What to Do in NYC in January
After the holiday crowds thin out, travelers will discover a quieter side of New York City. January in NYC is also a month of massive savings, thanks to events like Broadway and New York Restaurant weeks. And for travelers who are still craving a bit of merriment, there are plenty of ways to feel festive in New York City all January long, including shopping at the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Whether you’re here for the deals or the wintry fun, just remember to pack your best winter jacket, warm boots and a reliable pair of mittens, because the weather in January can get chilly.
A Night at the Museum — Jan 10
Make like Ben Stiller and spend an evening at the American Museum of Natural History this month, thanks to the institution’s January sleepover parties. Ideal for families with history-loving children, the event includes an evening snack, light breakfast, a 3D film and planetarium show, a fossil-finding mission, live exhibitions and presentations and run of the museum — without any crowds. Tickets to A Night at the Museum start at $150.
Winter Jazzfest — Jan 9 – 18
Begin 2020 with a dose of culture during the annual Winter Jazzfest: a stacked lineup of performances with brass band sets and a madcap mashup of art rock and jazz. Most tickets for select shows start at $25, though serious jazz fanatics can snag a multi-day festival pass for $95 in advance.
National Hat Day — Jan 15
It’s National Hat Day! And seeing as Refinery is in a former hat factory, we’re excited to celebrate accordingly. Don your favorite hat and join in on the fun! Check out our In Bed With featuring NYC’s hat doyenne Linda Pagan.
Bread & Breakfast Pop-Up — Jan 15 – Jan 31
If, after a couple weeks of sticking to your new year resolutions, you’re ready to ditch the diet, we’ve got good news: Refinery is debuting a bookable hotel room experience (a “bread and breakfast” if you will) dedicated entirely to carbs. Think: tortilla-patterned bathrobes, giant baguette and donut pillows, a “carbivore” room service menu and an edible bread headboard, among other crusty and doughy delights. Book it on Hotels.com before someone else takes the cake.
NYC Restaurant Week — Jan 21 – Feb 9
Twice a year, some of the hottest restaurants in New York City make their sought-after (and expensive) dishes available for a fraction of the cost. Here’s how it works: Just make a reservation during the first New York City Restaurant Week of 2019 (January 21 to February 9), and remember that reservations open on January 9 and are guaranteed to fill quickly. Opt for a 2-course, prix fixe lunch for just $26, or go all-out with a 3-course dinner for $42. The list of participating restaurants will be released on January 9, but expect to see stalwarts like Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Cocina and Kitchen; two of chef Alex Stupak’s Empellón restaurants and Butter, the Midtown restaurant helmed by chef Alex Guarnaschelli.
Broadway Week — Jan 21 – Feb 9
Score two-for-one Broadway tickets during Broadway Week, which also starts January 21 and runs until February 9. Tickets go on sale on January 8, which is also when you can see which shows are officially participating. But it’s guaranteed to be one of the best days of 2019 to score affordable tickets to some of the best shows on Broadway. Past participants included Disney hits Aladdin and Frozen, as well as the perennial classic, The Lion King.
