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Seven Fun Things to Do in New York City in 2018

Bryant Park Ice Skating

Happy New Year! It is never too early to start planning your to do list for the new year. So from a hot chocolate festival to Chinese New Year festivities, here are some fun things to do in New York City in 2018.

Valrhona Hot Chocolate Festival – January 18 & January 20 to February 4

Valrhona Hot Chocolate

P.C.: instagram, valrhonausa

Do you love hot chocolate? Then you have to check out the Valrhona Hot Chocolate Festival. There is a kickoff party on January 18 at Ladurée SoHo and for the days following, bakeries and chocolatiers around New York City will offer their twists and takes on this winter classic. It is perfect way to warm up!

New York City Restaurant Week – January 22 to February 9

Lafayette Crispy Duck Confit

New York City Restaurant Week is a great time to try new restaurants. Hundreds of restaurants will offer pre-fixe menus priced at $29 for lunch and $42 for dinner. Check out our blog later this month for our recommendations and if you miss this NYC Restaurant Week there is another one in late summer!

Bryant Park Winter Carnival – January 26 to February 3

Bryant Park Winter Carnival Silent Disco

P.C.: bryantpark.org, Angelito Jusay

Bryant Park has a bunch of fun free things to do throughout the year. You can skate around the famous ice skating rink right now and the Winter Carnival is coming up very soon. During the Winter Carnival, there are curling lessons, an ice castle, an ice ball (where you don fancy attire and waltz on the rink), a silent disco party and more!

Central Park Ice Festival – February 11

Central Park Ice Festival

P.C.: yelp, Amy M.

One of the coolest things (no pun intended) to do in Central Park during the winter is the Ice Festival at the Naumburg Bandshell. During the ice festival, ice carving artists will work for hours to make some truly breathtaking ice sculptures.

Chinese New Year – February 16

Chinese New Year 2016

Chinese New Year is one of the most fun times to be in Chinatown. Chinese New Year is February 16th this year and celebrations will last until early March. It is the year of the dog and you have to check out the firecracker ceremony and all the lion dances throughout the neighborhood. Be sure to check our blog for our guide to celebrating the Chinese New Year in New York City before you go.

The Jim Henson Exhibition

Jim Henson Exhibition

P.C.: movingimage.us

There are so many amazing museums in New York City but one exhibition that has had a lot of buzz is the Jim Henson Exhibition in Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens. With puppets from shows like The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and The Dark Crystal and an interactive puppet station, it is a ton of fun for the whole family.

Ahoy NY’s Taste of Mulberry Street Tour

French Cheese Board

With three seated tastings, a progressive Italian meal and less walking, the Taste of Mulberry Street tour is perfect for the colder months. Ooey gooey pizza straight out of the oven, fresh pasta with amazing sauces and more awaits! Check out our tour page for more information.