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Even as the holiday decorations disappear and the city is at its quietest, New York continues to provide magic, excitement, and a number of events to fill your calendar. The city that never hibernates — err, sleeps — will keep you on your toes well into the depths of winter, and this time of year, it’ll offer up a deal or two to boot. Lace your skates and take a turn around The Rink presented by Chase Freedom, or reserve a table at 5 Acres or Le Rock and feast on deliciously discounted Restaurant Week meals before or after enjoying a two-for-one Broadway show.
Better yet, bundle up and heighten your sense of adventure at Skylift, Rockefeller Center’s newest attraction. The open-air platform sits high above the New York City skyline — we’re talking three stories above Top of the Rock’s impressive 70th floor — and revolves 360 degrees, offering unforgettable views along with awe-inspiring photo opportunities.
January is also your last chance to catch festive holiday programming for a while, so don’t forget to take the kids to “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show.” If your family is more into high-speed entertainment, there’s also professional hockey and basketball happening all month long at Madison Square Garden. And if your New Year’s resolution is to drink better wine, keep the merriment flowing at New York Wine Fest, where you can try samples from all over the world without leaving Chelsea. Read on for more picks of the best events happening around New York City in January.
Wondering what’s going on at Rockefeller Center in January? Scroll through our upcoming events, and sign up for The Center Newsletter to get the latest news delivered to your inbox.
1. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show”
Through January 5
Author and illustrator Eric Carle’s beloved children’s stories are brought to life in “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show” via a colorful ensemble of 75 puppets and an irresistibly catchy soundtrack. The show has been taking the world by storm for 10 years and promises to keep kids ages 6 months and up captivated while also serving a hearty dose of nostalgia for older generations. What more could you ask for on a cold winter’s day? It’s important to note the show is designed to be autism-friendly, and VIP tickets include a character meet-and-greet, perfect for inevitably star-struck tots.
2. The Scavenger Hunt at MoMA
January 12
There’s no better way to get to know the ins and outs of one of New York City’s coolest museums than joining The Scavenger Hunt at MoMA. You can form a team of your own or arrive solo and get paired with new friends before taking on the challenge, which involves scoping out clues inside the artwork, through the halls, and even in the gift shop of the museum for 75 minutes of fun. This event is for art lovers and the art curious who are 21 and older, and a post-scavenger hunt gathering will offer a chance to mingle once the pressure is off.
3. Broadway Week and Restaurant Week
January 21 – February 9
It’s no coincidence that Broadway Week and Restaurant Week coincide — there simply is not a pairing that melts critics’ hearts quite like two-for-one show tickets followed by an affordable multi-course meal. This is that special time of year when those willing to brave the frigid city streets are rewarded with tables at the hottest restaurants and orchestra seats at top-rated stage productions old and new. All that, and they won’t even have to pay full price. Wondering where to eat before or after the show? Rockefeller Center is not only a stone’s throw from the lights of Broadway, but it’s also jam-packed with restaurants, many of which participate year after year. Whether you’re looking for a romantic bite by candlelight or a lively night out with the girls, check back in early January to start making reservations.
4. Hugh Jackman at Radio City Music Hall
January 24-25
They don’t call Hugh Jackman “The Greatest Showman” for nothing. The actor, singer, dancer, and producer will show off his many talents at “Hugh Jackman Live From New York With Love,” his 12-show residency at Radio City Music Hall. It all kicks off January 24 and will be spread throughout the year, ending in October. This marks Tony Award-winning Jackman’s first live concert series in five years, and he is expected to perform hits from some of his most lauded roles, including Professor Harold Hill in “The Music Man,” Peter Allen in “The Boy From Oz,” and P.T. Barnum in “The Greatest Showman.” We can’t promise the yellow “Wolverine” suit will make an appearance, but we can promise you’ll be entertained.
5. New York Wine Fest
January 25
Tired of defaulting to the same old bottle of wine from your corner store? New York Wine Fest will expand your horizons, making you feel like a sommelier for a day with more than 100 styles to taste from all across the globe. Admission includes a souvenir glass and wine tastings, plus live music and games. Plenty of food will also be sold on premises, presenting the opportunity to create your own version of the perfect pairing. Public transportation is your best bet to get to the event at Chelsea Industrial, but discounted designated driver tickets are available should you choose to take a car.
6. Sporting Events at Madison Square Garden
Throughout January
Basketball and hockey fans will have plenty to keep them busy this January as the New York Knicks and Rangers face off against their rivals at Madison Square Garden. Both will have the home team advantage several times over the course of the month, so don’t miss the opportunity to root them on to victory. In the college arena, St. John’s Red Storm will take on Villanova, Georgetown, and Xavier in January as part of their bid to win entry to March Madness. And from January 3 to 5, “Professional Bull Riders: Unleash the Beast” will bring the 40 best bull riders in the world to the Garden to battle through a fierce rodeo event.
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