The best things to do on New Year’s Day in NYC
There is plenty to do in NYC on New Year’s Day, so shake off your hangover and get ready to start off 2018 with a bang! There are many excellent NYC events in January, like Coney Island’s Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Swim. But if that’s too cold for you, opt for a delicious, wholesome meal (and maybe a cocktail or two) at some of the city’s best brunch spots instead. Afterward, we highly recommend checking out one of the best parties happening in NYC to combat your post-New Year’s Eve hangover. Make sure to head to one of the best sports bars to watch the Rose Bowl or NHL Winter Classic on January 1.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year’s Eve in NYC
Best things to do on New Year’s Day in NYC
Holiday Train Show
The garden lights up with its collection of trains that chug along a nearly half-mile track by 150 miniature NYC landmarks like the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall, all made of natural materials such as leaves, twigs, bark and berries.
Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Swim
Would you believe us if we told you a dip in the Atlantic is great for a hangover? Even if you don’t buy it, cheering those brave—or crazy—enough to take the plunge will stir you from your stupor. The Coney Island Polar Bear Club’s annual New Year's Day Swim invites hundreds of swimmers (without the benefit of blubber, underfur or guard hairs) to venture out into the ocean. All that’s required to take part in this brisk tradition are warm clothes, sneakers you don’t mind ruining (or surf boots, if you’ve got them) and the fortitude to actually go through with it. Meet on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Ave, Coney Island, Brooklyn. Suggested donation $25.
Looking for brunch on New Year’s Day?
Check out the 11 best places to get New Year’s Day brunch
Start the year right with New Year’s Day brunch to soak up champagne at one of these 11 restaurants in NYC
