• There are many exciting things to do in New York in the winter.the snow flake image by alwayspp from Fotolia.com
  
  Although Manhattan is notorious for being expensive, there are many exciting things to enjoy throughout the year in New York for a relatively low cost. In the winter, around the holidays, various seasonal activities, exhibitions, and events become available to NYC visitors and residents alike, for little to no cost.
  
  

The Pond at Bryant Park

• Sponsored by Citi, The Pond at Bryant Park is the only free, public ice skating rink in Manhattan. It is open daily from early November through the end of January. There is no fee for general admission and skate rentals are relatively inexpensive ($12 a pair in 2010). Private and group ice skating lessons are also available, for a fee. Each winter a staff of highly-trained instructors instruct skaters of varying levels at the Bryant Park rink. Reservations for lessons can be made by calling The Pond in advance; walk-in lessons are available as well, on a first-come, first-served basis.
  
  The Pond at Bryant Park
  1-99 W 40 Street
  New York, NY 10018
  212-764-6247
  thepondatbryantpark.com
  
  

Union Square Holiday Market

• Originally started in 1995, the Union Square Holiday Market brings together over 100 vendors each year, selling a wide variety of hand-crafted gift items, crafts, and foods. The Market is open daily from the end of November until Christmas Eve. In 2009, a new feature was introduced: a concierge desk. The market concierge can inform visitors about which merchants sell specific types of items, and can also provide useful information about restaurants and other area attractions.
  
  Union Square Holiday Market
  6 West 14th Street
  New York, NY 10011
  212-529-9262
  urbanspacenyc.com
  
  

New York City Window Displays

• Each winter, several of Manhattan's finest department stores construct elaborate Christmas and winter-themed displays in their windows. Looking at the windows has become a favorite holiday activity of New York residents and visitors alike. Lines along the window displays can get quite long, so it is often advised to visit in the evenings, after store closings. Macy's on 34th Street, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys, and Bloomingdales are among the stores that participate in the well-known window displays.