9 Winter Events New Yorkers Shouldn’t Miss

NEW YORK CITY — Winter festivals make cold weather fun for New Yorkers seeking an antidote for cabin fever that can set in at this time of year.

In New York City this year, there are several chances to celebrate the season, including music and arts festivals, Lunar New Year events and more.

We’ve rounded up nine winter events that bring people together and create warmth against the cold. Before we get to them, a reminder: If you’re planning a winter event, feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Under the Radar 2026 Festival

• What: Experience the cutting edge of performance at this citywide festival featuring more than 25 new theater productions from visionary local and international artists.
• When: Jan. 7-25
• Where: Staged across various venues

Hot Cocoa Crush 5K & 10K Queens

• What: Lace up for a scenic winter run through Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Feb. 1, offering 5K and 10K courses followed by festive treats and hot cocoa. This family-friendly event includes a free "Kids Dash" starting 30 minutes before the main race.
• When: Feb. 1
• Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens Museum Building, Corona, NY 11368

Unapologetic Foods’ Winter Crab Festival

• What: Indulge in a "crustacean-centric" feast this winter as James Beard Award-winning chefs from Dhamaka and Semma collaborate on a menu inspired by regional Indian crab dishes. This dinner celebrates peak seafood season for a one-of-a-kind New York City culinary experience.
• When: Jan. 28
• Where: 25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Winter Jazzfest

• What: Celebrating more than two decades of innovation, NYC Winter Jazzfest returns to showcase a wide spectrum of artists using music as a powerful force for social change. This dynamic festival serves as a vital platform for the future of the genre.
• When: Jan. 8-13
• Where: Staged across various venues

GlobalFEST

• What: Celebrating cultural diversity through sound, globalFEST showcases a vibrant array of international and American regional music traditions designed to inspire discovery and unity.
• When: Jan. 11
• Where: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

The Winter Village at Bryant Park

• What: If you're looking to recapture the holiday spirit, head over to the Winter Village at Bryant Park for ice skating, shop the winter market, try seasonal drinks in the lodge, sit in a rosy igloo, try bumper cars on ice, and more.
• When: Now until March 1
• Where: Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018

Lunar New Year Parade

• What: Celebrate the Year of the Red Horse in Manhattan’s Chinatown with the spectacular Firecracker Ceremony on Feb. 16 and the iconic Lunar New Year Parade on March 1. These vibrant festivities feature traditional lion dances, stunning cultural performances, and incredible food.
• When: Feb. 16, March 1
• Where: Various locations in Manhattan's Chinatown

Westminster Dog Show

• What: Celebrating its milestone 150th anniversary in 2026, the historic Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show returns to NYC at the Javits Center on Jan. 31 and Feb. 2–3. The prestigious competition culminates at Madison Square Garden on the evenings of Feb. 2 and 3, where thousands of world-class dogs compete for the coveted "Best in Show" title.
• When: Jan 31- Feb. 3
• Where: 4 Penn Plaza, Manhattan, NY, 10121

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.