Celebrate Winter With New Hotels, Ski Upgrades and Festive Experiences in New York State
New York State welcomes travelers with magical winter experiences across each of its 11 vacation regions.
Whether it’s carving fresh tracks in the Adirondacks, savoring local flavors in the Finger Lakes or discovering small-town holiday magic across the Hudson Valley and beyond, travelers will find countless ways to experience the warmth, creativity and adventure that make winter in New York unforgettable.
“Winter in New York State is where excitement meets relaxation,” says I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi. “Every region offers something extraordinary, from world-class ski destinations and luxurious new hotels to charming small towns and unique seasonal events that warm the soul. From cozy spa experiences to snowy adventures, New York in winter is the perfect time for travelers to connect and enjoy everything they love, and it’s only available in a New York winter.”
Discover what’s fresh across New York this winter:
Check In and Chill Out: New Hotels and Reimagined Retreats
From boutique hideaways to design-forward mountain lodges and sleek city stays, New York’s newest hotels blend contemporary luxury with regional character, offering travelers new ways to unwind and explore.
- Eastwind Hotel – Windham (Catskills): The brand’s flagship Windham property has entered a new chapter this winter with the expansion of Mountain House, introducing 12 new design-forward guestrooms that elevate the property’s signature blend of Scandinavian minimalism and cozy mountain charm. Eastwind Windham now offers a total of 32 rooms, including the spacious Pine Suite – a flexible, residential-style layout ideal for families or groups. Each space reflects Eastwind’s distinct aesthetic, featuring mid-century furnishings, natural textures and a palette inspired by the surrounding landscape.
- AC Hotel Saratoga Springs (Capital-Saratoga): Set to open in December, this sleek new addition to downtown Saratoga blends modern design with easy access to the city’s vibrant arts, dining and entertainment scene. Designed for business travelers and style-conscious visitors, the hotel offers a refined stay within walking distance of local boutiques, restaurants and attractions. With European-inspired interiors and signature spaces like the AC Kitchen and Café, guests can enjoy an experience that’s equal parts productive and relaxing.
- Pocketbook Hudson (Hudson Valley): This transformative boutique hotel opened on November 1 and is bringing new energy to downtown Hudson from the restored 1880s textile-mill turned factory campus.The hotel features 46 guest rooms and suites, sleek interiors that blend industrial heritage with minimalist luxury, and compelling public spaces including an all-day café/lounge, curated retail gallery, and a forthcoming spa and bathhouse inspired by global bathing traditions.
Elevating the Experience: Ski Upgrades
New York’s ski areas are redefining the winter experience with new lifts, modernized lodges, expanded amenities and sustainable snowmaking improvements designed to welcome skiers of every level.
- Gore Mountain (Adirondacks): The Station at North Creek Ski Bowl, a brand-new lodge opening this season, will mark the next milestone in Gore Mountain’s transformation into a four-season destination. The lodge will feature expanded indoor and outdoor seating areas with panoramic views, a full-service restaurant and bar offering local craft beverages and hearty Adirondack fare, and a retail shop stocked with mountain gear and regional goods. The Station will serve as both a lively après-ski hub in winter and a welcoming community gathering place in warmer months, further positioning North Creek Ski Bowl as a cornerstone of Gore Mountain’s year-round guest experience.
- Whiteface Mountain (Adirondacks): Continued enhancements include the addition of the new Little Whiteface Lift – a modern fixed-grip double chair replacing two 1980s-era lifts – and 15 high-efficiency snow guns to upgrade the snowmaking process. Whiteface Mountain has also joined both the Mountain Collective and Triple Play Pass, which provides pass holders access to 25 mountains across the globe and 16 partner resorts in the Northeast, an ode to its reputation as a top global ski destination.
- Belleayre Mountain (Catskills): A 28,000-square-foot addition to the Discovery Lodge enhances nearly every aspect of the visitor experience, with a new rental shop and a state-of-the-art tuning machine. Guests will also find an expanded Marketplace cafeteria, a new espresso bar and carved sandwich station, additional seating, and upgraded locker and restroom facilities. The resort’s beloved Overlook Lodge, a Catskills icon since the 1950s, continues a beautiful restoration to blend its historic charm with modern comforts. The renovation introduces more natural light, upgraded fireplaces and improved accessibility while preserving the lodge’s signature log trusses and mountain views.
- Hunter Mountain (Catskills): The popular ski resort is rolling out a fresh look in the Main Lodge with updated interiors throughout and redesigned food and beverage outlets like the Marketplace and Grand Central, serving everything from grab and go snacks, to drinks, waffles and ice cream.
- Mount Peter Ski Area (Hudson Valley): Family fun takes center stage with a new 1,500-square-foot tubing lodge and all-weather snowmaking system ensuring perfect conditions all season. The resort also will debut new fare at Pete’s Pub, making it an ideal winter outing for families.
Celebrate the Season: Winter Events and Experiences
From Olympic celebrations and sparkling solstice strolls to ice festivals and family-friendly holiday villages, New York’s winter calendar is packed with new ways to embrace the magic of the season.
- Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend (Adirondacks): The vibrant three-day celebration of community, winter sports and inclusion will take over Lake Placid between February 27 and March 1. Guests will enjoy a glamorous opening gala in the village, thrilling ski and skate adventures at legendary venues like Whiteface Mountain and the Olympic Oval, energetic après-ski parties and immersive experiences at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum – all set in one of the most iconic winter destinations.
- Catskills Pride Ski Weekend (Catskills): Returning for a third year and taking place on January 31 and February 1, this lively two-day celebration at Belleayre Mountain brings together the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding and shared pride in the great outdoors. The event features group ski lessons, guided mountain runs and a dazzling “Pride Glide” down the slopes. Attendees can also expect festive après-ski gatherings, themed parties and local dining experiences that showcase the welcoming spirit and energy of the Catskills.
- International Biathlon Union Cup (Adirondacks): Lake Placid will host its first IBU Cup at Mt. Van Hoevenberg on February 26 through March 8. As the only stop outside Europe in 2026, the event will feature top emerging men’s and women’s athletes in sprint, pursuit, individual and mixed relay races just after the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
- Lake Placid Winter Olympic Celebration (Adirondacks): As the world watches the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Lake Placid – a two-time Olympic host city – kicks off a month-long celebration in February. The festivities begin on February 5 at the opening ceremony of the Empire State Winter Games. Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy the Legacy & Heritage Exhibit showcasing local Olympic memorabilia, and the Olympic Museum’s 2026 Special Features including interactive exhibits, a live medal-tracker and the “From Lake Placid to Italy” athlete showcase. Other highlights include a virtual Team USA jersey experience running throughout January and February, themed public-skating nights and live Olympic-viewing parties around the village.
- Catskill Winter Solstice Stroll (Catskills): On December 21, the Village of Catskill will transform Main and Bridge Streets into a twinkling pedestrian-only wonderland to mark the longest night of the year. Visitors can join the festivities, which include live music, cozy fire-pits, local shopping, seasonal bites and warm drinks, as the community ushers in the return of light, embraces renewal and sends wishes into the new year.
- Fire & Ice Winter Festival (Finger Lakes): Downtown Canandaigua will come alive on February 22 and 23 for the ninth annual celebration of winter, transforming Main Street into a lively showcase of fire, ice, and community spirit. The two-day event features professional ice-carving competitions, dramatic fire shows, and snow-sculpting demonstrations, along with dog-sled teams, animal encounters and family-friendly entertainment. Culinary highlights include the Chefs’ Challenge, with local chefs competing in a live cook-off, and the Comfort in a Cup Beverage Trail: a self-guided tasting experience featuring cozy creations like rich hot chocolate and mulled cider to spiced cocktails and craft brews.
- ROC Holiday Village (Finger Lakes): Returning December 5 through 28, downtown Rochester will be transformed into a holiday themed winter village filled with lights, music and seasonal magic. Visitors will enjoy free outdoor ice skating, browse artisan vendors in the shopping village and cozy up by fire pits in Adirondack chairs. Families can explore the Winter Igloo Village and Igloo Inn, enjoy story-time events and crafts, hear live music performances nearly every weekend and visit Santa’s Workshop. Meanwhile, The Lodge Bar and a variety of food trucks and vendors will serve festive drinks and warm comfort fare, all set against a backdrop of glowing lights and holiday goodwill.
- Radio City Rockettes Centennial Celebrations (New York City): Marking their 100th anniversary in 2025, the iconic dance troupe launches a milestone edition of the Christmas Spectacular, running from November 6 through January 4 at Radio City Music Hall. Special activations, archival displays, exclusive merchandise and a refreshed show that blends tradition with cutting-edge technology are part of this year’s commemoration, as the Rockettes continue to dazzle audiences and define the magic of the holiday season in New York City.
New Attractions: Culture and Recreation Redefined
New York’s newest attractions celebrate creativity, innovation and community offering fresh spaces to play, connect and be inspired.
- Studio Museum in Harlem (New York City): Following a long-awaited renovation, the seven-story, $160 million museum reopened on November 15 with twice the exhibition space, and will introduce artist studios, classrooms, community rooms and a dramatic central staircase that serves as a social hub and symbol of Harlem’s creative energy. Founded in 1968 as a haven for Black artists, the museum now begins a new era with sweeping views from its rooftop garden. Standing as a bold architectural and cultural landmark on West 125th Street, the new Studio Museum reflects the enduring spirit of Harlem and the powerful role of Black artistry in shaping New York’s cultural landscape.
- Destination KP Sports Park (Long Island): Scheduled to open in January 2026, the 44-acre, cutting-edge sports complex in Kings Park will feature outdoor athletic fields, a multi-level indoor sports facility and a variety of supporting amenities, including retail shops, sports medicine clinics and recreational green areas.
Fresh Flavors and Familiar Favorites: New Places to Drink and Dine
New York State is welcoming a new wave of culinary and shopping experiences that showcase the region’s local artisans, signature flavors and creative spirit – offering residents and visitors alike new opportunities to savor the state’s diverse and distinctive character.
- Bear’s Cup Bakehouse (Capital-Saratoga): Expected to open by December, the beloved Bolton Landing bakery expands to downtown Saratoga Springs with a second location on Broadway. Known for its New York-style bagels, artisan breads and celebrated pastries, the new shop will bring the same devotion to quality and flair to the Spa City’s vibrant dining scene.
- Pint Sized (Capital-Saratoga): Recently opened in Saratoga Springs this November, Pint Sized moved from 489 Broadway to 33 Phila Street, tripling its space. The expanded venue boosts its craft-beer selection, introduces a full liquor license, adds outdoor patio seating, and will feature food service alongside live music, karaoke and event programming – all while preserving the bar’s signature neighborhood vibe.
- Dandies at Eastwind Hotel (Catskills): A newly opened restaurant to mark the next chapter for Eastwind Hotel’s flagship Catskills property, Dandies bringing a stylish new dining experience to Windham. Helmed by Eastwind Hotels Co-Founder and Food and Beverage Director Daniel Cipriani, the restaurant builds on the success of its sister concept, Dandelion, with a Scandinavian-inspired, forage-to-fork menu that celebrates the flavors and spirit of the Catskills. Dandies offers thoughtful comfort dishes and craft cocktails that feel both refined and approachable. In warmer months, guests and locals can enjoy communal garden seating and a seasonal outdoor bar, perfect for long, leisurely meals overlooking the surrounding mountain landscape.
