Sure, everyone has “exercising more” and “eating better” on their list of New Year’s resolutions, but what about “experiencing more of what NYC has to offer”?
Well, we’ve made the search this month a bit easier with our list of some of the best things to do in NYC this January!
1. Check off items on your winter bucket list
Though we’re leaving the holidays in December, it doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty more winter fun to be had. And yes, we promise there are things worth getting out of your warm, cozy bed for during these colder months. From rooftop ice skating to beautiful experiences through nature at one of NYC’s botanical gardens, find our complete winter bucket list here.
2. Climb aboard some epic vessels at the New York Boat Show
One way to stay cozy and luxurious this January is at the Jacob Javits Center. From Jan 24-28 only, explore the Discover Boating New York Boat Show. The size and interior of some of these boats and yachts put many NYC apartments to shame! Get a taste of summer in January with the New York Boat Show’s sandy beach club and there’s even indoor pool paddling.
Snag 25% off a one day ticket for following Secret_NYC on IG! Children 12 and younger are allowed in free when accompanied by an adult.
3. See masterpieces by Goya, Ingres, Rembrandt & more for a limited time!
For a limited time, masterpieces of the Frick Collection from the Renaissance to the Twentieth Century are on display at Frick Madison. See treasured paintings and sculptures by Bellini, Gainsborough, Goya, Holbein, Ingres, Rembrandt, Titian, Turner, Vermeer and Whistler. These classic pieces are only here for a limited time, until March 3rd. See this collection at Frick Madison located on 945 Madison Ave. and it’s open Thursday to Sunday, 10am-6pm.
4. Surprise your senses with this Dining in the Dark experience
Prepare for the ultimate dining experience that adds a blindfold to your typical tableware. Awaken your remaining senses through a decadent meal while you’re blanketed in darkness. Try this fabulous experience for yourself and grab tickets to a Dining in the Dark experience here. There’s only a few dates each month, so be sure to purchase asap!
5. Be dazzled by AirOtic Soirée: a circus-style cabaret dinner show
This one-of-a-kind event in New York combines a circus dinner show with the excitement of a cabaret, all performed by stunning aerial acrobats. Explore love, passion, and sensuality while being wowed by world class talent. What could get better than a night of decadent cocktails, mouthwatering tapas, and surprise treats?! Don’t miss out on what is guaranteed to be a show to remember! Secure your tickets here.
6. Cozy into a cup of hot chocolate at Rockefeller Center’s Après Skate Chalets
The Après Skate Chalets have returned to Rockefeller Center through January 14, 2024. The custom-built chalets boast one of the best views of the iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center. Order a cup of hot cocoa and some churros from forthcoming Rockefeller Center outpost Smith and Mills and get ready to people watch. Learn more about them here.
7. Speaking of hot cocoa…
NYC has no shortage of trendy spots to try, but when it comes to this chocolatey drink there’s a handful of places you absolutely have to taste, so we decided to map it out for you! Some of these tasty creations are particularly chocolatey, others are all about the marshmallow topping, but one thing is undebatable—you’ll be smiling from the warmth and deliciousness with each sip. Don’t believe us? We’ll let the pictures do the talking…check it out here!
8. Or warm up with a steamy bowl of ramen
It doesn’t take much more than an image of delicious noodles to have us craving the warmth of ramen’s savory broth, so why not comfort your soul with a hot bowl of ramen?! Some of our favorites include:
🍜 Ippudo
🍜 Zurutto
🍜 HinoMaru
Our full list can be found here.9. Walk among the stars at a botanical garden at Astra Lumina
Stargazing is one thing, but Astra Lumina sets visitors off on a nighttime journey to discover the cosmos for themselves! The celebrated Lumina Night Walk series has wowed millions across the globe, pulling the stars down to Earth with a stunning blend of art, technology, and scenography. You won’t want to miss this elevating emotional journey–it will leave you forever transformed! Get your tickets here.
10. Unwind from the craziness of the holidays at one of NYC’s relaxing spas
After the holidays, sometimes you need a vacation from all of that family time, and we know just the place: the spa! Thankfully, a city as exciting and diverse as New York always has sanctuaries of calmness that can serve as an escape from the chaos. Some of our favorites include:
🧖 Aire Ancient Baths New York
🧖 Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel
🧖 WTHN
Find the full list here.11. Marvel at over 1,000 lanterns at Queens County Farm Museum
Complete with over 1,000 carefully crafted Chinese lanterns, interactive light swings and see-saws, delicious food vendors, and more, NYC’s Winter Lantern Festival has completely transformed Queens County Farm Museum into an experience that will delight the whole family! It leaves for good on January 7th though, so get your tickets here before it’s too late!
12. Dance your nights away at the NYC bars with disco balls
It’s a new year and there are so many reasons to be out having a blast! Luckily for us, NYC has tons of places to dance the night away under a dazzling disco ball from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Find some of our favorites below and more on our full list here.
13. Recreate iconic scenes at The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City
Step inside the world of FRIENDS™! With two floors of immersive experiences, it’s the ultimate experience for FRIENDS™ fans. You can pose on the iconic orange couch, sit at Monica & Rachel’s kitchen table, kick back and relax in Joey and Chandler’s comfy chairs, and so much more. Reserve your spot and save money by purchasing tickets in advance.
14. Head Upstate to roam through the jaw-dropping Winter Realms
The epic Ice Castles at Lake George have rebranded as Winter Realms, the ultimate winter escape! With the opportunity to explore an Après-ski ice bar, mesmerizing light trails, ice sculptures, and more within a snow-capped fantasyland, it’s for sure enough of a reason to embark on the 3.5 hour drive from NYC! Read more about it here.
15. Go on a refreshing winter hike in & around NYC
We know, stepping outside in the winter can be a daily dread, but if you take a moment to embrace your surroundings you’ll start to see just how beautiful places in and around NYC are in the wintertime. And one of the best ways to see that is through a stunning urban hike! You can find trails all across the city, ranging from the Bronx to Staten Island. See some of our favorites here.
16. Or enjoy stunning winter scenery while staying warm on a stunning winter train ride
Winter is the perfect opportunity to harken back to a simpler travel time and hop on the ol’ rail, and these five Amtrak train routes guarantee beautiful snowy views without having to shiver in the cold. Find them here.
17. Step into a bright pink dreamland that overlooks the Brooklyn Bridge
An entirely pink pier sounds like the stuff of dreams, and starting January 11th you’ll get to experience a monochromatic wonderland filled with rose-colored everything! From the trees to the cocktails and even the food, everything will turn pink at Pier 15. Tickets have just been released, so don’t miss out on your chance to dive into this pink paradise!
18. Enjoy breathtaking performances at these Candlelight concerts
Experience the sensational melodies of string quartets, pianists, and more in breathtaking venues across NYC that are bathed in candlelight. Each concert provides an intimate ambience for an unforgettable experience that can be enjoyed by all. Regardless of your taste in music there’s sure to be a concert you’ll want to see and hear. Some of our favorites include:
🎶 Candlelight: From Bach to Beatles at Church of the Heavenly Rest
🎶 Candlelight: Ed Sheeran Meets Coldplay
🎶 Candlelight: Classic Rock on Strings
19. Enjoy some seasonal fun at Governors Island Winter Village
After a successful first year in 2021, Governors Island Winter Village has brought the winter wonderland back to NYers for another season. Hop on a quick ferry over for a fabulous day-trip and skate on the 7,500-square foot ice skating rink, warm up by one of the fire places and play a variety of lawn games. Find out even more you can do upon arrival here.
20. Score incredible deals during NYC Hotel Week 2024
If you’ve been wanting to plan a winter staycation in the city, NYC Hotel Week 2024 is the perfect time to do so! Running January 3 through February 4, 150 of some of the best hotels across New York City will offer 24% savings on standard room rates. Learn more about these amazing deals here.
21. Dine in enchanting igloos across NYC
Is it really winter in the city without igloo dining? Cozy into spots from Lower Manhattan all the way to the Upper West Side in your own little snow globe. Here are some of our favorite igloo dining spots:
❄️ City Winery
❄️ Teardrop igloos at Somewhere Nowhere
22. Or enjoy al-fresco dining…without freezing
Outdoor dining is open all year now, so don’t stop supporting your local restaurants when the temperature drops. Though of course you can do takeout, you don’t have to forgo eating out with so many creative and heated outdoor dining options in NYC. Some of our favorite spots can be found here.
23. Pay-as-you-wish to admire Brooklyn Botanic Garden blanketed in snow
While you may not think there would be much to see at Brooklyn Botanic Garden during the winter, you’re mistaken! From the garden’s pruned evergreen trees blanketed in snow to hawks, cardinals, and sometimes koi hunting and foraging for seeds, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is stunning no matter the season, and in the winter it’s pay-as-you-wish! Learn more here.
24. Go ice skating
-
Colin Miller / Bryant Park Ice Rink
Winter is here, and ice rinks are still open! Most are open daily for public skating and nothing screams the perfect winter activity like taking to the ice as the city twinkles around you. Some rinks to check out include:
⛸️ Vale Rink at The William Vale
25. Escape the craziness of the city on a whimsical winter getaway
Rather than hude from the cold in your five-story walk-ups, why not combat those winter blues by escaping the city on a winter adventure?! Some of our favorite winter getaways from NYC include:
❄️ Burlington, VT
❄️ Lake Placid, NY
❄️ Pocono Mountains, PA
Find some more of our favorites here.26. Support local businesses that have received our Secret NYC stamp of approval
From bars to bookstores to burger joints, we’re letting you in on the secret 🤫 of our favorite NYC businesses. This is JUST the start, so stay tuned as we add plenty more spots to our list! Explore our current map we’ve started here.
27. Wander to NYC’s many wintry rooftop transformations
Each year the city as a whole transforms into a winter wonderland, and that includes a number of the rooftop restaurants and bars! Here’s a few of our favorites (and check out the full list here):
❄️ This Pink Picturesque Paradise at Magic Hour Rooftop
❄️ 230 Fifth Rooftop, Flatiron
28. Head out to the Empire State Trail for some frosty yet fun winter activities
The longest single-state, multi-use trail in the nation effectively links NYC to Canada (and Buffalo to Albany) and it opened New Year’s Eve of 2020. It’s 750 miles long, and is here for all of your winter hiking, biking and snowshoeing needs. Find out more about the project here.
29. Recuperate your post-holiday bank account and be delighted by all the things NYC has to offer FREE of charge
It seems almost impossible going a day in NYC without spending a dollar, but there are tons of free things you can do all around the city that you might not know about. And yes, they’re just as fun as some of the more pricier activities! Here are some ideas:
✨ Check out museums during free hours
✨ See a live TV show taping
See our full list here.
30. Join our exclusive Secret Club to enjoy brilliant benefits across NYC
If you’re anything like us, you know there are so many ways to make the most out of NYC life. So to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun, we’re offering a helping hand by giving our followers a more intimate community and some money-saving offers at Secret Club NYC. Learn all about it here.
31. Discover the perfect winter date spot
Cuffing season is upon us and whether you’re in a committed relationship or dating around, it’s always nice to spice up a chilly winter night. And yes, planning dates this time of year can be exhausting with the cold temperatures but we promise that we have the ultimate suggestions and spots. Here are just some, but make sure to click here to see our full list:
❄️ Apotheke
32. Or go solo!
And for those married to themselves, there are plenty of solo date ideas to take yourself out on. I mean who is better company than yourself?! From quaint coffee shops to restaurants perfect for solo dining, find all of our suggestions here.
33. Explore the Catacombs of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral by candlelight
Head to Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Nolita for a one-of-a-kind tour of its historic catacombs. This underground space used to be sealed off from the public, but those brave enough can now explore it…by candlelight! This unique experience shines a light on the final resting place of notable New Yorkers and the achievements and hurdles faced by New York’s historic Catholic residents, and you can grab your tickets here.
34. Bump, spin and slide on Bryant Park’s epic Bumper Cars on ice
Bryant Park’s insanely fun bumper cars will return to The Rink at Bryant Park for the season from Friday, January 12 through Saturday, March 2! The cars give New Yorkers the perfect opportunity to bump, slide and spin to your heart’s content! Learn more here.
35. Walk through this whimsical winter dreamland that has taken over the Meatpacking District
Colorful neon lights and abstract shapes have come together to create a whimsical winter scene in the Meatpacking District. Roam under a glowing colonnade and cozy inside giant mirrored frames for the perfect winter photo op, which will be up through January 14th. Get more details here.
36. Catch a film without breaking the bank
Head to a participating AMC movie theatre to catch a film without breaking the bank with an AMC black ticket! They’re valid for any 2D movie, on any day, at any time, and at participating AMC Theatres at a discount promotional Fever price. Grab your ticket here.
37. Take part in Dry January with NYC’s best mocktails
There’s tons of New Year’s resolutions floating around for New Yorkers this year, and many are planning to partake in the famous “Dry January,” vowing to cut back on their alcohol intake. Thankfully NYC is filled with some of the best spots to grab a tasty mocktail, and you can find our favorite places to do so here.
38. Experience Luna Park’s first ever Frost Fest
For the very first time in its storied history, Luna Park in Coney Island is extending the thrill of summer into the winter season with its new holiday celebration, Frost Fest! Complete with a plethora of thrilling winter activities, such as Rudolph’s ice skating rink, rides and attractions, festive food options, and more, it’s the place to be this winter–but it’s only open until January 7th so don’t miss out! Learn all about it here.
39. Skate your little heart out at The Oculus’ first-ever roller rink
This wintry season, The Oculus has melted the ice away and instead opened their first-ever roller rink, Winter Whirl! The all-weather, indoor skating experience is a wonderful activity no matter how slushy this winter gets, and it’s only open through this month. Learn more here.
40. Embark on a late night rat tour around the city
Kenny Bollwerk, aka “Rat Daddy,” is personally giving late night rat tours around New York City. Since January, he’s done over 50 rat tours for people coming from all across the world, hosting one hour tours that cover different areas of NYC, from Sunnyside, Queens to Grand Central Station. So why not find out for yourself how ratty NYC really is?! Read more about these tours here.
41. Experience the noir-inspired adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ before it closes this month
Sleep No More, the Off-Broadway production that takes guests on a thrilling theatrical experience based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth tragedy, is sadly coming to an end this month after it’s final performance on Sunday, January 28th. The award-winning theatrical experience tells Shakespeare’s Scottish tragedy through a darkly cinematic, film noir lens, providing guests with a fully immersive experience. Read all about it here.