As the year draws to a close, New York State is encouraging residents and visitors to use their remaining paid time off by exploring a range of experiences across the state in December. With vacation days often expiring at year’s end, officials highlight the opportunity for leisure and discovery in various destinations.
“December is the perfect excuse to take a day off, or a few, and explore the incredible experiences New York State has waiting for you. Carve twists and turns on snowy slopes, discover charming new-to-you towns, unwind with a restorative wellness retreat, or spark your curiosity in world-class museums and galleries. With so much to see and do across the state, it’s time to step away from the desk and make the most of your vacation days,” reads a statement from I LOVE NEW YORK.
Travelers can find savings on mid-week stays at resorts such as Inns of Aurora in the Finger Lakes, The Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown, Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz—where Victorian Holiday Celebrations are ongoing—and Gurney’s Montauk Resort on Long Island.
Animal enthusiasts may visit sites like Clover Brooke Farm in Hyde Park for llama or alpaca walks, meet penguins at Aquarium of Niagara, observe wolves at Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, or participate in shark dives at Long Island Aquarium.
For those interested in developing new skills during their time off, options include single-day cooking classes at Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park and Eataly’s Italian culinary sessions in Manhattan. Other creative outlets mentioned are improv workshops at The Peoples Improv Theater (PIT) and dance lessons at Broadway Dance Center.
The Corning Museum of Glass offers glassblowing classes alongside its collection spanning 3,500 years. Additional hands-on opportunities can be found at NYK (New York Kitchen) with cooking classes paired with tastings of local beverages.
The state also features beverage tours ranging from Angry Orchard’s cider experience in Walden to guided tastings at Brewery Ommegang near Cooperstown. Dassai Blue Sake Brewery recently opened its doors as one of Hudson Valley’s largest sake producers. Buffalo Distilling Co., known for farm-to-bottle bourbon production using local grains, provides tours and tastings.
Visitors seeking relaxation have several spa destinations available: Mohonk Spa offers nature-inspired treatments; Mirbeau operates luxury spas with overnight lodging options; Mirror Lake Resort Inn & Spa specializes in therapies with lakeside views; Skana spa within Turning Stone Resort combines wellness services with casino entertainment.
Museum-goers can explore recent exhibitions such as those focusing on marriage equality and George Washington at New York State Museum in Albany or immersive installations like Infinity Mirror Rooms at Buffalo AKG Art Museum through March 2026. The Studio Museum in Harlem celebrates over two centuries of artistic contributions by more than 800 artists. Seasonal events include New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show running until February 2026.
Small towns such as Hudson for antiques shopping; Beacon and Ithaca for arts venues; Lake Placid and Ellicottville for outdoor sports provide additional ways to spend time away from work routines.
Outdoor activities remain central attractions—with hiking trails around Mohonk Mountain House grounds or Letchworth State Park waterfalls recommended—and ski resorts like Gore Mountain or Whiteface offer weekday passes when crowds are smaller.
Residents are invited to share their travel experiences using #ILoveNY across social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.
