Five festive things to do this winter on the Upper East Side

New York has an indescribable magic when the temperatures drop, and winter arrives. Charming ice rinks, luxury boutiques, refined musical performances and the city's irrepressible spirit make NYC a superb winter destination. Located on the edge of Central Park on the Upper East Side, The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, is the ideal place to stay -and there's a lot to discover during an upscale New York winter escape. Let’s explore five activities to help you navigate the city’s unrivalled opulence.

1. Lace up your skates at the Wollman Ice Rink

Ice skating is a classic New York winter activity. There are many venues to slip on some cosy Pologeorgis mittens and glide away an evening arm-in-arm. For guests at The Surrey, Wollman Ice Rink is easily the best option. Located in Central Park, the Wollman Rink offers leisurely skating in an iconic setting. Arrange private lessons to perfect your style or watch regular figure skating events and seasonal performances throughout the winter months. Following a spin on the ice, relax with eggnog waffles Melba’s, the friendly on-site restaurant. Or dive into our next luxury adventure on the Upper East Side to satisfy your appetite.

2. Enjoy haute cuisine at Michelin-starred Manhattan restaurants

Foodies don’t need to worry. The Upper East Side is home to a galaxy of gastronomic talent. On 65th Street, Chef Daniel Boulud has earned two Michelin stars with meticulously prepared classic French cuisine. Le Jardinier's Andrew Ayala whips up rustic "farm-to-table" masterpieces. Emma Bengtsson brings some Scandinavian flair at Aquavit, while Marc Vidal evokes the heady aromas and atmosphere of Barcelona at Boqueria on 2nd Avenue. Irresistible tastes are inescapable in this elite dining neighborhood. But the rest of Manhattan is on your doorstep, offering 71 Michelin-starred establishments featuring stellar food from every continent and tradition. Afterward, why not escape the evening winter chill at a wine-tasting session near the Surrey Hotel? AOC East schedules regular tasting sessions for French vintages and you can refresh your viticulture know-how with a sommelier-hosted French Wine 101 session.

3. Book an exclusive tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

 Art lovers will find a little slice of heaven during their stay at The Surrey. To start with, a visit to the Metropolitan Museum is essential. The Metropolitan is one of the world's great art museums, hosting a dizzying array of masterworks. Daring abstract expressionist works like Pollock's Enamel on Canvas jostle for attention with timeless Old Masters like Vermeer's Study of a Young Woman. The collection spans ancient African art, costumes through the ages, and over 5,000 musical instruments. The wonders never end.

The problem with the Metropolitan is navigating its endless collection. If you don't know where to start, why not book a private tour in the evening? Tour the museum after hours with expert guides. There won’t be any distracting crowds as you savor some of the world's finest art. After that, indulge your senses at some of the East Side’s private galleries. Browse the latest abstract pieces at Anita Shapolsky, see touring masterpieces at the Gagosian Gallery, or explore contemporary talents at Almine Reich on E 78th Street. Artistic pleasure is everywhere on the Upper East Side.

4. Enjoy an operatic adventure at the Met

 Bathe in gorgeous melodies at the Metropolitan Opera - just a short chauffeur ride from The Surrey. Every music lover should make the pilgrimage to this global classical music hotspot during their winter excursion. The Met operates a vibrant winter schedule of beloved operas and modernist departures. Recent shows have represented Mozart, Puccini, Offenbach and Rossini. But if you really want to listen in luxury, winter sees a wave of gala shows, blending spectacular performers, fine food and access to cast members. There's no better route into the dazzling world of New York opera.

Moreover, during the day, 75-minute guided tours let you peek behind the scenes. See carpentry shops where artisans craft spectacular scenery and glimpse backstage into dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces to feel part of the drama. And don’t forget: the Met is also part of the Lincoln Center — home of the New York City Ballet and the New York Philharmonic. A daily banquet of cultural delights is a short ride away.

5. Dive into a world-class shopping district

 Finally, a winter visit to New York is the perfect time for some serious luxury shopping. The Upper East Side stands out with boutique fashion, opulent jewelry and other luxury goods. Just a short walk from The Surrey, guests will find Madison Avenue — one of the city's most famous fashion hotspots. The stretch around Central Park features glittering boutiques, including Morgane Le Fay, Chanel and Mirabelle. Fashionistas can sample up-and-coming designers or legendary brands. November sees NYC Jewelry Week at stores around the area, but even outside festival dates, the Upper East Side is a jewelry lover's dream. Masters like Sidney Garber and David Webb are based nearby. Park Avenue galleries like the Macklowe also showcase collections ranging from Art Nouveau originals to contemporary creations. Try on daring styles with a New York makeover, just minutes from your luxury accommodation.

Of course, New York's retail scene has even more to offer shoppers. You'll find everything at Bloomingdale's on 59th Street or Bergdorf Goodman on 5th Avenue. Both department stores host extravagant Christmas displays and events. Meanwhile, luxury secondhand stores dot the streets of the Upper East Side, completing a retail wonderland. Wander, explore and discover something unique to take home. New York is the marketplace of the world, and if you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere.