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New York in January at a glance: Must-see attractions, winter festivities, and events

If you’re looking to experience a winter wonderland while escaping the holiday crowds, January is the perfect time for you to visit New York City. The festivities (and sales) are still in full swing, but you won’t have to worry about getting lost in the crowd. You can focus on getting lost in the moment instead! It’s the perfect time for travelers to explore the city, especially during that quiet stretch between the holiday rush and Valentine’s Day.

Your NYC in January guide

  1. NYC in January at a glance
  2. NYC in winter: How January compares
  3. NYC in January: Popular things to do
  4. Plan ahead: Must-book NYC experiences for January
  5. January highlights: Must-do experiences for families, couples, and more
  6. Festivals and events in NYC this January
  7. NYC in January: Your 3-day itinerary
  8. Pro tips for exploring NYC in January
  9. NYC in January: Frequently asked questions

NYC in January at a glance

Why You Should Visit New York in January
  • Weather: Average temperatures range from -3°C (27°F) to 4°C (39°F). It’s one of the coldest months, often accompanied by brisk winds and the occasional snow, especially in the second half of the month.
  • Daylight: About 9.5 hours of daylight, with sunset around 5pm.
  • Key Events: Broadway Week, Restaurant Week, Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, Winter Jazzfest, NY Jewish Film Festival.
  • Packing Essentials: A warm winter coat, thermal wear, insulated gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Waterproof, snow-friendly boots. 

NYC in winter: How January compares

January in New York City brings crisp winter air, festive remnants of the holiday season, and fewer crowds compared to December. It’s a more peaceful time to explore the city, but that doesn’t make it any less eventful. The post-holiday sales, festivals, ice skating rinks, Broadway shows, and iconic NY landmarks will make sure your trip to the city remains as enjoyable as ever.

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CategoryDecemberJanuaryFebruary

Weather

-2°C (28°F) to 7°C (45°F)

-3°C (27°F) to 4°C (39°F)

-2°C (28°F) to 5°C (41°F)

Crowds

High

Low

Moderate

Key events

Rockefeller Tree Lighting, holiday markets, Christmas Spectacular, NYE in Times Sq.

Broadway Week, Restaurant Week, Winter Jazzfest, MLK Jr. Day events, NY Jewish Film Festival

NYC Winter Wine Festival, Lunar New Year celebrations, Fashion Week, Valentine’s Day events

Best for

Festive holiday experiences, family trips, shopping, New Year’s celebrations.

Exploring iconic attractions without crowds, theater lovers, foodies.

Romantic getaways, family outings during mid-winter break, arts and culture.

Ticketed attractions

Radio City Christmas Spectacular, NYE parties, popular Broadway shows.

Broadway Week tickets, Statue of Liberty tours, museum passes.

Fashion Week shows, Valentine’s Day events, guided tours.

Outdoor activities

Ice skating at Bryant Park and Central Park, holiday light displays, holiday markets.

Snowy walks in Central Park, NY Botanical Garden, ice skating at major rinks.

Winter walks on the High Line, Lunar New Year parades, Bryant Park’s Winter Village (early Feb).

Transportation tips

Subways run on holiday schedules during Christmas and NYE. Expect heavy traffic around Christmas and New Year's; plan extra travel time.

Subways are less crowded; bundle up for walks between destinations.

Subway and bus service is reliable, but delays are possible due to winter storms and icy roads; dress warmly for outdoors.

Shopping and sales

Holiday sales early in the month; post-Christmas discounts start Dec 26.

Major post-holiday sales at outlet stores and boutique designer stores at SoHo.

Valentine’s Day promotions, Presidents’ Day weekend sales in department stores.

Budget considerations

High prices for hotels and flights during Christmas and NYE; book early for deals.

Lower hotel and flight rates; budget-friendly dining during Restaurant Week.

Affordable except around Valentine’s Day; check for winter discounts on experiences.

NYC in January: Popular things to do

New York in January

Broadway

January on Broadway has fewer crowds than December and more chances for you to enjoy. You can get discounted tickets during Broadway Week (from January 21 to February 9) for a 2-for-1 price on shows!

  • Special events: Broadway Week offers 2-for-1 ticket deals on select shows, making it a great time to catch your favorite performance.
  • Recommended experiences: Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King.
  • Insider tip: Get your tickets for popular shows during Broadway Week early, as they sell out fast.
Book your favorite musical now
New York in January

Statue of Liberty cruises

Take a winter cruise to visit Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. The crisp air and quiet waters offer a more serene experience, with fewer tourists making the trip.

Special events: Take guided tours to learn more about NYC’s history.

Recommended experiences:

  • New York City Downtown & Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise
  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry Transfers

Insider tip: Dress warmly, as the ferry’s outdoor decks can be chilly.

More about Statue of Liberty cruises
New York in January

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Spend an afternoon soaking up some of the best artworks from around the world at MoMA, with works from Van Gogh, Picasso, and many other contemporary visionaries. You can have a more relaxed experience since January tends to have fewer visitors.

Special events: Seasonal exhibitions and artist talks by Thomas Schütte, Nour Mobarak, and Robert Frank.

Recommended experiences:

  • Museum of Modern Art Tickets
  • Museum of Modern Art Tickets + The Banksy Museum Ticket
All MoMA tickets and tours
New York in January

One World Observatory

Enter the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere to visit the One World Observatory with 360-degree views of the NYC skyline. Ascend 102 floors in just 47 seconds with the SkyPod elevators. One World Observatory deck is fully enclosed, which means it remains open to visitors throughout the year, even during bad weather conditions.

Special events: Interactive exhibits at the See Forever Theater

Recommended experiences:

  • One World Observatory + 9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets
  • One World Observatory Deluxe Ticket: Skip-All-Lines with $5 Voucher
  • One World Observatory VIP Tour

Insider tip: Make the most of your trip to the World Trade Center and visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on the same day.

Your One World Observatory tickets
New York in January

American Museum of Natural History

Explore the history of the planet, human evolution, and the universe with a visit to the American Museum of Natural History. From extremely well-preserved dinosaur fossils to a life-sized model of the blue whale, the museum has a collection of exhibits spanning cultural, historical, and scientific marvels of the world.

Special events: Seasonal and ticketed rotating exhibits across the museum halls.

Recommended experiences:

  • American Museum of Natural History Tickets
  • American Museum of Natural History Tickets + 1 Ticketed Exhibition

Insider tip: Expect to spend at least 4 hours at the museum, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

Details about your AMNH tour
New York in January

Guggenheim Museum

Visit the Guggenheim, a museum that’s an architectural marvel in itself, and a listed UNESCO World Heritage. See interactive displays and modern and contemporary works by artists like Pollock, Kandinksy, and Picasso.

Special events: The museum hosts regular lectures, screenings, and performances by various artists and critics.

Recommended experiences:

  • Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets
  • New York CityPASS®: Choose 5 Attractions

Insider tip: Use the digital guide to learn more about the artworks in the museum.

January highlights: Must-do experiences for families, couples, and more

Families with kids

Families with kids

Must-experience:

  • American Museum of Natural History: Perfect for curious kids, the museum’s massive exhibits, like the dinosaur halls and planetarium, make for a day of wonder.
  • Ice skating in Central Park: The open space, scenic views, and kid-friendly atmosphere make it a favorite for families.

Better in January:

  • Winter Jazzfest family-friendly concerts: Some venues include matinee performances suitable for families, introducing kids to live music in an engaging way.
  • The January lull means fewer crowds so families can explore the museums and go ice skating more comfortably.
Couples

Couples

Must-experience:

  • Sunset at Edge Observation Deck: Sunset views at the Edge are one of the most romantic spots in New York, and the winter air creates an even more intimate setting.
  • Dining during Restaurant Week: January’s prix fixe menus make fine dining accessible for couples to enjoy and they get a chance to savor NYC’s top restaurants in an intimate setting.

Better in January:

  • Central Park strolls: The winters create a more private and romantic setting in Central Park, especially when compared to December’s festive buzz.
Live entertainment fans

Live entertainment fans

Must-experience:

  • Broadway Week: January is the perfect time to watch your favorite musicals and plays on Broadway, with discounted tickets making it easier to experience multiple shows.
  • Winter JazzFest: Hours of live music at various venues spread across New York with artists from around the world make this a must-see experience for those who love live music.

Better in January:

  • The discounted tickets on timeless classics on Broadway make it an even more special treat to catch in January.
Art and culture lovers

Art and culture lovers

Must-experience:

  • MoMA and the Guggenheim: Modern art masterpieces in world-famous galleries, make MoMA and the Guggenheim a must-visit for art lovers. 
  • 9/11 Memorial and Museum: You can visit and spend as much time as you need at the Memorial without the December holiday rush interrupting your flow.

Better in January:

  • January, being a quieter month, gives you more space and time to appreciate iconic works at your favorite museums.
  • Seasonal Exhibits: January has various rotating exhibitions that showcase works from museum collections.
Solo travelers or friend groups

Solo travelers or friend groups

Must-experience:

  • Statue of Liberty tours: Visit one of NYC’s most historically significant landmarks on a clear, winter morning in January.
  • Speakeasy bars: Perfect for solo adventures or friend hangouts, NYC’s hidden speakeasies come with warm interiors and great cocktails that help you escape the cold.

Better in January:

  • You can curate your trip and plan your visits to all attractions and landmarks of your choosing with a lot more freedom in January as compared to December or February because of the lack of holidays or festivities surrounding the month.
Shopping enthusiasts

Shopping enthusiasts

Must-experience:

  • Post-holiday sales: Stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue have clearance sales in January on winter clothing, accessories, and a lot more.

Better in January:

  • SoHo boutiques: Many local shops offer unadvertised markdowns in January to clear inventory for spring collections.
Food lovers

Food lovers

Must-Experience:

  • Restaurant Week: Dine to your heart’s content with multi-course meals at top restaurants for a fraction of the regular price. It’s the ultimate way to experience NYC’s food scene without overspending.

Festivals and events in NYC this January

Event/FestivalDescriptionDatesBest For

Broadway Week

2-for-1 tickets to select Broadway shows, offering affordable access to iconic musicals and plays.

21 Jan 2025 - 9 Feb 2025

Theater lovers, couples, and families

Winter JazzFest

Multi-day celebration of jazz with performances by legendary and emerging artists in venues citywide.

9 Jan 2025 - 15 Jan 2025

Live music fans, jazz enthusiasts, art lovers

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Cultural programs, concerts, and tributes commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

20 Jan 2025

History enthusiasts, families, solo travelers

Restaurant Week

Prix fix menus at NYC’s top restaurants, offering an affordable culinary experience.

21 Jan 2025 - 9 Feb 2025

Food lovers, couples, and groups

Post-holiday shopping sales

Major discounts at department stores and designer outlets, ideal for bargain hunters.

26 Dec 2024 - end of Jan 2025 (depending on the stores)

Shopping enthusiasts, budget-conscious travelers

NYC in January: Your 3-day itinerary

Day 1:

Day 1:

Morning:

  • Start with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take an early ferry to avoid crowds, especially if you’re visiting over the weekend.
  • Option: If you prefer an indoor activity, explore the American Museum of Natural History, perfect for immersing yourself in science and history.

Lunch:

Head to Westville Hudson in the West Village for a hearty American meal or grab some great seafood at Luke’s Lobster (ask for their signature lobster rolls!).

Evening:

Stroll through Central Park and try ice skating at the Wollman Rink. You can also visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) if you find the weather to be too cold.

Dinner:

Visit Carbone for their Italian food (reservations recommended) or try Locanda Verde for a cozy meal.

Post-dinner:

Check out speakeasies like Employees Only in the West Village for their craft cocktails in a great, thriving atmosphere.

Day 2:

Day 2:

Morning:

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and check out modern masterpieces by great artists. Or, you can take a tour of the Guggenheim Museum to enjoy its iconic spiral design and exhibits. (if you’re ambitious enough, you can do both!)

Lunch:

Eat at Eataly Flatiron to enjoy their artisanal Italian dishes or try Jack’s Wife Freda in Chelsea if you want to go for a brunch-style meal.

Evening:

Head to the Edge Observation Deck early in the evening to watch a panoramic view of the NYC skyline and catch a matinee show at Broadway.

Dinner:

Try Katz’s Delicatessen for a classic New York deli experience and their must-try meats.

Post-dinner:

If you’re in town for the Winter JazzFest, look for smaller, more intimate venues hosting jazz performances around the city.

Day 3:

Day 3:

Morning:

Treat yourself to some cronuts at Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo with a warm cuppa to get you started as you spend your morning walking through SoHo and shopping at local boutiques.

Lunch:

Stop by Prince Street Pizza for a slice of their legendary pepperoni square. If you’re looking for a more elaborate lunch, try Balthazar, a SoHo staple.

Evening:

Catch the sunset over the Hudson River or continue your day of shopping at Brookfield Place.

Dinner:

End your trip with a dinner at Michelin-starred Le Bernardin (seafood-focused) or go to The Smith for a more American brasserie dinner.

Post-dinner:

Your nightcap should be at The Dead Rabbit, a historic pub in the Financial District, famous for its award-winning cocktails.

Pro tips for exploring NYC in January

  • Dress warmly: NYC in January is cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Layer up with thermal wear, a heavy winter coat, insulated gloves, a scarf, and a hat. Waterproof boots are a must for snow or slushy streets.  
  • Plan for shorter days: With about 9.5 hours of daylight, plan your outdoor activities in the morning or early afternoon to make the most of natural light.
  • Book Broadway Week tickets early: Take advantage of Broadway Week’s 2-for-1 deals, but book as soon as tickets are released. Popular shows like Hamilton and Wicked sell out quickly.  
  • Reserve for popular attractions: Many iconic NYC attractions, such as The Edge Observation Deck, MoMA, and Statue of Liberty cruises, offer timed tickets. Reserve in advance to make sure you get your preferred slots.  
  • Stay flexible in case of weather changes: Snow or brisk winds can affect your plans. Have indoor activities like museums, shopping, or food tours as backups in case of bad weather.  
  • Make the most of the post-holiday sales: January is a fantastic time for shopping, with clearance sales at major outlets and discounts at boutiques. Go on a weekday for a more relaxed time shopping. 
  • Take advantage of Restaurant Week: Fine dine on a budget with prix-fixe menus at top-tier restaurants during Restaurant Week. Book your reservations early as spots fill up fast.
  • Go ice skating early: Rinks like Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink in Central Park are quieter in the mornings or weekdays. Reserve sessions in advance to avoid long waits.  
  • Stay hydrated and energized: The cold is dehydrating so remember to carry a reusable water bottle, and stay warm with coffee or hot chocolate.  
  • Pack smart: Bring a portable phone charger and a compact umbrella for unexpected rain or snow showers.  

NYC in January: Frequently asked questions

What’s the weather like in New York during January?

January is one of the coldest months in NYC, with average temperatures ranging from -3°C (27°F) to 4°C (39°F). You can expect brisk winds and occasional snow, especially later in the month. Make sure you’re dressed warmly!

Is January a good time to visit New York City?

Absolutely! January has fewer visitors, which makes it more peaceful and gives you more time to explore the city’s landmarks, museums, and winter festivals. Post-holiday sales, Broadway Week, and Restaurant Week only add to the charm.

What should I pack for a trip to NYC in January?

Pack for the cold! Essentials include a heavy winter coat, thermal layers, insulated gloves, a scarf, a hat, and waterproof boots. Bring a compact umbrella for unexpected snow or rain and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Are any attractions closed in January?

Most NYC attractions remain open in January, but some outdoor activities are weather-dependent like ice skating, helicopter tours, and certain cruises. Check weather conditions and with the tour operator a few hours before your experience to confirm your booking.

Can you still use the ice skating rinks in January?

Yes! Rinks like Rockefeller Center, Wollman Rink, and The Rink at Bryant Park remain open through winter.

What’s the best way to get around New York in January?

The city’s subway system is reliable and operates regardless of the weather. Buses, taxis, and rideshares are also great options.

What exactly is Broadway Week, and how can I participate?

Broadway Week in January offers 2-for-1 tickets to select shows. It’s an excellent opportunity to see top performances at a bargain. Tickets sell out fast, so book early!

Where can I shop in New York in January?

January is paradise in the city with massive post-holiday sales at flagship stores like Macy’s and boutique discounts in SoHo. Visit during weekdays for smaller crowds and better deals.

What are some family-friendly activities that I can participate in NYC in January?

Families can go ice skating, visit the American Museum of Natural History’s exhibits, or even catch a Broadway matinee of The Lion King!

How long should I plan to stay in NYC during January?

A 3-5 day trip gives you ample time to explore key attractions, go to events, and enjoy the city’s charm. Plan your itinerary around your interests for a fulfilling visit.