January in New York City is the perfect time to kick off the year with excitement, exploration, and a touch of winter magic. From indulgent specials and cozy indoor dinners to lively events that heat up the coldest nights, there’s no shortage of ways to start the year on a high note. Whether you’re a local looking for fresh experiences or a visitor ready to dive into the city’s endless energy, here are the best things to do this month.
Start the Year on a Sweet Note at Carnegie Diner & Cafe with Complimentary Champagne and Dessert Now Through 1/15
Indulge in luxurious dessert and bubbly at Carnegie Diner & Cafe this month to welcome the new year! When guests spend $20 or more, they will be treated to a complimentary slice of the famous 24-layer chocolate cake and a champagne toast—perfect for ringing in 2025. This exclusive offer is available at all locations for dine-in guests until January 15th, so gather your loved ones and celebrate the New Year with a touch of decadence. Diners visiting the Central Park (205 W 57th St.) or Times Square District (828 8th Ave locations can score one slice of the viral dessert per table and one champagne toast per person by presenting the code JAN2025! For more information visit, https://carnegiediner.com
Toast to the Winter Solstice at BABA on Withers with On Cloud Wine and Sun Moon Rising on 1/8
On January 8th, BABA on Withers in Williamsburg (47 Withers St) invites guests to toast to the Winter Solstice with the On Cloud Wine x Sun Moon Rising party from 7pm to 10pm. The evening celebrates the cosmic transition into 2025 with a selection of wines inspired by the zodiac signs, hosted by On Cloud Wine and curated by Sun Moon Rising, a local wine purveyor that champions sustainable New York State vineyards. Guests will enjoy a glass of wine tailored to their astrological sign, paired with light bites and tarot card readings. Admission includes a glass of wine and entry to the event and is just $20. BABA on Withers, a female-owned and operated wine bar, offers a welcoming atmosphere for drinking, dining, and dancing. Whether you're sipping under the disco ball or enjoying fresh, Marseille-inspired bites, BABA offers the perfect spot to connect with friends and celebrate the changing season. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit https://partiful.com/e/xiCGqbvILbriGOermMJh.
Fornino Chef & Owner Michael Ayoub Will Launch a New Dinner Series Called Mondays with Michael at his Greenpoint Flagship on 1/13
Michael Ayoub, the visionary chef and restaurateur celebrated for his culinary artistry and over two decades at the helm of Brooklyn’s iconic Fornino (849 Manhattan Ave), is stepping back into the heat of the kitchen in a bold and intimate new series, Mondays with Michael. Beginning this January, Ayoub will don his chef whites every second Monday of the month to deliver a meticulously curated 5-course tasting menu at Fornino in Greenpoint. After years of perfecting Neapolitan-style pizza in the restaurant’s signature wood-burning oven, Ayoub is reigniting his passion for the creative, high-energy thrill of working the line. The celebrated chef will showcase his mastery beyond pizza, using the oven that’s been his canvas for 20 years to bring to life a seasonal, fire-kissed menu. Guests will have the rare opportunity to enjoy dishes personally crafted and plated by Ayoub, each course a reflection of his culinary journey, infused with the inspiration he’s drawn from years of working alongside New York’s finest. In true artist fashion, Ayoub embraces spontaneity and freedom with this series. Driven by the spirit of the moment, each menu will remain a closely guarded secret until served, allowing diners to experience the full surprise and creativity of his culinary vision. “Cooking at Fornino has always been about love and fire,” Ayoub says. “But there’s something magical about being on the line- the adrenaline, the camaraderie. I’ve missed it deeply. This series is about reconnecting with that energy and using the oven that’s become a part of me in a whole new way.” While the menu will be revealed only at the table, gluten-free and vegetarian modifications will be available, ensuring every guest can enjoy the full scope of Ayoub’s imagination.
The Mondays with Michael series promises to be as much a performance as it is a feast. Each evening will be limited to a select number of guests, ensuring an intimate experience where the food and storytelling come together. Expect locally sourced ingredients, daring flavor combinations, and, above all, the heart and fire that have defined Ayoub’s career. With Greenpoint’s vibrant culinary scene as its backdrop, this series is a love letter to Brooklyn, to Fornino’s loyal patrons, and to Ayoub’s enduring relationship with the craft of cooking. Reservations for the first Mondays with Michael are officially open on Resy and will be priced at $55 for a 5-course meal (with an optional wine pairing for $35) - Seats are expected to fill quickly for this one-of-a-kind monthly event. Don’t miss the chance to witness Chef Michael Ayoub’s triumphant return to the line and experience his wood-fired magic.
Create a Custom Ring at the Mott Ring Society Party from Ringram at Boni & Mott on 1/14
Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in the heart of Nolita Boni & Mott (238 Mott St), is partnering with distinguished bespoke Japanese jewelry brand and neighbor Ringram to host the first-ever Mott Ring Society Party on Tuesday, January 14th for an unforgettable evening to celebrate the start of the new year. From 5pm until late, guests are invited to design a custom-made ring with engraving, a true work of art crafted by the artisans from Ringram. The evening also includes two complimentary glasses of wine and an appetizer to enjoy while the expert jewellers create their personalized jewelry piece.
Guests can indulge in the sophisticated, yet inviting ambiance of Boni & Mott, where every dish captures the essence of the Mediterranean with a modern twist. Whether you're marking a special occasion or simply gathering for a night of elegance, the Mott Ring Society Party at Boni & Mott promises to be a celebration where fine food, craftsmanship, and Mediterranean magic come together in perfect harmony. Tickets are $170 and include a custom ring, complimentary vino, and delicious bites. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by emailing Boni & Mott at mail reservation@boniandmott.com. For more information, please visit https://boniandmott.com/.
Celebrate the 21st Year of NYC's Winter Jazzfest This Month
NYC Winter Jazzfest returns this January to celebrate its 21st year, spotlighting under-appreciated artists, Black American Music, and messages of justice and wellness. Artist-in-Residence Makaya McCraven will perform four sets, and highlights include an opening night with Aja Monet, the iconic two-day marathon in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and tributes to Roy Hargrove, Henry Threadgill, and John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme. Performers like Dawn Richard, Arooj Aftab, and Sun Ra Arkestra will grace venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Venues include City Winery, Le Poisson Rouge, Mercury Lounge and more. For the full lineup, visit winterjazzfest.com.
