NYC In Focus

Winter Wonderland in NYC: A Snowy Surprise

Published by

Howard Weiss

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The first day of winter arrived in spectacular fashion as New Yorkers woke up to a frosty surprise on December 21, 2024. After years without a measurable December snowfall, the city was draped in a beautiful white blanket of snow—a sight that delighted residents and photographers alike.

When I went to bed on Friday, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The forecast mentioned some snow, but it wasn’t until I opened my window on Saturday morning that I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. Snow covered the streets, cars, and rooftops in my Brooklyn neighborhood. It felt like waking up in a timeless winter postcard.

An Unexpected Winter Scene

The snow started falling around 5 a.m. and left behind anywhere from 2 to 5 inches across parts of New York City and northern New Jersey. In my corner of Brooklyn, the streets were quiet, with no one rushing out to shovel—a rare sight in a city that’s usually so prepared. It seemed like we were all caught off guard by the winter’s arrival.

Scrolling through my social media feed, I noticed several fellow photographers had already taken to the streets, capturing the magic in the early morning light. Though I was late to the game, I decided I couldn’t miss the opportunity to document this rare moment.

A Photographer’s Snow Day

Armed with my brand-new Sony A1 Mark II, I layered up, grabbed my camera bag, and headed out. I thought I was ready for the cold until I realized I had made a rookie mistake: I was wearing mesh sneakers instead of boots. The icy slush soaked through almost instantly, leaving my toes frozen. Improvisation was key—I ended up using one of my gloves as an extra layer for my socks, a hack I never thought I’d resort to!

The snow-covered city was stunning, with families building snowmen, children sledding, and everyone bundled up in bright scarves and puffy jackets. Snow has this magical way of making New York City look both timeless and serene, even in the hustle of the weekend.

Two individuals, one in a green jacket, play in the snow near snow-covered park benches in front of a snow-dusted brownstone building. A metal fence separates the scene from the building.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / NYC in Focus

Scenes of the City

Brooklyn Bridge Park was particularly beautiful, with its paths lined in snow and the Manhattan skyline in the distance. I was thrilled to find a perfectly crafted snowman sitting near the waterfront. It was adorned with a classic carrot nose and stick arms, standing proudly as if it knew it was the centerpiece of the park that day.

Nearby, I captured a heartwarming moment of a grandfather pushing his granddaughter on a swing. Despite the freezing temperatures, the park was alive with activity, with families and couples embracing the winter wonderland.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / NYC in Focus

Snow-dusted rocks line the waterfront, offering a foreground view of the Brooklyn Bridge and a modern cityscape under a bright blue sky. A glass pavilion sits near the bridge’s base.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / NYC in Focus

As I made my way back through the streets, I stumbled upon Santa Claus, standing on the corner handing out candy canes to bundled-up children. The sight of Santa surrounded by falling snow and twinkling lights was a picture-perfect New York moment.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / NYC in Focus

Reflections on the Snowy Day

This snowfall was more than just a weather event—it was a chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the season. As a native New Yorker, I’ve seen the city transform in countless ways, but nothing beats the simple magic of snow. It blankets the chaos, softens the city’s edges, and reminds us of the joy in small moments.

Gallery of Moments

Here are some additional captures from the day:

A person in a green parka walks two white dogs on a paved waterfront walkway. A snow-dusted metal fence separates them from a cityscape under a bright blue sky. Puddles and patches of snow are visible.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / NYC in Focus

Two girls wearing winter clothing have a snowball fight in a snow-covered park playground. A metal park bench is in the foreground. The background shows a brick building and bare trees.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / NYC in Focus

A woman and child hold icicles outside a brick building. The woman wears a green jacket, and the child a dark blue jacket. The scene is set on a city sidewalk with snow.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / NYC in Focus

Collection of wood slice ornaments, personalized with names, dates, and designs. Displayed on a dark surface with snow. A Christmas countdown sign is visible.

Photo Credit: Howard Weiss / NYC in Focus

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