A NEW YORK MINUTE
JANUARY’S BEST IN THE CITY
As the glitter of New Year’s Eve fades and the city settles into its winter rhythm, January reveals a quieter, more curated New York—one that locals cherish and visitors rarely get to see. From world-class culture to cozy indulgences, here’s your essential guide to making the most of the month ahead.
CULTURE & THE ARTS
The Met’s Must-See Winter Exhibitions
January invites you into a calmer, more luxurious Met experience. Visitors can take in exhibitions without the usual crowds, allowing for deeper appreciation of masterworks, newly opened showcases, and immersive installations within one of the world’s most celebrated museums.
Website: www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions
Broadway Week Returns
Enjoy 2-for-1 tickets on select shows—an annual gift for theater lovers. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience blockbuster musicals, critically acclaimed plays, and emerging productions that define New York’s legendary theater scene.
Details: www.nycgo.com/broadway-week
New York Philharmonic Winter Series
Settle into your seat at Lincoln Center as the New York Philharmonic presents rich seasonal programming. Expect standout performances featuring renowned conductors, guest soloists, and stirring compositions that bring warmth to winter evenings.
Schedule: www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets
ONLY IN NEW YORK
Winter JazzFest
This multi-venue festival lights up January nights with an eclectic mix of jazz icons, experimental performers, and global sounds. Wander between intimate Village clubs and larger stages for a truly electric New York music experience.
Festival Info: www.winterjazzfest.com
Skating at Rockefeller Center & Bryant Park
These iconic rinks feel refreshingly serene after the holidays, offering postcard-perfect moments beneath the skyline. Glide under the golden Prometheus at Rockefeller Center or enjoy the European-style market ambiance surrounding Bryant Park’s rink.
Rockefeller Center:
rockefellercenter.com/attractions/the-rink
Bryant Park:
http://bryantpark.org/activities/the-rink
A High Line Winter Walk
The High Line’s frost-kissed gardens and sweeping views of the Hudson create a stunning winter atmosphere. Art installations, architectural vistas, and peaceful pathways make this a must-do urban escape.
Plan Your Visit: www.thehighline.org
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
Restaurant Week Indulgences
Discover three-course menus at some of the city’s top restaurants. From Michelin-recognized kitchens to hidden neighborhood gems, Restaurant Week brings world-class dining experiences within easy reach.
Reservations & Menus:
www.nycgo.com/restaurant-week
Chic Winter Lounges
Slip into the warmth of New York’s most elegant lounges. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails among the whimsical murals of Bemelmans Bar, the historic charm of The Beekman’s Bar Room, or the modern, cozy sophistication of The Whitby Bar.
Bemelmans Bar:
www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/the-carlyle-new-york/dining/bemelmans-bar
The Beekman Bar Room:
www.thebeekman.com/dining/the-bar-room
The Whitby Bar:
www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/new-york/the-whitby-hotel/whitby-bar-restaurant
The Hot Chocolate Trail
Trade your morning latte for a decadent winter treat. Explore rich, European-style sipping chocolates, inventive flavors from artisanal bakers, and seasonal specialties crafted to warm even the coldest day.
Dominique Ansel Bakery: www.dominiqueansel.com
WELLNESS & STYLE
A Spa Reset
Start the year with rejuvenation at the city’s most luxurious spas. Whether it’s a restorative massage, a wellness ritual, or a full afternoon of pampering, both The Peninsula and Aman New York offer tranquil escapes from winter’s chill.
The Peninsula Spa:
www.peninsula.com/en/new-york/wellness
Aman New York Spa:
aman.com/hotels/aman-new-york/wellness
UNFORGETTABLE
WINTER MOMENTS
A Brooklyn Bridge Sunset
Clear winter skies produce some of the most vivid hues of the year. A late-afternoon walk across the Brooklyn Bridge delivers breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan glowing beneath a winter sunset.
Visitor Info:
www.nycgovparks.org/parks/brooklyn-bridge-park
After-Hours at the Museums
Experience art after dark at MoMA or Fotografiska, where extended hours, live music, and cocktails bring a stylish twist to cultural exploration. It’s a perfect way to combine nightlife with world-class creativity.
MoMA: www.moma.org
visit:
Fotografiska: fotografiska.com/nyc