By Leanne Consantino
Campus News
It’s that time of year again. The leaves have fallen, people are bundled up in winter coats, and the holidays are near. The winter season is a magical time in cities all across the country, especially New York!
College students often find themselves budgeting around this time of year to save up for gifts for family and friends. However, there are many fun experiences to be had in New York in the winter on a budget. In fact, there are a lot of things to do that are even free!
Ice Skating in Bryant Park
Bryant Park is the only free admission ice skating rink in New York City. The park is free admission due to Winter Village’s partnership with Bank of America. Ice skaters can enjoy the rink daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the winter.
Free Tour From a Native New Yorker
Big Apple Greeter is a volunteer organization that provides a free welcome-visitor service to people who are new to New York. It was founded in 1992 by Lynn Brooks and was the first program of its kind. Those interested in becoming a greeter can apply to volunteer at bigapplegreeter.org.
Friday Evenings at the MoMA
Every Friday, the Museum of Modern Art offers free admission from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The sculpture garden is also free to explore every morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Tuesday Stargazing on the Highline
Strolling on the Highline is always free, but on Tuesday nights at dusk, the Amateur Astronomers Association sets up telescopes between West 15th and West 16th Street. Newcomers are always welcome to learn more about space and discuss current space exploration topics with other stargazing enthusiasts.
Go to Art Galleries in Chelsea
The art galleries in Chelsea are always free to visit and most of the time, the art is the same or higher quality than what you would see at a NYC art museum. Gallery hosts often have free refreshments for gallery goers to enhance their experience in hopes that they will purchase a piece or, at the very least, be left with a positive impression of the artist and their work. Most galleries in Chelsea are located between West 14th Street and West 29th Street around 10th and 11th Avenues.
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a beautiful historic building that is always free to the public. The Schwarzman Building is located on 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. Many free events are hosted at the library, including exhibits of archival photographs and walking tours. They also host the Books at Noon series, which features talks with acclaimed authors.
The Whispering Gallery in Grand Central
The beautiful Grand Central Terminal is much more than just a train station. Grand Central is a shopping, dining, and cultural destination. It has 60 shops and 35 places to eat. The terminal is free to walk and explore, and those who look closely might find some hidden gems, like the Whispering Gallery. One of the 102-year-old terminal’s most interesting secrets is that when two people stand at the diagonal arch under the Guastavino-tiled arches near Oyster Bay and whisper, their voices ring through to each other like a game of telephone.
Tour the Brooklyn Brewery
Williamsburg is home to the Brooklyn Brewery, which gives free tours every half hour on the weekends. The tours tend to fill up quickly, so it is a good idea to get there a bit early to make sure to get a ticket. Tastings of the Brooklyn beer can be purchased at discounted rates while guests wait for the tour. The brewery is located on North 11th Street in Brooklyn.
Get a Ticket to a Taping of a Show
Many television shows are taped in New York and anyone can get tickets to them with a little bit of patience. Shows like “Harry,” “The Late Show,” “The Daily Show,” “The Tonight Show,” “SNL” and many more are filmed with live audiences. Tickets are usually given out a month in advance of the show, and all you need to do is go on the show’s website and apply for the tickets. If you attend the show and enjoy your experience, the show’s hosts will often offer you more tickets through email after the show for being a great audience member.
See Alexander Hamilton’s Harlem Estate
Hamilton Grange is located in Harlem and is believed to be the only house ever owned by founding father Alexander Hamilton. Back when Hamilton lived at the estate, the area was all countryside. The estate is located at 414 West 141st Street and is free to explore.
There are many ways to enjoy the holiday season in New York, so get out there and see all that the city has to offer!
Facebook Comments