Cold weather does not dampen holiday spirit in New York City

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- With freezing nighttime temperatures, New York City and many cities in New Jersey are operating under code blue.

In New York City, locals and tourists are not letting this cold weather get in the way of their holiday spirit.

It may still technically be fall, but it is feeling like the middle of winter. For some, the temperature drop caught them off guard as we’ve been having some warm weather lately.

The first day of December is not only bringing in the Christmas spirit. But also, very cold temperatures 

“I am freezing,” said Leslie, a New Yorker who moved to San Diego 30 years ago. She added it is not Christmas season if temperatures don’t feel like winter. “And that’s why we are here just to soak in the Christmas spirit. There is no place like New York at Christmas time.”

Temperatures in the tri-state area will remain below average through the next couple of days.

In Essex County, New Jersey, a code blue is activated until next Friday morning. Warming centers will be open throughout the county.

In Newark, shelters have increased bed capacity and extended their hours to help those who need a warm place to stay.

“It hasn’t been really cold in NY. Everybody says they are freezing, but this our weather,” said New York City resident Melissa.

Natalie and her friends came to the city to do some shopping from Long Island. They came prepared. “That is why we have these gloves and hand warmer,” said Natalie.

Hot chocolate seemed to be a common denominator Sunday afternoon at Bryant Park. “It’s hot chocolate," said Abby. "It gets me in the Christmas mood.”

And that mood, Abby said will not be ruined by cold weather. “We prepared, we have hand-warmers and fee-warmers and everything. I am all decked out here,” stated Abby.

If you need to locate a shelter or a warming station in New Jersey, dial 211 or visit www.nj211.org