A Year in New York: January in NYC

Who is this for? 

Travelers planning a January trip to New York City

Jump to Section:

• January in NYC
• Holiday Events
• New York Festivals
• Other Things to Do
• Stay at Incentra Village House

January in NYC



Winter winds rush around buildings, making snowflakes dance through the air. Streetlights reflect off the icy sidewalks, frost decorates window panes, and snow blankets Central Park in white. Here’s what to expect during January in the city.

Weather 



January is New York’s coldest month, which means it’s also the month you are most likely to see ice and snow. As Manhattan is an island in New England, you can expect the winters to be both cold and wet. 

Average Temperatures: Lows around 30°F, Highs around 40°F

Weather Conditions: Several snow days throughout the month, humidity all month

• Watch for: Cold snaps, where temperatures drop into the teens.
  

What to Pack



• Waterproof footwear
• Winter coat with insulation
• Winter accessories, including gloves, hats/earmuffs, and scarves
• Extra jacket and socks to change into after a day out
  

Holiday Events



If you want to celebrate the holidays, you’re in the right place. New York takes their holidays seriously. Every month has its own parades, festivals, and shows that mark the calendar. Here are some of January’s highlights.

New Year's Eve



There’s no better way to bring in a New Year than at the biggest party in the country. The Times Square Ball Drop is one of (if not the most) iconic events in the world. From the countdown and confetti shower to the fireworks show over the Hudson, the city is filled with excitement as we say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new. 

Bonus Tip: For an exclusive experience and a chance to take home a memento of an unforgettable trip, visit New York’s Newest Observation Deck.

Holiday Train Show 

January is your last chance to see the annual  Holiday Train Show for the season. Hosted at the New York Botanical Garden, this beloved tradition combines artistry and engineering in a truly remarkable way. 

Watch as model trains wind their way through familiar city settings, including famous bridges and over 200 landmark replicas! Each miniature is a true masterpiece, crafted with extraordinary attention to detail. 

Whether you love trains, architecture, or scenes of whimsy, you won’t want to miss out on this unique holiday show.

Bryant Park’s Winter Village

You haven’t experienced the magic of winter until you’ve gone to the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Every year, Bryant turns into a winter wonderland. From ice skating under the city lights, to shopping from unique vendors, and dining in a cozy igloo– you can live your winter fantasies at the park.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

In a city as diverse as New York, it should come as no surprise that NYC makes a big deal about Civil Rights. Here are just a few events happening in honor of MLK Day.

• Brooklyn Academy of Music: Every year, the BAM hosts its free public event, Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at the Howard Gilman Opera House. The event features artists, activists, and community members celebrating Dr. King’s life and mission. 
• Harlem Gospel Choir: Join us in honoring the history of the Civil Rights movement with the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matinee at Sony Hall. 
• Visit the African Burial Ground: Though not an official event, this lesser-known National Monument is a harrowing reminder of New York’s early history with slavery. Taking a moment to reflect on the nation’s Black history is a somber way to honor what Dr. King stood for.

New York Festivals



We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again– New York is the center of arts and culture in the US, and we want everyone to know it. That’s why we love to showcase the talents of New Yorkers (both native and honorary citizens) with festivals throughout the year. Here are a few to look forward to in January. 

Broadway Week



Love the theater? New Yorkers do, which is why we have an entire week dedicated to the stage. Enjoy the drama, the comedy, and the music portrayed by some of the world’s leading actors. Whatever your theatrical tastes, you’re sure to find a show on (or off) Broadway during Broadway Week.

Winter Jazzfest



If you prefer music concerts to musicals, the Winter Jazzfest may be more your speed. This festival is about more than just listening to music; it’s about championing music’s role as a force for cultural and social change. It’s a program that has been uplifting emerging talent and highlighting the innovation of artists for over 20 years.

New York City Restaurant Week 



Everyone has to eat, so why not eat your way through New York during Restaurant Week? The city’s cuisine scene is out of this world, because it’s from all around the world. Food from almost every culture and country can be found somewhere on Manhattan Island. Here are a couple of tips for enjoying this foodie affair.

• Tip 1: Winter is the peak of ramen season in NYC, so be sure to grab a bowl while you’re here.
• Tip 2: Food carts and bodegas are a truly New Yorker dining experience. Stop by at least one if you really want to eat like a New Yorker.
• Tip 3: Many higher-end restaurants don’t participate in Restaurant Week. For an elevated experience, check out a couple of our personal favorites: Le Coucou, Babbo, and Balthazar.

Things to Do

If you miss the fairs and festivals, or aren’t into those kinds of events, don’t worry. There are still plenty of other ways to pass the time. Remember, NYC is one of the biggest and most diverse cities on the planet– this means there’s something for everyone. Here are a couple more ways to enjoy an afternoon in New York. 

Attend a Hockey Game

The middle of winter may not be the time of year most people associate with sports, but it’s the highlight of hockey season. And there are three major professional hockey teams you can watch while visiting New York this January:



• New York Rangers: Based in Manhattan, they play at Madison Square Garden
• New York Islanders: Based in Long Island, they play at the UBS Arena in Elmont
• New Jersey Devils: While located in the neighboring state of New Jersey, they are close enough to catch at the Prudential Center.
  

Tour Museums

Get out of the cold and snow by checking out some of New York’s many, many museums. Name a niche interest, and we can almost guarantee that there’s a museum for it somewhere in the city. From sprawling landmarks like the Natural History Museum to the interactive Museum of Illusions, and even museums dedicated to mathematics and bones, you can tour a different museum every day of your trip and still barely make a dent in the list. 

About the Author

Bozhidar Bachvarov (aka “Boz”) is the manager of Incentra Village Guest House in historic West Village. As a city local and a frequent traveler, Boz knows how to give guests an authentic New York experience.