Your Surviving Winter Must-Haves Guide

November 29, 2025November 30, 2025 experience

Winter in New York has its own magic: the crisp air, the glowing lights, the feeling that you’re walking through a movie. There’s only one thing you might not appreciate… it also gets REALLY COLD 🥶… “wind slicing through your face” cold. So if you’re wondering what to wear in NYC in winter, this is not just for your holiday gifting, this is also for you!

After almost 20 winters in the city, I’ve perfected exactly what to wear and what to pack so you can stay warm, stylish, and actually enjoy the cold.

This Surviving Winter Must-Haves guide is part of my Holiday Gifts To Give and Get series – perfect if you’re planning a trip to freezing destinations or looking for the coziest, most practical Christmas gifts for someone visiting NYC. Think of it as your go-to checklist for winter layers, smart accessories, and the cold-weather essentials that truly make a difference.

WHO THIS GUIDE IS FOR:

• Anyone visiting NYC in winter and wants to stay warm and stylish.
• Travelers heading to freezing destinations who need smart, warm, and cozy essentials.
• Holiday shoppers looking for useful, city-proof winter must-haves.
• First-time NYC visitors unsure what to pack for December–March.
• Locals who want to refresh their winter essentials with pieces that last.

The Warmest Layer I Wear All Winter

Light, soft, and unbelievably warm. This thermal layer keeps your core cozy without adding bulk. It’s also super cute!!! A perfect winter gift for anyone who hates feeling cold and still wants to look good!

thermal tights for winter, warm opaque legwear for cold weather

Thermal Tights That Keep You Warm & Cute

These thermal tights are a total game changer when the city gets freezing. Thin enough to stay sleek under dresses or skirts and super warm. I also love the ones from Calzedonia – pricier, but more versatile as you can swap the outer tights over the thermal layer!

NYC-Proof Down Coat for Freezing Days

This down parka is the perfect NYC winter shield. Down-filled, windproof, and cozy, it makes even the coldest days wearable. Zip it up, pull the hood tight, and the city wind vanishes. A serious must-have for freezing commutes and snow-dusted walks!

Cashmere blend cabin socks

Your feet deserve this softness.
A merino–cashmere blend that feels like a hug. Perfect for cozy nights, movie marathons, and winter mornings. They are super warm and cute!!!

Light grey oversized merino wool scarf

The Oversized Scarf That Elevates Everything

Buttery soft, breathable, and insanely warm. This is the kind of scarf that makes winter outfits look polished while keeping you snug on freezing days. A timeless investment piece.

Snow-Ready Boots for City Streets

These waterproof boots are my winter armor, especially Upstate NY. Snow, slush, rain, they handle it all while keeping feet warm and dry. Comfy, sturdy, and built to last. A must-have for freezing commutes, holiday markets, and winter walks through NYC.

Cream sherpa slippers with closed toe and black sole

Soft and Warm Stay-At-Home Slippers

Plush, warm, and insanely comfortable. These feel like tiny sherpa clouds on your feet. Perfect for cold mornings, WFH days, or slipping into after long city walks.

Woman wrapped in a heated weighted blanket relaxing on a couch

The Heated Weighted Blanket Everyone Loves

My go-to winter comfort. The heat relaxes every muscle and the weight feels like a warm hug. Perfect for cold nights and the coziest gift you can give.

Soft Cashmere Tech Gloves for Winter

Warmth with a little luxury. These soft cashmere gloves keep your hands toasty while letting you scroll, snap, and text without taking them off. A winter essential that feels elevated, effortless, and perfect for cold NYC days.

ox of disposable hand and foot warmers with heat packs for winter cold

Hand and Foot Warmers for Brutal NYC Cold

These air-activated warmers heat up in minutes and last up to 10 hours. I always keep a couple in all my bags and my coat pocket all winter.. Perfect for freezing NYC walks, outdoor events,!

Calzedonia Thermal Tights

These are my “elevated” thermal tights. Pricier than the Amazon pair, but more versatile: you can swap the outer sheer layer while keeping the thermal base underneath. Game changer!!!

Women’s cream fair-isle sweater with red and navy heart pattern

The Festive Knit I’m Loving This Season

A soft, cozy knit with the sweetest fair-isle heart pattern. Perfect for winter walks, holiday markets, and all things festive. Warm, comfy, and easy to style with jeans or layered under a puffer.

A Thermal Tank That Actually Works

Perfect for layering when temps drop. Soft, fleece-lined, lightweight, and completely invisible under sweaters or t-shirts. Keeps your core warm without bulk.

This Brushed Scarf Makes Any Outfit Warmer

Soft, warm, and beautifully oversized, this brushed fringe scarf is the easiest way to stay cozy on freezing days. It wraps like a blanket, styles like a classic, and feels way more expensive than it is. An everyday winter essential you’ll reach for nonstop.

Amazon Find! Super Warm Knee-High Boots

Unbelievable Amazon find. Warm, comfortable, and perfect for long winter days walking around the city. The lace-up style keeps the look sleek while the insulated design keeps your legs and feet cozy. Affordable, stylish, and winter-proof!

UGG Tasman Maxi Curly Slippers in natural color – soft sherpa slip-ons with stitched trim, perfect for winter comfort and cozy home style

Warmest Home Slippers for Cold Mornings

Soft, warm, and incredibly plush. These dreamy UGG slip-ons feel like stepping into tiny sherpa clouds. Effortlessly luxurious, endlessly wearable.

The Warm Beanie You’ll Wear Daily

Warm, soft, and so cute. This Columbia pom beanie is a winter essential for freezing days and long city walks. Cozy, comfy, and perfect for gifting.

If you want more gift ideas, head to my full New York City Gift Guide for 2025. It includes NYC lover gifts, travel essentials, cozy living favorites, winter must-haves, stocking stuffers, and so much more.

Save it for December and share it with the person you love shopping with.

CIAOOOOO!!!!

Disclosure: While I may receive a small commission — at no extra cost to you — when you shop through the links on VivereNewYork, I only recommend products I genuinely love and use.
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Laura Giromini

Brooklynite from Italy with infectious energy, Laura is a marketing content creator for major brands, professional photographer and she enjoys travel writing… especially for this blog! She shares NYC insider tips, unique experiences, and travel guides to inspire you to go after your dreams, live in wonder, and turn everyday life into Wow Moments.

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Meet Laura, the energy behind VivereNewYork.

Ciaooo! I’m Laura. Originally from Tuscany, I traveled all over Italy as an actor and dancer until I moved to NYC in 2007 to pursue my acting career. In 2009, I launched Vivere New York to inspire EVERYONE to get the best out of their experience in New York City by sharing my personal discoveries, insider tips, and passion for life.

Today, I’ve expanded my horizons, exploring bucket-list destinations, and I love creating itinerary-based guides so you have all the info you need to get the most out of your travels!

Through my photography and storytelling, I want to empower YOU to chase your dreams, romanticize the everyday, and create your own Wow Moments wherever life takes you.