New York is a dreamy state to experience December in. Of course, it’s home to the iconic city of the same name, which offers a variety of festive opportunities, like the lighting of the tree in Rockefeller Center or seeing the lights on Saks Fifth Avenue. But enjoying December in the big city is a totally different experience than going to one of New York’s quaint towns.

For travelers looking for a more low-key and traditional December trip (or who just need a break from the big city), then check out one of the following New York towns. These are the most beautiful in the state, with sweeping natural beauty covered in a thick layer of snow by December.

But these towns are also great destinations because of the attractions they offer. Some are known to be hubs for winter sports and activities, while others offer a festive charm (including some with heavy Victorian influence) that make for a memorable trip. Whether travelers are looking to stay over Christmas or sometime else during the festive month, these 13 New York towns are great destinations in December.

UPDATE: 2023/03/12 10:53 EST BY AARON SPRAY

More Of The New York Towns Worth Visiting In The Winter

Winter in Upstate New York may take backstage to the other seasons (including the foliage season), but there are plenty of excellent destinations to explore during the winter. Upstate New York is full of towns that are stunning during the winter and some offer a completely different experience in the winter. This list was updated and expanded to include more of the towns in New York worth visiting during the winter.

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13 Lake George

Set in the Adirondack Mountains, this town offers a bit of something for everyone. There’s plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities. The mountains offer over 200 miles of trail for snowmobile enthusiasts and also allow for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

There are plenty of festivals and special events held in the winter months, including the polar plunge and Lake George’s winter carnival. There are also lots of opportunities for entertainment and shopping, with the Lake George outlets being a popular tourist destination.

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12 Hunter

The Catskills are one of the best-known places for winter sports in New York, which makes Hunter a prime December destination. The mountain stands 1,231 meters tall and offers plenty of opportunities for activities like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. There are plenty of shopping and restaurant opportunities, too.

11 Cooperstown

For a quaint destination, consider Cooperstown, which is nestled in central New York state. The town offers a variety of appealing shops and restaurants. It also has a rich history, which can be explored through its National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Cooperstown has become more popular in recent years, but visitors can expect a relaxing destination with less hustle and bustle than most cities (plus excellent views of Otsego Lake).

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10 Palmyra

For a charming destination, consider Palmyra in Wayne County. Mackenzie’s Marketplace is a must-see in December. This boutique store pops up around the holidays to offer unique items, perfect for collectibles and Christmas gifts.

Additionally, there are plenty of museums to explore (including the Alling Coverlet museum), which explains the area’s rich history.

9 Gardiner

This is the perfect place for folks looking for a small-town getaway from the big city. Gardiner is home to a number of historic sites, including the oldest 18th-century mill in New York.

The town decorates itself for the holidays, but the ample amount of snow makes it feel like a winter paradise, regardless. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The stunning rock formations in Minnewaska State Park Preserve are a must-see and an excellent chance for tock climbers to have some fun.

8 Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant is known to be a spook-tacular destination during October for its Halloween festivities, but it’s also a great place to visit in December. The town gets a decent amount of snow, which makes for picturesque views from the Mount Pleasant Pier and Pitt Street Bridge. Visitors will love the quaint, inviting feeling of the town, especially when it’s decorated for the holiday season.

7 Lake Placid

Lake Placid has hosted the Olympics twice, and it’s not surprising given its serene beauty. It’s the perfect New York getaway for travelers looking to take advantage of winter activities like tubing, dog sledding, and ice skating. Just prepare for snow, as the average daily snowfall is nearly 10 inches.

6 Skaneateles

Located in Onondaga County, Skaneateles is the perfect place to experience a winter wonderland. In addition to the inches of snow on the ground, visitors can expect to see Christmas lights and décor everywhere, even on the tree at the end of the town’s pier.

The Victorian neighborhood often features costumed characters, with carolers and other festive get-ups during December. Skaneateles is home to a rich history, posh stores, and a movie-like backdrop.

5 Woodstock

Town center at Woodstock NY in the Catskill Mountains
Shutterstock
Town center at Woodstock NY in the Catskill Mountains

The artistic energy of Woodstock is what makes it incomparable to other towns in New York. It’s home to a variety of art galleries and unique shops to entertain visitors for hours. In December, guests can expect to see a more festive flare in businesses while the town will be decorated for the holidays.

Plus, Woodstock offers easy access to the Catskill Mountains, so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a mix of winter sports as well as culture.

4 New Paltz

For travelers who want to get out and hike in December, New Paltz is the place to go. It offers 2,200 acres of forest, with a variety of hiking trails designed for different skill levels. The trails are known to be well-marked, and maps are available, so being an experienced hiker isn’t necessary.

For those who do choose to hike in New Paltz in December, be prepared for the weather – it’ll be cold with a lot of snow on the ground.

3 Cold Spring

Only 50 miles out of Manhattan and nestled on the Hudson River is Cold Spring. Cold Spring is a relaxing village with a population of around 2,000 people. It is listed o the National Register of Historic Places as the Cold Spring Historic District (thanks to its well-preserved 19th-century buildings).

Cold Spring attracts people year-round with restaurants, walks, and hikes to enjoy. Close to the village are the Appalachian Trail and the Clarence Fahnestock State Park.

2 Niagara Falls

niagara falls in the winter

There are two Niagara Falls cities - one in New York and one across the border in Ontario, Canada. Niagara Falls can be very cold during the winter months, and the crowds have long since dissipated. Many of the services of Niagara Falls are suspended during the winter months (like the Maid of the Mist cruises). But there are still plenty of other lodgings and attractions to still enjoy at the falls and in the adjacent city during the winter.

Niagara Falls looks completely different during the winter, with the mist freezing on the rocks and coating the sidewalks. While Niagara Falls is best visited during the summer months, visit during the winter as well for a completely different experience.

1 Syracuse

Downtown Syracuse, New York

Syracuse is a four-season destination and gateway to the Finger Lakes region. It is located in the heart of the state of New York and is famous for its outdoor fun and year-round festivals. Syracuse is also the fifth-most populated city in New York (after NYC, Buffalo, Yonkers, and Rochester).

Not only is Syracuse a gateway to the Finger Lakes, but it is also an economic and educational hub of Central New York. Syracuse is also a city with a large number of trees - some 27% of its area is covered with trees.