It’s a new year with tons of fun winter happenings in New York City! I hope everyone had great new year’s eve celebrations and special events to conclude the holiday season! One of the best ways to dive into a new year is to make a list of things you want to do or see. Goals, if you will. The city is always a good time, but especially in the winter, when it still feels magical after the holidays. While there are large crowds from people visiting, there are experiences and happenings you can plan to head to early or book reservations for. Here is everything to do in NYC in January!
Winter Jazzfest
Calling all jazz fans! Let’s start out 2023 with some music! The Winter Jazzfest will be taking place the 12-18th and tickets are officially on sale! With different locations every night featuring various performers, you’ll probably want to check out more than one day! Average temperatures are dropping to 30 and below, so going indoors for some music might be the best move!
Image: Winter Jazzfest
Origami Holiday Tree
If you haven’t heard about this annual event, let me just tell you, that you’ve been missing out! The American Museum of Natural History displays a beautiful tree created by OrigamiUSA decorated with thousands and thousands of origami made by origami masters from all over the globe! It’s so much more than your average Christmas trees and truly a sight to see. Get your tickets now!
Image: American Natural History Museum
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!
Image: Ticketmaster
Ice Skate
Ice skating opened up in the city late November, but we really 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!
ARTECHOUSE
If you’re looking for a really cool and unique experience in the city, ARTECHOUSE is the place to check out! It’s an immersive holiday factory that makes you feel like you are dropped in a childhood fantasy world. There’s floating Christmas bells, nutcrackers, candy cane carousels and so much more! Go on a scavenger hunt to find the 6 hidden gifts! This experience runs through the 8th and you will not want to miss this!
Image: ARTECHOUSE
Restaurant Week
It’s back! Running the 17th through February 12th, the most delicious event of the winter is here! Reservations actually will start to open on the 10th, which you will want to get a head start on because it’s a popular activity to participate in. 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!
Image: NYC.gov
Broadway Week
Running at the same time as Restaurant Week, it’s Broadway Week! This is where you can get 2 for 1 tickets to certain Broadway shows! Again, tickets will go on sale on the 10th and you will want to snag them! Make a whole night out of it and get a great meal in one of the best neighborhoods and then head to Times Square for a show! You can never go wrong with a Broadway show for a date, by the way!
Image: NYCGo
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is taking place on Sunday, January 22nd and it’s the year of the rabbit. The parade and festival will feature tons of food, dancing, live performances by martial artists and so much more! The parade takes place February 12th, 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! Everything is being put on by betterchinatown.com and it will be the best celebration for the lunar new year!
Image: Filip Wolak, c/o TimeOut
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!
Image: Bronx Zoo
Go on a Dinner Cruise
Did you know you could go on a quick cruise for dinner in NYC? If it’s too cold for rooftop bars, try a dinner cruise! They are indoors and have some great food and drink options while you get some of the best views of the city. Ride past Lady Liberty and around downtown Manhattan, all while feasting! This makes for a fabulous date night!
Image: Empire Cruises
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.
Image: TicketMaster
The High Line Winter Tour
The High Line is one of the best ways to see parts of Manhattan. It’s near the Hudson River above the streets, so it’s elevated. Grab hot chocolate and take a nice walk with their tour while you learn some really cool NYC facts. It’s free on Wednesdays and Saturdays, but it’s first come, first serve.
Image: The High Line
Check out the Jewish Deli Exhibit
This brand new, immersive exhibit is being put on by the New York Historical Society. Running until April 2nd, you’ll be able to learn the history behind Jewish Immigrants and their adapted traditions. It’s incredibly insightful and something we should all take the time to learn more about! The name of it is I‘ll Have What She’s Having and you don’t want to miss it!
Image: NYHS
The Museum of Broadway Experience
Are you a Broadway fan? Well, do you want to learn more? The Museum of Broadway is an interactive experience focusing on all things Broadway. For example, there is a map room where you can learn about theatres, the making of a show, studio space and so much more! Tickets are on sale and a portion of the proceeds go towards Broadway Cares/Equity Fighting Aids.
Image: Museum of Broadway
Go Sledding
We don’t really have places to ski in NYC, although there are plenty around us. Sledding is the perfect option because we do have areas with hills. For instance, Central Park and Prospect Park both have Sledding options! I have a whole post about which sleds are the best, so you’ll have to check that out before going this season!
Hall Des Lumieres
There is an amazing exhibit about Gustav Klimt taking place! This sensorial celebration called Gold in Motion is about Klimt’s iconic work with gold and color. With amazing technology, design and music, it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Image: Hall Des Lumières
Ride Bumper Cars
There are surprisingly several spots to ride bumper cars in this winter! The biggest one is Bryant Park. They have their winter village going on and 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!
Image: The Standard High Line
Pink Winter Lodge at The Moxy
The Moxy Times Square is having a pink winter! It’s Moxy’s Pink Winter Wonderland and not only can you enjoy delicious bites and drinks, but it’s so Instagram-worthy! Magic Hour is an iconic spot to go to and the pink trees, decor and photo-ops are a plus! Definitely make a reservation here with friends!
Image: Moxy Magic Hour, c/o Tao Group Hospitality
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16 thoughts on “Everything to do in January in NYC”
I’d love to take the kids to the zoo! I think we’d have so much fun there.
It’s a great activity!
NYC is a great place to spend the holidays! Love the run down you gave!
It’s the best! Enjoy!
oh wow!!! There is a ton of things to do in NYC, a ton!!! Artechouse is a must see for sure…
It really is so cool!
I’ll take NYC anytime of year! January looks cold but there are great activities to do this month.
Yes! And indoor options!
Wow there is so much to do, you seriously can never get bored. There are a few things on this list I would love to do
Yes, it’s hard to do it all!
Can’t wait to check some items from your list! Love NYC in the winter!
Enjoy!!
Looks like lots of fun things to do in NYC in the new year. I would love to try Ice Skating and visit the Winter Jazzfest. The dinner cruises sounds fabulous as well
It’s all a blast!
NYC is in my bucket list. I would love to go to all these places with my family.
I hope you get to go!