It’s a brand new year in New York City and the best time to explore new things. With a new year comes new possibilities and the best things are beginning at this time of year. I know some might shy away from the big apple in the coldest months, but there are actually some fun things to do in the cold weather. For instance, ice skating and sipping hot chocolate in a rooftop igloo is the best way to jump into the winter months. Now is the perfect time to plan out your month of activities starting in early January. Here’s our guide to NYC at this time of the year.
Winter Jazzfest
Calling all jazz fans! Let’s start out the new year with some smooth jazz! Tickets are officially on sale for some amazing jazz performances you won’t want to miss out on. With different locations every night featuring various performers, you’ll probably want to check out more than one day! Temperatures are dropping low, so going indoors for some music might be the best move!
NBA Games
The NBA is back and it’s time for some basketball games! Our team plays at Madison Square Garden and it’s always a fun time. There’s just something about taking the whole family to a game, eating stadium food and enjoying watching them play in such a lively arena. Kind of like a core memory in a childhood. It’s one of Ryder’s favorite things to do and we’re looking forward to grabbing tickets this season!
Ice Skate
Ice skating opened up in the city this fall, but we never get sick of it. In fact, we try to take advantage of it all winter long and get our practice in! We live near The Rink at Brookfield Place, so the kids go there with their friends almost daily to skate and hang out. With amazing spots all over the city, it can be difficult to choose a location. I have an entire blog post about the best ice skating spots in NYC if you need any help!
Restaurant Week
The most delicious week in the city is coming back! Running the 16th through February 4th, make some room with your meal plans! Reservations actually will start to open on the 9th, which you will want to get a head start on because it’s a popular activity to participate in here in NYC. If you’re unfamiliar with this few week event, it is when restaurants have running deals where you can get a trio of pricing options normally $30, $45 and $60 for prix fixe lunch and dinners. This is a great idea for a date night or a night out with friends!
Broadway Week
Running at the same time as Restaurant Week, it’s Broadway Week! I always find it really convenient to have these at the same time for date night plans. This is where you can get 2 for 1 tickets to certain Broadway shows! Again, tickets will go on sale on the 9th and you will want to snag them early!
Dining in the Dark
This is something I’ve never done before but I’m definitely intrigued. They say that 80% of people eat with their eyes, so this establishment is taking away your sight to enjoy a meal. Essentially you wear a blindfold while you eat so you can focus more on the taste- this is not a dark restaurant like in that When in Rome movie! If you’re up for a new experience, you’ve gotta check this out!
Aprés Ski Chalets
Now this is a really cool winter attraction! Rockefeller Center has 50 minute reservations for the most adorable ski chalets. You can order food and drinks while you enjoy the sights all around Rockefeller Center. This is a busy part of town, so you can make this a stop along the way while you shop or use it as a dinner pregame.
Museum of Ice Cream Pinkmas
The Museum of Ice Cream is decked out in pink for the holiday season! Enjoy unlimited holiday treats, crafts, huge snowglobe, pink trees and so much fun! Tickets are on sale for some fun now through the 15th. With only a few weeks left, you’ll want to sprint to check this out!
Enjoy Rooftop Igloos
Somewhere Nowhere is known for their nightclubs and rooftop pool, but did you know they have rooftop igloos this season? Enjoy some of the best cocktails in town with bites and incredible views. This is a prepaid experience but the views are worth it! If you’re looking to impress anyone, this is a really cool spot.
Ride Bumper Cars
There are surprisingly several spots to ride bumper cars in this winter! The biggest one is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. You can sip hot cocoa after riding bumper cars on ice! Another great spot is The Plaza at The Standard High Line! We recently went to that one and the girls had so much fun! It’s a family-friendly activity that will have your kids wanting to keep going back.
Oculus Roller Rink
We are familiar with all the ice rinks in town, but this roller rink to change your life! All throughout the winter season, Oculus has Winter Whirl. This looks like an ice rink, but it’s for roller skating. Tickets are $30 and you can skate for 45 minutes.
Chinese New Year
While this is coming up next month, I always think it’s great to plan ahead. The parade and festival will feature tons of food, dancing, live performances by martial artists and so much more! The parade takes place February 25th, so mark your calendars! The New York Chinese Cultural Center has so much information on this, so if you’re interested in learning more, check them out!
Winter Wonderland at The Bronx Zoo
If you have kids and are looking for one of the best places to spend your weekend, try the Bronx Zoo! They have a Winter Wonderland special, as the zoo is not in hibernation. Featuring bears, tigers, seals and so many more adorable animals, you can learn all about them. Make sure you get tickets first!
See a Hockey Game
The New York Rangers are back in action this winter! All hockey fans are flocking to get tickets, so you’ll want to make sure you get your hands on some! It’s one of those activities that is indoors, so you are warm from not having to be outside, yet it’s ice so it’s a bit chillier. Wear a sweater under your jersey! It’s a great activity if you and your friends want to do something, but you don’t want to go out.
Go Sledding
We don’t have places to ski in NYC, although there are plenty around us to travel to, especially within a few hours. Sledding is the perfect option because we do have areas with hills. For instance, Central Park and Prospect Park both have great hills to slide down! I have a whole post about which sleds are the best, so you’ll have to check that out before going this season!
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