January can be a tough month in New York City. January can be a tough month no matter where you are, really. The winter can start to really kick in, and the cold temperatures can make us feel defeated and tired. The shorter days can definitely take a toll on our attitudes and energy levels, so it’s important to keep yourself busy so you don’t give in to the laziness of the winter. Of course, it’s nice to hibernate sometimes, but it can also be easy to fall into the routine of staying in ALL the time. (I’m guilty of this myself, so I can speak from experience here!) If you can get past the dreary weather, January in the Big Apple can be really fun!
Of course, while you’re here, you’ll want to put your English skills to real-world practice, and there’s truly no better location to do that. As I always say, New York City is the ideal cultural and lingual melting pot, so you’ll easily be able to put your classroom skills to use while you’re out and about in all kinds of ways. It might be difficult to engage with others due to these hibernation habits, but trust me, you won’t be bored!
1.Big Apple Circus, Various dates in January, Lincoln Center
Luckily, the circus is a universal language and experience. With all sorts of talents and spectacles, you can be entertained while staying warm indoors at the same time. Bring your friends so you can practice your English reactions, and if you’re posting on social media, practicing your social hashtags will also help you engage with other social media users on your experience. The best part is of course the food, so this is another way you can practice your English skills with vendors and other attendees. Find out what food and drink they’re serving, share your favorites, and be sure to post!
2.Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival, January 18, Brooklyn Expo Center
Now this is an event that I’m interested in myself. I’m a huge beer fan, and I tend to lean towards bourbon before vodka or tequila, so this is interesting! Plus, in the dead of winter, there’s nothing better than some satisfying and comforting barbecue to warm your belly. At this event, you’ll be able to sample all sorts of brews and taste all sorts of barbecue mixed with plenty of onsite entertainment, like music and dancing. This is the perfect getaway for your friends to spend your day while staying warm – and the bonus is you’ll get to try all different kinds of tastes from all over the country. Not only will you learn a lot about the food and drink, but you’ll have the opportunity to socialize with other event-goers and put your English speaking skills to use. This event costs to get in, so be sure to bring your wallet!
3.Winter Festival, FrostFest, starting January 25, Bryant Park
If you’ve been in New York City for a while, it’s likely that you’ve heard about this event for some time. Even though the festive holidays are over in January, there is still plenty to see and do in the outdoor parks. Bryant Park especially goes all out when it comes to winter celebrations, as the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with ice skating, karaoke, live music, and now bumper cars on ice. This location draws in people from all over the city to participate in the festivities, so I recommend planning ahead if you’re interested in this. (I recommend avoiding the weekends if you have the ability, as families will arrive with their full party in tow – if you can, check it out in the middle of the week). There are tons of happenings over the week that it’s open for this celebration, so be sure to plan ahead and pick out what you want to participate in the most! And of course, attending is a great way to put your English skills to use as you interact with others in attendance.
No matter what, being in New York City in January can sometimes be tough. The holidays are over, people are back to work, and the kids are back in school. But you’re still in the greatest city in the world, so do what you can to make the best of it, even in one of the most brutally cold months of the year!