18 Cool Things to Do in NYC This Month
It’s time to end the Netflix bingeing and step outside into the cold, but what should you do? We have discovered some of the best things to see, eat and experience in NYC right now—all you have to do is bundle up and enjoy.
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1. Freshen up your disco dancing at Joyface on the Lower East Side. This bar-meets-’70s-lounge serves up a special vibe (and delicious cocktails). Oh, and there is a waterbed if you’re interested in resting your go-go boots.
2. Miss your summer days by the pool? Try a class at NYC’s first and only aqua cycling studio, Aqua Studio, hidden behind an unassuming storefront in Tribeca. Participants are first welcomed into a luxurious locker room before stepping into the saltwater pool for a group workout.
3. Have a resolution to be more sustainable this year? Check out the latest outpost of Package Free Shop in Chelsea Market for all your zero-waste needs. Afterward, grab a bite at Very Fresh Noodles and have your to-go order placed in your new zero-waste tiffin.
4. Take a seat—or better yet, perform— at Bowery Poetry’s open-mic set. Every week, the poetry community welcomes guests of all experience levels to read from their heart. The cozy venue also offers bilingual open mics, adult classes, special readings and much more.
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5. The Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History has a new space show for the first time since 2013, opening on January 21. Narrated by Lupita Nyong’o, Worlds Beyond Earth will transport viewers into neighboring galaxies, through asteroid belts and land them directly on the moon. The first-of-its-kind high dynamic range (HDR) laser system displays the widest color gamut of any planetarium in the world, fully immersing guests into worlds beyond our imagination—without leaving Central Park West.
6. Grab your roller skates, ladies, we’re going brunching. Every Saturday in February, Williamsburg’s Schimanski Club will host a Roller Disco Brunch Party featuring mimosas and two hours of live DJ entertainment. Skates are available to rent, or you can lace up your old pair and take them for a spin.
7. Winter chill getting you down? Sit for a cup of hot tea at Kettl’s new location in NoHo. The Brooklyn-based tea proprietor offers a calming scene for a cozy cup of Japanese tea, shipped straight from the source. We suggest trying a scoop of the tea-based ice cream, made especially for Kettl by Il Laboratorio del Gelato.
8. Make the winter a little sweeter with a baking class at Milk Bar. With the help of an expert, learn how to create a special Milk Bar cake or one of their famous truffles. We suggest booking a special Valentine’s Day experience (we heard there will be raspberry cake).
9. Check out the newest exhibit at the Whitney Museum, opening February 17: Vida Americana: Mexican Muralists Remake American Art, 1925–1945. Presale tickets are available now.
10. After months of harsh winter weather, spend the afternoon refreshing your beauty regimen on the Beauty Floor of Nordstrom’s new flagship location on 57th Street. All the services you can imagine are available in this beauty haven: Get your nails done at Base Coat, have a blowout at Drybar and get a “workout” at FaceGym (plus so much more).
11. If you are craving fresh air (especially in the dead of winter), stop by The Sill, NYC’s indoor plant experts, to add fresh greenery into your apartment. If you are interested in learning more about plant care, The Sill also offers regular workshops on being a plant parent, both in person and online.
12. Take a sip at the Brooklyn Wine Fest on Saturday, February 8. Enjoy entertainment, games and (endless) wine samples with your complimentary tasting glass. Tip: Designated drivers are welcome to join the group and enjoy the entertainment, sans alcohol; special discounted tickets are made available for “DD’s” to ensure a safe trip home after all the fun.
13. Cure your winter blues at Color Factory. The immersive experience invites you to explore the colors and bright lights of each exhibit (and to dive into the brightly colored ball pit at the end).
14. Take your friends for a Spin at New York City’s well-known Ping-Pong establishment. With a full bar and great music, it’s a great place to unwind indoors and enjoy happy hour specials (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) or gather a large party for a spin-off.
15. Book a slot at Aire Ancient Baths, a refreshing spa retreat filled with thermal pools and candlelight. Thanks to a limited amount of spots available each hour, you are guaranteed space to rest, relax and recharge.
16. Grab a seat for the ninth annual Ultra-Mega Oscars Viewing Party on Sunday, February 9, at NiteHawk Cinema. Cheer on your favorite nominees with the passionate crowd, all while enjoying the full bar and dining menu.
17. Try Flushing’s hottest hot pot restaurant, Hadaiko. While you wait for a table, take advantage of the hand massages, snacks and games available. There is great entertainment for kids and adults alike. Come for the experience but be sure to stay for the free soft-serve ice cream after your meal.
18. Stop by the AKC Museum of the Dog in midtown, just in time for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Perfect for children and adults alike, this unique museum honors our furry friends through art, history and interactive technology.
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