NYC Winter Must Haves Guide: What To Wear And Pack for the Cold

Here’s my NYC winter must haves guide: the pieces I rely on every winter to stay warm, stylish, and ready for the cold.

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… If you’re packing for a December or January trip, start with these NYC winter must haves.
• 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.

NYC Winter Must Haves

These are the winter must-haves I rely on in NYC so you stay warm, stylish, and actually enjoy the cold.

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!

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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!

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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!!!

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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!

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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!!!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Rechargeable Hand Warmers

These pocket-size electric hand warmers heat up in seconds and stay warm for hours. A total lifesaver for freezing NYC walks, Christmas markets, travel days, and long outdoor events.

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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 and outdoor events.!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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If you’re packing for a December or January trip, start with these NYC winter must haves! I update this NYC winter must haves guide whenever I find something truly helpful. SAVE it for December and share it with the person you love shopping with.

If you want more gift ideas, head to my full New York City Gift Guide for 2025, or explore all my NYC gift lists here:
– SURVIVING WINTER MUST HAVES
– TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
– CREATOR MUST HAVES
– NYC LOVER GIFTS
– UNIQUE GIFTS UNDER $25
– WELLNESS, BEAUTY, & RITUALS
– EXPERIENCES TO GIVE (AND GET)
– STYLE & HOME

Disclosure: While I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when you book through the links on VivereNewYork, I only recommend what I truly love (see our editorial guidelines). Thank you so much for supporting my work and helping me keep sharing insider tips like this one!  by booking through VivereNewYork!!! 💜