New York State is offering a range of events and activities across its regions in January 2026, providing residents and visitors with options to celebrate the new year and experience winter attractions.
The First Day Hikes program invites people to start the year by exploring New York’s parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, canal trails, and public lands on January 1. The initiative features over 100 hikes suitable for different ages and abilities at locations such as Olana, Letchworth, Allegany, Walkway Over the Hudson, and Taughannock Falls. Registration is available through the State Parks, DEC, and Canals websites.
Also on January 1, participants can join polar plunges in Brooklyn’s Coney Island or Lake George. The Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Plunge encourages a minimum $30 donation for local nonprofits.
Winter Jazzfest will take place in Manhattan and Brooklyn from January 8 to 13. The event includes performances by jazz artists as well as panel discussions.
Lake Placid will host the FIS Freestyle World Cup at the Olympic Jumping Complex on January 11-12. Spectators can watch athletes compete in aerial skiing events.
In Central New York, Chenango Valley State Park will hold the Binghamton Pond Festival on weekends from January 16 to February 1. Activities include hockey tournaments, trivia contests, lessons for children, fireworks displays, and more.
Ellicottville’s Winter Blues Weekend is scheduled for January 16-18 in Chautauqua-Allegheny. Visitors can listen to blues bands performing at various venues throughout the village.
Oswego County will present the Salmon River Winter Festival from January 16-18 with snowshoeing, sleigh rides, cornhole tournaments, food competitions among restaurants and taverns ($5-$10 fees apply for food judging).
Grafton Lakes State Park hosts its annual Winter Festival on January 17 with snowshoeing adventures, wagon rides, wildlife demonstrations, outdoor games such as snow bowling and snowmobile rides. The festival begins with a polar plunge contest featuring a prize for best costume.
Port Jefferson’s Ice Festival dates are yet to be announced but will feature ice sculptures and live music; admission is free.
Long Lake Winter Carnival occurs on January 17 with activities like sled races and fireworks; attendees can also enjoy free skating and sledding.
NYC Winter Outing runs from January 20-February 12 across New York City. It offers deals including two-for-one Broadway tickets during NYC Must-See Week (booking starts January 7), restaurant specials during Restaurant Week, hotel discounts during Hotel Week (details: https://www.nycgo.com/nyc-winter-outing/), as well as discounted tours and museum admissions.
The Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Arts takes place from January 22-24 at Albany Capital Center. According to organizers: “The annual Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Arts is a three-day celebration that spotlights the capital city’s restaurants, chefs and their innovative cuisine… It also offers sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany…” Nearly $1.8 million has been raised by this event so far.
Funky Ice Fest comes to Lake George’s Adirondack Pub & Brewery over two weekends (January 23-24 & January 30-31) featuring ice sculpture galleries and family-friendly entertainment.
Syracuse will host The New York Sportsman’s Expo at NY State Fairgrounds Expo Center from January 23–25 showcasing hunting/fishing products along with an indoor trout pond attraction; adult tickets are $15 while children under six enter free (event info: https://nysportsmansexpo.com/).
Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz presents Jazz on the Mountain from January 23–26 where guests may attend performances by established jazz musicians—meals/lodging reservations include concert access (details: https://www.mohonk.com/events/jazz-on-the-mountain/).
Long Island Winter Restaurant Week happens between January 25–February 1 at multiple Nassau/Suffolk locations offering prix fixe menus ranging from $29-$46 per dinner or $24 lunch specials (more information: https://longislandrestaurantweek.com/).
Catskills Pride Ski Weekend returns Jan 31-Feb 1 at Belleayre Mountain promoting inclusivity through group ski lessons and themed parties supporting LGBTQ+ participation outdoors.
Buffalo’s Silent Disco at Erie County Botanical Gardens takes place Jan 30; tickets cost $40 per person.
Hudson Valley WingFest celebrates its nineteenth edition Jan 31 in Poughkeepsie featuring wings tastings from area vendors—tickets start at $35 plus taxes/fees (https://wingfestrivals.com/hudson-valley-wingfest/).
Hunter Mountain hosts Black Ski & Ride Weekend Jan 31-February celebrating diversity within winter sports communities through various slope-side events.
