Growing up in Western New York, winter was all about skiing, skating, sledding, and hot cocoa for me. But some of those days were so cold that seeing a movie at the cinema, touring a museum, or watching a Broadway show was the place to be. Now, having lived in New York City for 15 years, and traveled to London, I have found some truly incredible things to do in both these cities, though I am always on the lookout for more recommendations.
Thanks to Playbill and the Playbill Partner Hotels Booking Engine, I have asked friends on Broadway and in West End for some of their favorite things to do in NYC and London during the winter. See below for places and things you too can explore and enjoy during the cold.
New York
Check the weather and bundle up! If snow is in the forecast, I love going to the northern end of Central Park and walking around. The snow-topped trees, landscape, bridges…everything is just so magical to look at. And the quiet of the snowfall is mesmerizing. Afterwards I like to head downtown for some hot chocolate from Max Brenner or tea/lunch from Prince Tea House. Wintery food for the body and soul.
Chadd Alexander (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Hulu’s Wu Tang : An American Saga)
When it’s cold outside, one of my post show joys is hitting up The Red Stache in nearby Hell’s Kitchen. This was once my secret go-to wine and cocktail spot, but the secret is out. The ambiance is correct, the vibes are good, and it’s the perfect place to kick back.
I’ve abandoned a good deal of my college hotspots (and thank goodness for that), but I will never stop going to Veselka. Their pirogies and matzoh ball soup will forever heal me!
LONDON
Lauren Samuels (Wicked, West End's Bend it Like Beckham)
Gosh, I miss London so much! But particularly during the beautiful winter season. One of my favourite things to do in London at this time is visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and enjoy the many, many festive lights and wooden holiday stalls. But living in the U.S. now, there’s nothing I miss more than a good English pub with an open fire to sit in front of on a cold day.
Linus Karp (Awkward Production’s Gwyneth Goes Skiing)
My favorite place in London is Hampstead Heath. As someone who grew up in a small village in the Swedish forest, being somewhere where you're completely engrossed in nature (without having to leave the capital) feels like home.
BONUS: Joseph Martin (Awkward Production’s Gwyneth Goes Skiing)
My favorite winter place is London is our flat. I know that’s such a boring choice, but we’re in a gorgeously green, quiet and leafy part of North London. We tour so much, so when we do get to be at home it’s even more of a treat for me.
Interested in a trip to New York London? Using our Booking Engine to find the right hotel for your stay. Powered by Travelwits, the booking engine allows you to discover the best hotels in both cities, with added benefits like hotel credits, free breakfasts, rewards points, and more. Check out the fantastic hotels across New York and London available to book and make your experience that much more enjoyable!
