Best things to do in New York in January, 2026.

When was the last time you found yourself in a bumper car? If it’s been too long, head to Bryant Park to bump, slide and spin on the ice (ages 7+). After the holiday season ends, Bryant Park dusts off the beloved bumper cars and opens up the 17,000-square-foot ice rink exclusively for this fun winter activity in NYC.

My adviceI strongly recommend booking in advance, since this one of the most popular it.

Trust me. Order whatever the person next to you is having.

My adviceMost people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.

A cherished winter activity in New York City, the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is not to be missed while visiting NYC in January. The garden is transformed into a magic wonderland featuring 175+ miniature city landmarks meticulously crafted from natural materials (like leaves, twigs and bark).

Model trains (steam engines and trolleys) navigate a half-mile track, whizzing past New York City landmarks. Attracting 250,000 visitors a year, there’s no denying that experiencing the Holiday Train Show is one of the best it for kids (and train enthusiasts alike!).

If you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.

Jerry Seinfeld probably needs no introduction. Best known for the hit TV show, Seinfeld (the sixth-best TV show of all time), Seinfeld will be performing four shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York City in January 2024.

A native New Yorker (he currently lives in the Upper West Side), Seinfeld is considered one of the best comedians at all time. Tickets won’t last long, so purchase them in advance to avoid missing out on this unique January activity in NYC.

One of the best it is to check out a live sporting event! NYC is home to the New York Rangers and New York Islanders (hockey), New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets (basketball) and the New York Giants and New York Jets (football).

My favorite place to catch a sporting event is the Madison Square Garden (love seeing the Rangers & Knicks!). If you’re visiting New York City in January consider attending a game as an excuse to get out of your hotel and cheer for the home team.

My adviceIf cost is a concern, might be helpful to know that tickets to basketball and hockey games are typically less expensive than football games. The seasons are longer, so there’s less demand.

One of the best it (especially for foodies) is to take a class at Eataly. This popular Italian marketplace is part-grocery store and part-restaurant venue, and hosts some of the best food classes in NYC.

This year’s class is called Bubbles & Cheese. Learn about pairing Italian cheeses with sparkling Italian wines from a professional cheese monger and Eataly’s beverage director. You’ll be guided through Italian regions, producers, production methods and the various aging processes.

Something to Note. Eataly has two locations in NYC but the Bubbles & Cheese Class is being hosted only at the downtown location.

A tradition dating back 40 years, El Museo del Barrio (a musuem dedicated to celebrating the heritage of Latin cultures) has hosted the Three Kinds Day Celebration annually on January 6th. The parade is led by giants puppets of the Three Kings, as they wind through the streets of East Harlem (known as El Barrio) to live music, colorful costumes and floats.

Seeing the parade in person while visiting New York City in January is a no-brainer. Starting at 11am, the parade route begins at 106th St and park Ave and ends at El Museo del Barrio where a concert takes place. This year’s theme is ‘Tradiciones. Keeping Our Stories Alive.’

Founded in Japan in 1992, Tonchin is the passion-project of two brothers, Katsuhiro and Motohiro Sugeno. Folks couldn’t get enough of this ramen, so when Katsuhiro’s son decided to open a flagship location New York City location, nobody was surprised when they won a Bib Gourmand from Michelin.

Bib Gourmand restaurants are renowned for offering great quality cooking at a good price. Having tried 30+ ramen spots in New York City, I can confirm that Tonchin’s ramen comes out on top.

The Harlem Gospel Choir was founded in 1986 and is considered one of the most talented gospel choirs in the world. On January 15th the choir will come together at Sony Hall to pay homage to Martin Luther King Jr. Get tickets for a unique NYC January experience you won’t soon forget.

The event is open to all ages and faiths, and is one of the best things to do in New York City in January. Tickets are available now and start at $33 plus fees.

The Barclays Center in Brooklyn hosts one of the best winter events in New York City for families, Disney on Ice. Watch beloved Disney characters glide, sing and perform popular movies live on the ice.

Miguel from Coco, Rapunzel from Tangled, and Moana all will sing their songs (and you’ll find it hard not to sing-along) in a performance called Into the Magic. Expect tons of dancing, games and crafts your kids will be sure to remember.

My adviceThere’s a pre-show Character Experience you can purchase where your little ones get to interact with characters before the show starts.