The Ultimate Winter Bucket List for New Haven

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.