New York State Highlights Can't-Miss Holiday Sites and Attractions

by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Sun November 24, 2024

If you thought New York was just a concrete jungle, it’s clear you never got out of the city.

The entire state is a playground, especially in the winter.

For instance, did you know that New York has a world-class mountain? Yep. And they even had the Olympic Games there. Twice!

It’s a great place to be when the snow falls and the temperature starts to drop. And now the folks at the I Love NY tourism board are making sure you know about it.

Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “Each year, New York State transforms into a winter wonderland, providing unparalleled experiences for travelers, and this year is no different. An incredible blend of new hotels, indoor and outdoor activities, and culinary adventures awaits visitors this season, making it easier than ever to discover how easy it is to love New York in winter.”

Here are just a few of the events and attractions:

The Henson (Catskills): This newly opened 16-room boutique hotel in the heart of the Catskill Mountains offers a luxurious yet tranquil escape for guests. This is one of several newly opened lodging establishments.
La Tourelle Hotel, Bistro and Spa (Finger Lakes): This longstanding Ithaca gem is now under new ownership and undergoing renovations set to finish by March...PS: The Finger Lakes region of New York produces some surprisingly good champagne.
New York has fantastic ski facilities. Gore Mountain (Adirondacks) will debut its brand-new 18,300 square-foot North Creek Ski Bowl Lodge. The lodge will feature a restaurant, two expansive patio levels, and a ski lift to elevate the mountain experience.
McCauley Mountain Ski Center (Adirondacks) is enhancing its ski experience with a new 1,600 square-foot, three-sided deck at the chalet, complete with outdoor fire pits for added warmth while introducing a new magic carpet lift in the learning area.
Whiteface Mountain (Adirondacks) will expand its learning space by introducing an eco-friendly heated patio at the Bear Den Learning Center. Nearby, The Notch, a new detachable quad lift, will link skiers to two mountain destinations, including the Legacy Lodge. This is where Lake Placid is located.
New York State Pride Ski Weekends (Adirondacks and Catskills): The first-ever Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend is scheduled for March 7-9. The weekend of programming will feature a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages and abilities throughout the Village of Lake Placid and the region’s historic Olympic venues including a welcome party, downhill skiing at Whiteface Mountain, cross-country skiing on 55 kilometers of Olympic trails and ice skating inside the historic Olympic Center.
The National Comedy Center (Chautauqua-Allegheny): The nation’s official museum and archive dedicated to the art of comedy unveiled a new exhibit in October honoring the late Norman Lear and his legacy of comedy and civic engagement. The famed comedy writer and producer is remembered with a special installation recognizing his life’s work.