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The Ultimate Winter Bucket List for New Haven

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(Updated Jan 2025, Originally posted in Feb 2021)

January in New Haven has a way of inviting you to slow down and embrace the season, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside your apartment! The Elm City is full of hidden gems and winter-friendly spots that make cold days something to look forward to.

Ready to make the most of the season? Here are 10 ways to stay inspired and active in New Haven this winter!

1. Take a Stroll around Yale University Campus

Choose a self-guided tour around Yale’s prestigious campus or let a Yale student be your guide at the Yale Visitor Center. If you go the self-guided route, you can visit the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail or take a walk around Broadway. Soak in the historic buildings through College Street and along Prospect Street to take in the various campus architecture.

If you go through the Yale Visitor Center, you can expect a tour that includes the Gothic Sterling Memorial Library, and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Reservations are required, so plan ahead.

TOUR YALE UNIVERSITY

2. Visit Food Truck Paradise

One thing is for sure, you’ll never go hungry in New Haven. There are rows of food trucks along Long Wharf that are located just minutes away from the downtown area. Most days, you can visit these food trucks from 11 am until 8 pm.

You can certainly taste a wide variety of flavors along this food truck paradise. From Mexican to Southern, Cuban, and Thai, there is something for everyone! Read more about food trucks here.

Pro Tip: Bundle up and enjoy a waterfront view while you dine!

food trucks near yale

3. Take a Hike!

East Rock Park offers the best views of Downtown New Haven, the harbor, and Long Island Sound. Take a hike and enjoy this 425-acre park that boasts more than 10 miles of trails for walkers, joggers, and cross-country skiers to explore.

As far as hikes go, East Rock is beginner friendly with clear paths. You can even walk, cycle, or drive up to the summit via Summit Drive. You’ve most likely seen the most recognizable attraction, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, from downtown. East Rock Park is open from sunrise to sunset all year.

Local Tip: Start your hike at the Eli Whitney Museum parking area for a scenic 30-minute trek to the summit.

view from east rock

4. Eat World Famous Pizza

Eating world-famous pizza is a year-round activity in the Elm City. The home of pizza continues to provide the best options around.

For a traditional taste, grab a tomato pie with mozzarella from Frank Pepe’s or Modern Apizza (who both offer in-person dining and takeout). If you’re interested in another New Haven pizza delicacy, you can’t go wrong with a mashed potato and bacon pizza from Bar. When it comes to New Haven’s many pizzerias and their specialties, you’ll want to sample them all, so make this a year-round mission!

pizza in new haven

5. Explore the Marsh Botanical Gardens

Yale’s Marsh Botanical Gardens offer stunning collections that span over 6 greenhouses and several outdoor areas. From exotic carnivorous plants to their tropical collection and The Desert House, walk around and marvel at the stunning plant species collected and preserved by Yale researchers, faculty, and students. The outdoor and natural areas of the garden are open from 7 am to sunset every day, and it’s FREE. If you’re looking to visit the greenhouse inside, it’s recommended to make an appointment.

marsh botanical gardesn

6. Go for Brunch

From bottomless mimosas to sweet treats, New Haven has stellar brunch spots:

  • Pacifico: Prix fixe menu with cocktails.
  • Bella’s in Westville: Known for its cozy charm (no reservations, so arrive early).
  • The Place 2 Be: Trendy dishes with Instagram-worthy presentations.

Join the waitlist online for a seamless experience.

brunch in new haven

7. Visit a CitySeed Market

Throughout the warmer months, you can find several CitySeed markets pop up around the city. The organizers have found a winter location to continue this incredible trader’s market. Head over to Conte West Hills School where they’ll be selling local goods from 10 am to 1 pm every Saturday throughout January and into March. There are around 16 vendors in the parking lot offering fresh local produce, baked treats, eggs, meat, and more.

city seed market in new haven

8. Take in a Show

Cozy up at one of New Haven’s theaters:

  • Shubert Theater: A downtown staple for plays and musicals.
  • Long Wharf Theatre: A hub for captivating performances.

Music lovers can check out live shows at College Street Music Hall or Cafe Nine.

shubert theater new haven ct

9. It Adventures Rope Course

If you like a little adventure, then a trip to the It Adventures Rope Course needs to be on your to-do list. Located inside Jordan’s Furniture on Sergeant Drive, this course includes more than 100 aerial challenges including bridges, cargo nets, and more. Complete your course with a zip line ride over liquid fireworks. There is even a smaller course for kids under 48”.

it adventures ropes course new haven ct

10. Day at the Museum

Escape the New Haven cold with an educational outing:

  • Yale Peabody Museum: Natural history treasures.
  • New Haven Museum: Dive into local history.

Learn and explore some fun topics as you make the most of your winter days.

Whether you’re outside enjoying nature, taking in a show, or tasting some delicious food, there’s always something to keep you busy on a winter’s day in New Haven.

yale peabody museum new haven ct

There are plenty of things to do in New Haven during the winter, including taking a stroll around Yale University's campus, visiting food truck paradise, taking a hike in East Rock Park, eating world-famous pizza, exploring the Marsh Botanical Gardens, going for brunch, visiting a CitySeed Market, taking in a show, and more.
Yes! They are open all winter long.
There are several theaters in New Haven where you can see a show, including the Shubert Theater, which is located in the heart of downtown, and the Long Wharf Theatre. If you're into music, you can also check out the College Street Music Hall or Cafe Nine.
One great place to go for a hike in New Haven is East Rock Park, which offers the best views of downtown New Haven, the harbor, and Long Island Sound. It boasts more than 10 miles of trails for walkers, joggers, and cross-country skiers to explore.