15+ EPIC Things to Do in New York City in January (2024 Guide)

bryant park christmas, Visiting New York City in January

If you’re visiting New York City in January, you’ll be happy to learn that there’s never a shortage of great things to do. My name is Alejandro B. and I’ve been calling NYC home for the past 6 years. I’ve learned that NYC is quieter in January, largely thanks to the seasonal dip in tourism. Lines are shorter, restaurant reservations are easier to score and the city’s top attractions run some great 2-for-1 deals.

So, if you’re planning on visiting New York City in January, allow me to share my personal roundup of the best things to do in NYC in winter. This is the exact same list I share with my own family and friends when they visit during the winter months, hope you enjoy!

Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.

Tips for Visiting NYC in January

Be sure to read: What to Pack for New York in Winter (+Outfit Ideas) for helpful suggestions.
Bring winter shoes: It’s no secret that January in New York City is cold, pack accordingly! I recommend insulated/waterproof boots (here’s the pair I live in). Check out: The Best Shoes for Walking Around New York City (By Season).
Portable charger: Cold weather depletes batteries (both cellphones and camera) quicker than you’d expect, so when heading out for the day make sure you’re at full charge and pick up one of these bad boys.

Perks of visiting New York City in January

Cheaper flights and hotels
Discounted events (Broadway shows, restaurants, etc.)
The city is less crowded

Disadvantages of visiting New York City in January

Inclement weather
Shorter days (4pm sunsets are rough)
Packing for the winter weather (bulky jackets, tons of sweaters makes it harder to pack light)

Christmas Tree at Washington Square Park

Best Things to Do in New York City in January

Table of Contents

January in New York City (Article Summary)

See Billy Joel’s Last Performance at Madison Square Garden

Dates: January 11, 2024 | Official Website Here

Mayor Eric Adams once said, “There’s only one thing that’s more New York than Billy Joel — and that’s a Billy Joel concert at MSG.” He isn’t wrong. Billy Joel’s career spans 50 (impressive) years and includes 5 Grammy’s and an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

For more than 10 years, Billy Joel has held a residency at Madison Square Garden, performing 150 sold-out shows and selling 1.6 million tickets. Sadly, 2024 marks Joel’s final year at Madison Square Garden, so don’t miss an opportunity to catch the Piano Man one final if you’re visiting New York City in January 2024.

Address: Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001

Warm Up with Michelin-Quality Ramen at Tonchin

Founded in Japan in 1992, Tonchin is the passion-project of two brothers, Katsuhiro and Motohiro Sugeno. Folks couldn’t get enough of this ramen, so when Katsuhiro’s son decided to open a flagship location New York City location, nobody acted surprised when they won a Bib Gourmand from Michelin.

Bib Gourmand restaurants are renowned for offering great quality cooking at a good price. Having tried 30+ ramen spots in New York City, I can confirm that Tonchin’s ramen comes out on top.

P.S. As mentioned, I’ve had a lot of ramen in NYC, here’s my roundup of the 12 Best Spots for Ramen in New York City (Perfect For a Chilly Day)

Address: 13 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018

Ride Bumper Cars on Ice (at Bryant Park)

Dates: January 12 – March 2, 2024
Cost: $20 for 10 minutes
For more information, check out the official website

When was the last time you found yourself in a bumper car? If it’s been too long, head to Bryant Park to bump, slide and spin on the ice (ages 7+). After the holiday season ends, Bryant Park dusts off the beloved bumper cars and opens up the 17,000-square-foot ice rink exclusively for this fun winter activity in NYC.

Local’s Advice: I strongly recommend booking in advance, since this is one of the most popular things to do in New York City in January.

Enjoy the Three Kings Parade in East Harlem

Date: January 6th, 2024

A tradition dating back 40 years, El Museo del Barrio (a musuem dedicated to celebrating the heritage of Latin cultures) has hosted the Three Kinds Day Celebration on January 6th. The parade is led by giants puppets of the Three Kings, as they wind through the streets of East Harlem (known as El Barrio) to live music, colorful costumes and floats.

Seeing the parade in person while visiting New York City in January is a no-brainer. Starting at 11am, the parade route begins at 106th St and park Ave and ends at El Museo del Barrio where a concert takes place. This year’s theme is ‘Tradiciones: Keeping Our Stories Alive.’

Address: El Museo, 1230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029

Embark on an Interesting Culinary Experience (at Pier 57)

Opened in 2023, Pier 57 is fairly new (some locals don’t know about it yet!). Neighborhood Little Island and the Chelsea Market, this indoor food-hall is a great reprieve from the crowds. The downstairs area is full of great restaurants and large seating/work spaces, but the rooftop terrace is where it’s at (the views are striking!).

One of my favorite things about Pier 57 is a venue called the Platform by the James Beard Foundation. The James Beard Foundation is like the Oscars of cooking, so it’s a huge deal when a restaurant or chef earns one of these prestigious awards.

The best part? The Platform hosts events and classes with award-winning chefs that are guaranteed to impress. Sign up for a meal from a famous chef, or taking a cooking class if that’s more your speed. This is a great date idea during January in New York City! If helpful, you can check the current lineup of classes here.

NYBG Holiday Train Show Best Christmas Show New York City — Image Courtesy New York Botanical Garden

Visit the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden

Dates: Through January 15, 2024

A cherished winter tradition in New York City, the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is not to be missed while visiting NYC in January. The garden is transformed into a magic wonderland featuring 175+ miniature city landmarks meticulously crafted from natural materials (like leaves, twigs and bark).

Model trains (from steam engines and trolleys) navigate half-mile of train tracks as they wiz past New York City landmarks. Attracting 250,000 visitors a year, there’s no denying that experiencing the Holiday Train Show is one of the best things to do in New York City in January for kids (and train enthusiasts alike!).

Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10458

Beacon Theatre NYC
Things to do in January in New York City

Admire Jerry Seinfeld at the Beacon Theatre

Dates: January 12 – 13, 2024

Jerry Seinfeld probably needs no introduction. Best known for the hit TV show, Seinfeld (the sixth-best TV show of all time), Seinfeld will be performing four shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York City in January 2024.

A native New Yorker (he currently lives in the Upper West Side), Seinfeld is considered one of the best comedians at all time. Tickets won’t last long, so purchase them in advance to avoid missing out on this unique January activity in NYC.

Address: Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

Catch a Sports Game at Madison Square Garden

One of the best things to do in New York City in January is to check out a live sporting event! NYC is home to the New York Rangers and New York Islanders (hockey), New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets (basketball) and the New York Giants and New York Jets (football).

My favorite place to catch a sporting event is the Madison Square Garden (love seeing the Rangers & Knicks!). If you’re visiting New York City in January consider attending a game as an excuse to get out of your hotel and cheer for the home team.

Local’s Tip: If cost is a concern, might be helpful to know that tickets to basketball and hockey games are typically less expensive than football games. Not sure why, but I’ve noticed that.

Learn About Cheese & Champagne at Eataly

Date: January 18, 2024 (5:30pm – 7pm) | Visit the official website

One of the best things to do in New York City in January (especially for foodies) is to take a class at Eataly. This popular Italian marketplace is part-grocery store and part-restaurant venue, and hosts some of the best culinary classes in NYC.

This year’s class is called Bubbles & Cheese. Learn about pairing Italian cheeses with sparkling Italian wines from a professional cheese monger and Eataly’s beverage director. You’ll be guided through Italian regions, producers, production methods and the various aging processes.

Something to note: Eataly has two locations in NYC but the Bubbles & Cheese Class is being hosted only at the downtown location.

Enjoy the Winter Jazz Fest

Dates: January 10 – January 18, 2024

Celebrating 20 years, the Winter Jazz Fest attracts top-talent and sells out most shows. The festival has become so popular that it evolved into a week-long festival that takes place in 20+ jazz clubs in NYC in January. Featuring more than 500 musicians (including world-famous names and up-and-coming stars), you can see the full lineup and events here.

Go Ice Skating in Central Park

New York City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. With over a dozen ice-skating rinks opening up across the city, there’s one you can’t afford to miss — Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Ice skating is one of the most popular things to do in New York City in January, and few locations are as iconic as the Wollman Rink. The stunning Manhattan skyline serves as a breathtaking backdrop and offers the most picturesque setting for ice skating.

Wollman Rink isn’t the only place to go ice skating in New York City in January! Be sure to read: 12 Impressive Ice Skating Rinks in New York City (& Where to Skate For FREE!) for more suggestions.

The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Concert

Date: January 15, 2024 (1:30 – 3:30pm)

The Harlem Gospel Choir was founded in 1986 and is considered one of the most talented gospel choirs in the world. On January 15th the choir will come together at Sony Hall to pay homage to Martin Luther King Jr.. Get tickets for a unique NYC January experience you won’t soon forget.

The event is open to all ages and faiths, and is one of the best things to do in New York City in January. Tickets are available now and start at $33 plus fees.

Address: Sony Hall, 235 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

Visiting NYC in January with Kids? Learn About Disney on Ice

Dates: January 18 – January 21, 2024

The Barclays Center in Brooklyn hosts one of the best winter events in New York City for families, Disney on Ice. Watch beloved Disney characters glide, sing and perform popular movies live on the ice.

Miguel from Coco, Rapunzel from Tangled, and Moana all will sing their songs (and you’ll find it hard not to sing-along) in a performance called Into the Magic. Expect tons of dancing, games and crafts your kids will be sure to remember.

Local’s Tip: There’s a pre-show Character Experience you can purchase where your little ones get to interact with characters before the show starts. See the website for more details.

Address: Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

2024 January Events in New York City

To mitigate the impacts of the slow tourist season, the city of New York partners with businesses to offer locals and visitors a chance to score some deals. Here’s a roundup of cool winter events in NYC you should know about.

Restaurant Week

Dates: January 16th – February 4, 2024

Foodies rejoice! Restaurant Week is one of the best reasons to visit New York City in January. Restaurants across the city offer 2-3 course prix fixe meals for $30-60 per person (excluding drinks) during the weekdays. Different restaurants offer meals for lunch and dinner (sometimes both!), see more information here.

Hotel Week

Dates: January 3 – February 4, 2024

Similar to Restaurant Week, Hotel Week also provides another reason to visit New York City in January. To celebrate 2024, guests will get 24% off their stays at some of New York’s best hotels. This is also great for any locals looking to book a staycation and splurge a little bit. Click here for a full list of participating hotels.

NYC Must-See Week

Dates: January 16 – February 4, 2024

One of the best things to do in New York City in January is to take advantage of Must-See Week. Starting January 16th you can book tickets to some of NYC’s biggest attractions while scoring 2-for-1 tickets. Many of the city’s top attractions are up for grabs — observation decks, museums, tours and popular performances. Tickets go on sale on January 10th and they will go fast.

Broadway Week

Dates: January 16 – February 4, 2024

During Broadway Week folks are able to score 2-for-1 tickets to select Broadway shows. If you’re a Broadway geek (like me) this makes visiting New York City in January twice as fun! Tickets go live January 9th and sell out quickly.

Public Theater Under the Radar Festival

Dates: January 5 – January 21, 2024

The Public Theater makes theater more accessible and shines a light on up and coming talent. The Under The Radar Festival takes it up a notch – it showcases new plays from all around the world. Tickets and information available online.

Things to Avoid While Visiting New York City in January

Observation decks when the weather is bad: This isn’t so you won’t be cold, I tell you to avoid them because you won’t be able to see anything! Check the weather app and be sure to steer clear of fog.
Forgetting to make reservations: I suggest checking each and every place for reservations before trekking out into New York City in January, this is so you can avoid waiting in cold (and rainy) lines outdoors.
Open air bus tours: The cold weather is only exaggerated when you’re seated on the top floor of an open air bus, the experience feels like a permanent wind chill. The inside of the bus is seldom any better because of foggy windows.

Average Temperatures in NYC in January

Averages: highs 39°F | lows 26°F | Rains on average 8 days of the month

If you’re visiting New York City in January you should be prepared for cold (and sometimes snowy) weather. Insulated and wind-proof clothing are non-negotiable if you want to enjoy yourself without freezing.

Keep in mind the sun sets early this time of year, so plan your outdoor activities while you still have daylight. If it snows during your visit you’ll want to get an early start on the day. This way you can enjoy a pristine, freshly powdered New York City before pedestrians and cars turn the snow to slush.