What to Do on New Year’s Day

The start of a new year is on the horizon! We have a list of suggestions as to how to spend a memorable first day of 2022 in New York City.

Not for the faint of heart, the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day is one heck of a way to start the new year! Join in (or just watch) the fun as swimmers in wild costumes and bathing suits alike jump into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean to help raise money for various charities. Participants can join teams and raise funds, or simply dip in as an individual for a guaranteed wake-up that is better than a cup of coffee!

Traditionally, the city’s top poets, performers and artists come together in St. Mark’s Church on New Year’s Day to share inspiration through their work. This year the event will be held virtually, with a whopping 500 artists participating. The event starts New Year’s Eve and continues on into New Year’s Day. There will be DJs spinning music, in addition to readings and performances. It’s a unique opportunity to see and hear so many of the city’s outstanding artists in one event, all coming together to celebrate the New Year and the city of New York.

Embracing the winter chill on a pair of skates is an age-old way to ring in the New Year. Head to one of New York City’s many ice skating rinks to make some turns on the ice and enjoy the feeling of gliding into 2022. New Yorkers are spoiled for choice when it comes to ice rinks. Try out the Rink at Rockefeller Center and skate under the big Christmas tree, or go traditional at Central Park’s Wollman Rink or lace up your skates the rink at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park.

Take in some New York history at the New-York Historical Society , the city’s first museum, founded in 1804. It’s mission is to preserve and share New York’s diverse and unique history. It is home to esteemed national artworks, a distinguished library and a children’s museum, in addition it features exhibitions about women’s history and important cultural and historical events in US history. A visit is a great way to step back in time, see how far we’ve come and what still needs to be done as we move into the future. Advance tickets and timed reservations are required.

If last night’s festivities have left you with a headache, there’s nothing better than a New York brunch to rejuvenate your senses. There’s an abundance of choice and delicious spots in every nook and cranny of New York. But if you’re looking for recommendations, we have a few to get you started.

Sojourn will have a DJ with jazz and 80s music on New Year’s Day. The menu from a former Eleven Madison Park chef boasts hangover cures of potatoes and black bean hash, steak and eggs and challah toast plus a wide a la carte menu.

Sojourn

244 E 79th St

New York, NY 10075

Or if you’d like something quieter, you can always try Egg Shop on Elizabeth Street. This all day breakfast joint is pure sunshine even on a grey day. The big windows, a plethora of delicious (you guessed it) egg dishes and seasonal cocktails are a draw.

Egg Shop

151 Elizabeth St

New York, NY 10012

If you’re up for a half-day trip, make your way to Rockaway Beach and the Rockaway Hotel’s restaurant Margie’s, specifically, for their New Year’s Day breakfast unlike any other. For a fee, (a portion of proceeds from sales go to charity) visitors may choose to jump into the frigid ocean waters and then right into the hotel’s outdoor saunas to warm up before sitting down to breakfast with American classics such as waffles, tater tots, eggs, sausage and bacon. It promises to be an invigorating start to the New Year.

The Rockaway Hotel

108-10 Rockaway Beach Dr

Queens, NY 11694

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.