Explore NYC this January

We are almost nearing the middle of January.. how’d that happen so quickly?! I know things are a bit hectic at the moment, that’s normally how it is anyway when a New Year begins, so I thought I’d find some fantastic things to do in the city, to get your minds to a happy place! It’s important to have options for activities here in the city, and I have to say this is a very interesting month of happenings here. I found a lot of options that I hadn’t even heard of yet! 

Money Heist Experience

Is anyone a Money Heist fan? I’ve heard great things about this Netflix show and I know it’s incredibly popular! A brand new experience has been created where you can test whether or not you have what it takes to be a part of the heist! There are different experiences, kind of built like an escape room, and in them, codes will need to be cracked and safes broken to complete the mission. Do you think you have what it takes? Get your hands on tickets before this sells out! They are open Thursdays-Sundays and the experience takes 60-75 minutes.

Dine at City Winery

I am all about staying safe this winter! The domes at City Vineyard are back and better than ever! You can reserve a table outside in a dome for a date or night out with friends. They are open Tuesdays-Sundays and this spot is overlooking the Hudson River. The views at night during sunset are truly stunning and of course, the food is delicious!

Sloomoo Institute

Does your child love slime? Or do you like it yourself? If you haven’t been to the Sloomoo Institute, you need to check them out! They are like a museum of creative slime. You can even make your own. Right now through February 18th, they have a special promotion going on where you can get 3 tickets for the price of 2! Use code: WINTERJOY22 at checkout!

Go Ice Skating

I will never stop recommending ice skating as a winter activity because I look forward to it all year long! It really is the perfect outdoor activity- it keeps you active and you can go any time of day, really. This is a great form of entertainment as a family, with friends, on a date or even solo! Layer up and grab a hot chocolate after and you’ve had the perfect day. The Wollman Rink is a great spot- it’s right in Central Park and not only are the views amazing, but there’s so much to do around there. You can walk around the park afterwards, shop, get a bite to eat, even stay at a hotel! The possibilities are endless! A few other rinks to note are the Bryant Park Rink, The Rink at Brookfield place, The Rockefeller Rink, Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, Vale Rink and City Ice Pavilion.

 

See Comedy at The Greens

The West Side Comedy Club has a pop up comedy show on Pier 17! Starting February 2nd, they will begin their partnership with the rooftop bar. You can enjoy seasonal cocktails and delicious bites while you laugh! The program is run by Felicia Madison, a comedian and manager, who will be sure to make your night! There will be a comedy show every other Wednesday from 7-8:30PM, so be sure to mark your calendars. Tickets are $15 and only open to ages 21+. This is the perfect night out for a date or with friends!

Visit the Winter Markets

The Winter Markets at Bryant Park are still open in January! It’s such a good way to feel festive into the New Year, I always feel a little blue when the holidays come and go so quickly. There are so many things to do there, you can shop from local vendors, ice skate, get food, drink hot chocolate, they even have bumper cars on ice! That’s something I think is so unique and sounds like a blast!

See a Broadway Show

There are Broadway shows playing and they are following CDC guidelines, so if you feel up to it, please support these artists and watch them perform! Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Wicked, Moulin Rouge, The Book of Mormon, The Lion King, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Mrs. Doubtfire and so many more have tickets available with great seats! They all are amazing musicals, whichever ones you pick to see will be so worth your time! To make this month even more fun, NYC Broadway Week is taking place January 18th-February 13th and you can get tickets 2 for the price of 1!

Watch a Knicks Game

The NY Knicks have plenty of games coming up and they need fans in the stands! This is the perfect thing to do with your family, friends or on a date! Support your team and bond with the people you love. I don’t follow sports closely, but going to a game every now and again as a family is something that always ends up really fun! And what’s better than being the most fashionable at a sports game??

Participate in New York Restaurant Week

If you haven’t heard of New York Restaurant Week, I think I’m about to make your week! Basically, this happens in the Winter and Summer every year and participating restaurants give deals on 2 course lunches and 3 course dinners. The restaurants will offer prices at either $29, $39 or $59. If you’ve ever dined here, you will immediately realize how fantastic these deals are! This is an incredibly popular happening, so you will want to make reservations for every restaurant you’d like to go to. The offers will vary depending on the place, so make sure you know which locations are offering which prices. You can mark this on your calendars for January 18th-February 13th.

Go-Karting on Ice

Yes, you read that right! You can take a spin on a go-kart on an ice rink now! This is such a fun winter activity to bring friends to and where else could you possibly get this experience?! Grab your tickets now, it’s open Fridays-Sundays.

Visit Governor’s Island

If you haven’t been to Governor’s Island yet, now is the time to go! Ferry tickets are around $3, but if you go before noon on the weekends, it’s free! This winter, they have a cute little winter village, where you can ice skate, cozy up next to the fire pit, or enjoy season food! You can explore the island or dine at Collective Retreats  or even book their glamping for a night! This is the perfect family friendly activity here, it’s like a little staycation! So much fun and so close to home.

Wizard Afternoon Tea Experience

The Cauldron is hosting a socially distanced tea experience where you can experience the wizarding world while learning the science of tea brewing. Similar to the world of Harry Potter, there is molecular gastronomy, spell casting and the addition of delicious confectionary delights! Kids 12+ are permitted to attend. Grab some friends who deserve a good time and head over to The Cauldron! Make sure you snag some tickets, though!

Machine Hallucination Experience

ARTECHOUSE has the coolest experience that is closing soon on January 17th! It’s an immersive exhibit that reveals the everchanging shape of the city. New forms of visuals can alter visitors perceptions. They also are showcasing an exclusive NFT from Anadol. This is unlike anything I’ve seen before, it’s trippy in the coolest way and you can’t look away! Tickets are still on sale and this is something that you can bring anyone to, although it’s something I think adults would appreciate most!

Enjoy Turkish  Sand Coffee

Sands of Persia in Astoria is a dessert and hookah bar that has the most delicious Turkish Sand Coffee. This coffee paired with their desserts is beyond heavenly. It’s also cool because it’s just outside of Manhattan in Astoria and if you haven’t been before, it’s a great place to explore. They have the most intricate way of brewing coffee, where it’s then placed in sand to evenly heat it and instantaneously make it foam. The stunning venue is enough of a reason to visit, let alone the delicious coffee and desserts!

Dante Winter House Pop Up

Dante has a stunning and delicious Winter House Pop Up in The Seaport! It’s a true winter wonderland! There’s a Negroni bar, coffee bar, Dante signature bar, Flatbread food truck and Gelateria truck! All of those things are making my mouth water. It’s located at Pearl Alley and open until March, so while you do have time to experience it, you shouldn’t wait because, I mean, how could you? It’s amazing!

Stilletos to Sneakers

The Museum at FIT has a virtual showroom going on and needless to say, it’s one of the coolest happenings in NYC. It’s actually a virtual show, so you can watch any time. I’m fascinated all of the research on the social and cultural significance of shoes, it’s something I’ve never really sat and pondered before, but I learned so much. Shoes are always evolving and the styles are constantly changing, but one thing remains the same: I love them!

Meatpacking Light Installations

The Meatpacking District is always a cool place to be. There’s so much food, shopping and outdoor art installations to admire. This month, they have a phenomenal light installation going on that you will not want to miss! It’s called Lights on the Cobbles and it was set up for the holidays and will remain a few more days. If you need something to do with the kids, run to Meatpacking and gawk at these lights, they are so pretty!

Go to the Met

The Met currently has an amazing exhibit taking place! It’s called Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts. We all know and love the classic Disney movies, but have you ever paid attention to the animations? Especially of the structures? Well, this exhibit goes into the inspiration behind the architecture and overall influence. If you’re a Disney fan, or just like architecture and art, check this out!

 

 

For more NYC recommendations, look here!