December is a fun time to live in New York, but even after the festivities are over and the famous tree falls, you still have to find things to do. Don’t be complacent! To ensure you break out of your post-holiday slump, we’ve got your back as we’ve put together a list of things to do in New York in January.
1. Go ice skating
Vacations aren’t the only time you can go ice skating. Many rinks will open over the next several months, including Prospect Park and the new Glide Rink near the Brooklyn Bridge. Be sure to book and bundle in advance to get the most out of your skating and views. Many open cafes offer hot chocolate and snacks to keep you energized during your skating session.
2. Stroll around the museum
Winter is one of the best things to do in New York in January. It’s a great time to see museum exhibits at the Natural History Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can choose a region and visit all its museums, or choose the style of art you want to see. I love going to the Brooklyn Museum and seeing what new exhibits are on display on a regular basis.
3. Go to the movies
New York City has many movie theaters, including independent movie theaters and megacinemas. You’ll never run out of great seats to watch a movie or beat the cold. AMC Theaters also offers discounted blank tickets that can be redeemed for 2D movies if you’re concerned about cold weather or storms. For an elevated experience, check out Alamo Drafthouse and Nighthawk. You can watch a movie or have your meal delivered to your seat.
4. Explore the bookstore
New York City also has plenty of bookstores to stop by when the weather turns cold. My personal favorites are Bluestocking Cooperative, The Ripped Bodice in Brooklyn, and the iconic Stand Bookstore in Union Square. Be sure to check them all out and support local businesses.
5. Relax at a coffee shop
There’s no better time than January in New York to check coffee shops off your bucket list. Check out favorites like Bean and Madspot, or find a place to sit and relax in the library at Ground Central. Sample seasonal drinks, cafe-hop, or sit and warm up in one of New York’s beautiful spots.
6. Enter the Broadway Lottery
The lottery is one of the best ways to see a Broadway show. Lottery tickets are offered at many shows through websites and apps such as Broadway Direct and Lucky Sheet. Enter as many entries as you like to win discounted tickets to Broadway’s hottest shows.
7. Go bowling
There’s a bit of a theme here, and of course the theme is activities that can be done indoors. Between Times Square’s very famous Bowlero and Williamsburg’s lesser-known Gutter, there are plenty of different places to bring your friends and enjoy a few games. Be sure to bring your best bowling game and enjoy cocktails, light snacks, and fun with friends.
8. Try out mini golf
This is also a good time to try out an indoor mini golf course. Swingers is a fun Manhattan-based mini golf spot that’s perfect for a date or to bring friends. If you’re looking for something more themed, check out Brooklyn Shipwreck.
9. Check out local comedy
New York City is one of the best places to check out local comedy. Comedians have rotating schedules, so you never see the same performance twice. Be sure to check out Comedy Cellar and Amateur His Night at the Apollo featuring some of the best up-and-coming comedians.
10. Enjoy Governors Island Winter Village
Governors Island is just a short ferry ride from downtown Manhattan and is well worth the trip. Check out the beautiful views and 7,500 square foot ice skating rink, warm up by the fireplace, and enjoy a variety of lawn games. While on Governors Island, you can also check out the QVC Spa or take a walk along the waterfront.
11. Roller skating on Oculus
If you’re tired of ice skating or being out in the cold, look no further than Winter Whirl, Oculus’ first-ever roller rink. For $30 per adult, enjoy 45 minutes of roller skating with rental included. Here you can soak up the holiday spirit and winter decorations while skating under the Oculus. When you’re tired of skating, stay warm inside your Oculus and browse the surrounding shops and restaurants.
12. Go to Coney Island (seriously)
New this year, Coney Island’s Luna Park will open for the winter. Until January 7th, Luna Park’s first “frost fest‘ will be shown to visitors. Visitors can check out many thrilling winter activities, including Rudolph’s ice skating rink, rides, holiday lights, holiday markets, photo ops with Santa, and a variety of festive food. Coney Island isn’t just for summer anymore!
13. Hear the sounds of the city at Winter Jazz Fest
The annual Winter Jazzfest will be held from January 11-18, 2024. More than 100 bands will perform at dozens of venues across the city. Be sure to check the schedule in advance to see if your favorite artists will be performing.
14. Visit the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is one of the most popular destinations during the holiday season. The Christmas Village and shops will close on January 2nd, but the ice skating rink, lodge bar and food hall, and fun igloos will remain open until March 2024. Bumper cars on the ice are scheduled to return on his January 13th day, and Vaillant is looking forward to it. Make parks one of the top things to do in New York in January.
15. Watch the winter antique show
The Winter Antique Show at Park Avenue Armory runs from January 19th to January 28th. It is America’s first art, antiques and design trade show and features many of the world’s top experts in fine and decorative arts. Now in its 70th year, the show will feature 5,000 years of work and exhibits from more than 68 internationally renowned dealers.
16. Watch the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden.
The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is a fun and immersive experience that delights visitors and their families. This fun and wonderful annual show runs until January 15, 2024. Here, more than 25 G-scale model trains and trolleys rumble along half a mile of track. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the art.