January in New York City brings a mix of winter festivities, cultural events, and new year celebrations, making it an exciting time to explore the city despite the cold weather. From iconic events like the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop to food festivals and outdoor activities, there’s plenty to experience. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top events happening in New York City in January.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square
- Date: January 1 (midnight)
- Location: Times Square, Manhattan
- Description: The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square is one of the most iconic celebrations in the world. As the clock strikes midnight, the illuminated ball descends over Times Square, marking the beginning of the new year. Millions of people from around the world watch this event on TV, but thousands gather in the heart of Manhattan to experience it live, with performances, confetti, and fireworks. If you plan to attend, be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot.
New Year’s Day at Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge
- Date: January 1
- Location: Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn
- Description: Kick off the new year with a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean at the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge. This annual tradition invites brave swimmers to take a chilly swim on New Year’s Day. The event is free to participate in (with a suggested donation to charity), and it draws a crowd of participants and spectators alike. It’s a fun and invigorating way to start the year, with a festive atmosphere at the beach.
Winter Jazzfest
- Dates: Early to mid-January
- Location: Various venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Description: Winter Jazzfest is one of the biggest jazz festivals in the city, featuring hundreds of musicians performing in venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn. The festival showcases a wide range of jazz styles, from traditional to contemporary, with performances by both emerging and established artists. Highlights include the multi-day Marathon event, where attendees can hop between multiple venues to catch back-to-back performances. It’s a must-attend event for jazz lovers and music enthusiasts.
NYC Restaurant Week (Winter Edition)
- Dates: Late January through mid-February
- Location: Various participating restaurants across NYC
- Description: NYC Restaurant Week offers food lovers the chance to dine at some of the city’s top restaurants at a discounted price. Participating restaurants offer prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus, allowing diners to enjoy three-course meals at a fraction of the regular cost. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore New York’s diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering everything from fine dining to local favorites across a wide range of cuisines.
Broadway Week
- Dates: Late January through mid-February
- Location: Various Broadway theaters
- Description: Broadway Week is a twice-yearly event that offers two-for-one tickets to some of the most popular Broadway shows. Whether you want to see long-running classics like The Lion King, Hamilton, or Wicked, or newer hits, Broadway Week gives you the chance to experience world-class theater at a discounted price. Tickets sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance.
New York Jewish Film Festival
- Dates: Mid-January
- Location: Film at Lincoln Center
- Description: The New York Jewish Film Festival is an annual event that celebrates Jewish culture and history through film. Hosted by Film at Lincoln Center, the festival features a wide selection of films, including documentaries, narratives, and shorts, that explore Jewish identity, heritage, and contemporary life. The festival includes special screenings, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, making it a great cultural experience for film lovers.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
- Dates: Through January (and often into February)
- Location: Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink, 30 Rockefeller Plaza
- Description: January is a great time to enjoy ice skating at the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink before it closes for the season. Skating under the Rockefeller Christmas tree, which usually stays up until early January, is a magical winter experience. If you’re looking for other ice skating options, Bryant Park’s Winter Village and Wollman Rink in Central Park are also popular spots for outdoor skating.
Three Kings Day Parade
- Date: Early January (January 6)
- Location: East Harlem, Manhattan
- Description: The Three Kings Day Parade (also known as El Día de los Reyes) celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Latin American culture. Held in East Harlem, the parade features live camels, colorful floats, and performances by musicians and dancers, all honoring the holiday’s religious and cultural significance. The event is family-friendly and includes fun activities for kids, making it a great way to learn about and celebrate Latinx traditions.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
- Dates: Through early January
- Location: Bryant Park, Manhattan
- Description: Bryant Park’s Winter Village is a festive holiday market that extends into early January, offering visitors the chance to browse artisanal gifts, enjoy seasonal food and drink, and go ice skating at the free public rink. The market features a variety of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to gourmet snacks, making it a fun winter destination for locals and tourists alike.
New York Times Travel Show
- Dates: Late January
- Location: Javits Center, 429 11th Avenue
- Description: The New York Times Travel Show is the largest travel show in North America, featuring hundreds of exhibitors from around the world. The event offers travel enthusiasts the chance to explore destinations, attend travel seminars, and meet travel experts. It’s a great resource for anyone planning a vacation or looking to discover new travel trends. The show includes cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, and giveaways, making it a fun and informative event for travelers.
Winter Antiques Show
- Dates: Mid to late January
- Location: Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue
- Description: The Winter Antiques Show is one of the most prestigious art and antiques fairs in the country, featuring a curated selection of fine and decorative arts, furniture, jewelry, and more. Held at the Park Avenue Armory, the show brings together top dealers and collectors from around the world. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just enjoy browsing beautiful antiques, the show offers a chance to see rare and valuable items, with proceeds benefiting the East Side House Settlement.
New York Boat Show
- Dates: Mid to late January
- Location: Javits Center, 429 11th Avenue
- Description: The New York Boat Show is an annual event for boating enthusiasts, featuring hundreds of boats, yachts, and marine products. Attendees can explore the latest boats on display, learn about marine technology, and attend boating seminars. It’s a great event for anyone interested in boating, fishing, or water sports, with opportunities to check out everything from luxury yachts to kayaks and jet skis.
NYC Winter Lantern Festival
- Dates: Through early January
- Location: Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
- Description: The NYC Winter Lantern Festival is a stunning light show that takes place in Staten Island during the holiday season, continuing into early January. The festival features elaborate lantern displays, including illuminated animals, plants, and cultural symbols, all set in the scenic grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. It’s a magical experience for visitors of all ages, with live performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
New York City Ballet’s Winter Season
- Dates: Mid to late January through early March
- Location: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center
- Description: The New York City Ballet’s Winter Season kicks off in January, offering stunning performances by one of the world’s leading ballet companies. The winter season typically includes works by legendary choreographers like George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, as well as contemporary pieces by new voices in the ballet world. It’s an incredible opportunity to experience world-class dance at Lincoln Center.
Amateur Night at the Apollo (Winter Season)
- Dates: Late January (returns for the season)
- Location: Apollo Theater, Harlem
- Description: Amateur Night at the Apollo is a legendary talent competition held at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem. Kicking off its winter season in January, this weekly event showcases up-and-coming talent in music, dance, and comedy. Contestants compete for the audience’s approval, and winners can go on to perform in future rounds or even launch their careers. The interactive and energetic atmosphere makes it one of Harlem’s most beloved traditions.
Tips for Attending January Events in NYC
- Dress Warmly: January in New York City can be very cold, with the possibility of snow, so make sure to bundle up in layers, especially for outdoor events like the Times Square Ball Drop or Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge.
- Book Early: Popular events like NYC Restaurant Week, Broadway Week, and the New York Boat Show can sell out quickly, so it’s best to reserve your tickets in advance.
- Public Transportation: With many events happening across the city, using the subway or buses is often the fastest and most convenient way to get around, especially with winter weather conditions.
Conclusion
January in New York City is full of exciting events, from celebrating the new year with iconic traditions like the Times Square Ball Drop to enjoying cultural festivals, food events, and winter activities. Whether you’re catching a Broadway show, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, or browsing antiques at the Winter Antiques Show, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the city kicks off the new year.
