather or snow sometimes equate it with having nothing to do, but New York is great for the many snowy and cold winter activities, all of which can be done solo or with family and friends. So hop in your car, pick up your friends, and let the fun begin!
Holiday Market
Do you like to go shopping? The holiday market is perfect for you to take the opportunity to do some holiday shopping for your friends, family, or even yourself. Doing this is great for getting fresh air and supporting local businesses. You can find items that are unique, such as carved wooden sculptures, blacksmith art, pottery, etc. Smaller shops always have a great selection of heartwarming gifts. These markets are open for a short time, most of them closing in mid-December. Now, go find your nearest holiday market and get shopping!
Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are super fun activities that can be done all winter, as long as there’s snow on the ground! If you live in an urban area this is a great way to see the mountains. Many believe that snowboarding is harder to learn and easier to master; whereas, skiing is easier to learn, but tougher to master. Really, it’s all about personal preference. The best way to decide is to try each of them a few times and decide which is for you. These sports also provide a great way to get in shape! Did you know that you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour snowshoeing? Other health benefits include: low impact muscle building, increasing endurance, balance strengthening and agility, as well as improving your sense of well-being by connecting to nature. Imagine that? Getting healthy and fit while having fun! So, grab some friends and slide down those mountains.
Ice Skating
Ice skating, a matter of balance, is a sport that can be hard for some and easy for others. In general, it is super fun if you know what you’re doing. Those who have mastered the art of roller skating, usually do fine on ice skates. You can even play games, like hockey. Figure skating is another option. If you’re really good at skating, you can try figure skating, which is basically dancing on ice skates.
The Empire Skate Plaza Ice Rink is the Capital Region’s premier outdoor skating rink located in downtown Albany. You can rent skates: $4 for adults and $3 for children. For more information, please visit: https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/ice-rink
Snowball Fights
Snow day from school? Having a snowball fight is always so much fun! Heavier, wet snow that clumps together is perfect for packing the best snowball! This is a great way to get the neighborhood together and have fun. You can make fantastic memories with everyone and maybe even make new friends. After the fight, everyone can help make a huge snowman and tie-dye it with a mixture of food coloring and water. Add a scarf, and it could be the mascot of the neighborhood. Hot chocolate, a warm fire, and a good movie is the perfect ending to a day spent outdoors! And that’s how you have a snow day!
The Rockettes
New York City is THE place to be during the holiday season. There is the holiday tree lighting and ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza; the Winter and Holiday Markets; the holiday window decorations, and, finally, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Over 140 dancers perform in the popular Christmas Spectacular. Sparkling costumes, unique set design and a lot of Christmas songs thrill the audience every year. The stars of the show are the famous dance group “The Rockettes,” a famous dance group in New York City that performs every year around the holiday season. There are 80 Rockettes in total; yet, they all stay in-sync so well. During their practices, they kick over 500 times, which is why they are known for their high kicks. Getting the chance to see the Rockettes is the perfect road trip with friends and family!
Side Note: Are you interested in becoming a Rockette? There are strict rules for these dancers: you have to know ballet, jazz, and tap dance, and must be between 5’ 5” and 5’ 10 ½” in height. For more information go to loving-newyork.com.