How to brighten your January in NYC

January can be a dreary time of year but it doesn't have to be that way. Here are our top picks of NYC events to brighten up your month this January.

NYC Winter Lantern Festival (Now-January 12)

Photo: NYC Winter Lantern Festival

The best way to brighten up your January is with some color. Find more than 1,000 lanterns sculpted into beautiful art on Staten Island at the NYC Winter Lantern Festival, with everything from dragons to tulips to beautiful archways to explore. There’s even a full schedule of cultural performances, including plate spinning, Tibetan Folk Dance and Chinese Sichuan Opera magic as well as an ice skating rink to lift those winter blues.

Winter Jazzfest 2020 (January 9-18)

Now in its 16th season, the annual NYC Winter Jazzfest is back again for January 2020. Catch over 700 bands performing in venues across NYC as well as a program of discussions on gender, immigration and other social issues in the jazz world. There’s even a jazz marathon at the center of the festival hosted across a handful of Lower Manhattan venues, complete with two nights of non-stop music from both famous cats and newcomers alike, all of which you can access with a single wristband. 

NYC Restaurant Week (January 21–February 9)

This popular NYC festival occurs twice a year (and January is our favorite of the two sessions because the holiday crowds have cleared out for the winter). Restaurant Week gives patrons the chance to enjoy 5-star meals at a quarter of the cost. More than 300 of New York’s best restaurants will be offering a prix-fixe menu with their favorite dishes at ridiculously reduced prices for the occasion with two-course lunch menus starting at just $26.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20)

This annual celebration is held in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and it’s the perfect time to learn more about Black History in the city. There are regularly special exhibitions at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The Museum of the City of New York Brooklyn and the Academy of Music Apollo Theater as well as annual street parties throughout Harlem. This year the Harlem Gospel Choir will even be performing at Sony Hall.

No Pants Subway Ride (January 12)

Photo: Pulsd

Something that will truly brighten up your January, the “No Pants Subway Ride” is an annual day in which brave New Yorkers literally ride the subway (in the freezing weather) without their pants on, some in the name of charity and some simply in the name of laughter, organized by Improv Everywhere. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can RSVP on Facebook or take a look at the event page for the after party at Bar 13. Just be prepared to freeze not just your socks off.

Three Kings Day Parade (January 6)

Photo: El Museo del Barrio

The 43rd annual Three Kings Day Parade is titled Nuestros Barrios Unidos: Celebrating our Collective Strength. This spectacular parade is held in honor of New York City’s immigrant and migrant communities past and present. Featuring real camels, colorful floats, puppets, parrandas and plenty of music and dancing, the festivities start at 11 am at 106th St and Park Ave. 

7. Chinese New Year (January 25)

Chinese New Year is one of the most colorful events in the New York City calendar. Head to Chinatown to catch beautiful lanterns, delicious street food and more on January 25. This year rings in the new year of the rat, one of New York City’s most esteemed and famous residents. Now that's a great way to brighten up your January.