Things to Do in New York in February (Updated for 2024)

This post lists the top things to do in New York in February, updated for 2024.

We include free, nighttime, as well as family-friendly events and activities.

TOP 15 THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY

This is our list of the fifteen best events and things to do in NYC in February.

For even more suggestions, see our comprehensive guide to things to do in NYC.

Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass.

For tips on the most popular activities in NYC, check out the following posts:

Keep in mind that President’s Day falls on the 3rd Monday of February. This is a public holiday so some activities may be affected that day.

1. Celebrate Black History Month

All of February is Black History Month. There will be relevant events throughout the city, but the place where you will find the best events is in Harlem.

Check out a show at the historic Apollo Theater or take a deep dive into Harlem's history and culture on our pay-what-you-like Harlem Walking Tour.

If you want to move at your own pace, you can also use our GPS-enabled audio tour of Harlem at any time.

Our Guide to Harlem lists resources to find events, sights to see, where to eat, shop, see live music, and more.

2. Go to a Concert

There are so many amazing performers that come through New York City and its surrounding cities.

Whether you're a fan of hard rock, pop music, or even classic 80s tunes, there are plenty of great concerts in the NYC area this February.

Pop Concerts

Chicago | February 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th
Billy Joel | February 9th
Stevie Nicks | February 14th
Jason Isbell | February 24th

Classical and Opera Concerts

New York Philharmonic | various dates
Munich Philharmonic | February 3rd, 4th
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra | February 3rd, 18th, 22nd, 23rd
New York Pops | February 9th
John Williams and Yo-Yo Ma | February 22nd
Audra McDonald | February 23rd
New York Metropolitan Opera | February 28th

Check here for even more concerts in the NYC area this February.

3. See a Broadway Show

Winter (except around the holidays) is an off-peak time for shows and you may find that Broadway ticket prices are lower in the colder months.

Note that Broadway Week runs from January 12th through February 8th. You can often get two-for-the-price-of-one tickets to many Broadway shows.

Here are a few of the best productions taking place this month:

Click here for even more Broadway shows playing in February.

You might also enjoy reading our post on the Top Broadway Shows, Plays, and Musicals.

TIP: There is a Disney on Broadway tour which includes behind-the-scenes access at a real Broadway theater.

4. Go Ice Skating

In New York City you have many choices of where to skate, at varying prices and all different hours.

Of course, there is the famed Rockefeller Center Rink and the Wollman Rink in Central Park.

A new outdoor rooftop rink has opened at Pier 17 by the South Street Seaport.

As you skate, you'll have views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and even Empire State Building in the distance!

Bryant Park will have the Bank of American Winter Village with ice skating throughout the month. They also have Cozy Igloos and a Curling Cafe.

To find out the many places you can go skating in the city, see our post on Where to go Ice-skating in New York City.

5. Take a Sightseeing Tour

Join us for our pay-what-you-like SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Tour.

We spend 45 minutes in Chinatown, a small neighborhood but with a huge amount of history that our guides share with you in a colorful and engaging way.

If you can't join us for a tour, or care to explore on your own, see our guide to Things to See in Chinatown.

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6. Enjoy Restaurant Week

During Restaurant Week, more than 300 of New York City’s best restaurants offer a prix-fixe menu for a very low price, relative to their regular prices.

Each year the Winter session takes place between mid-January and mid-February.

Guests can get a 2-course lunch and/or a 3-course dinner with prices that in the past have run around $30, $45, and $60.

The list of participating restaurants will be available in early January.

See our post on how to make the most of Restaurant Week for more details.

7. Look into a Tourist Discount Pass

A tourist discount pass affords you discounted entry into most of NYC’s most popular attractions.

While the passes themselves certainly aren’t free, if you plan your itineraries well, you will end up getting one or two attractions for free each day.

There are several different types of passes, so be sure to read our comparison post to learn about how you can save the most money on your trip.

If you've already researched the passes and know which one best suits your purposes, you can purchase one here: All Inclusive - Go City New York | Explorer - Go City New York | Day Pass - New York Sightseeing | Flex Pass - New York Sightseeing

8. Attend a Sports Event

February is the perfect to watch an ice hockey game, and all three major NYC hockey teams have multiple games to choose from.

For excitement off the ice, you can see a basketball or football game.

Basketball

Hockey

Other

Monster Jam | February 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Harlem Globetrotters | February 17th, 24th

Click here for even more sporting events in the NYC area this February.

TIP: Madison Square Garden offers All-Access Tours so you can see how this iconic arena has become a world landmark.

9. Celebrate Chinese New Year

On January 24th, 2024, come out to the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival, welcoming in in the Year of the Dragon.

Chinatown will be filled with colorful floats, lion and dragon dancers, marching bands, and other types of performers.

For more information and a map of the parade route, click here.

You'll also find other events throughout the city that celebrate Chinese New Year.

For a complete list see our post, Free Museums in New York.

10. Valentine's Day: Love in Times Square

At 6 pm on February 14th, head to Times Square for the heart-warming Love in Times Square.

This is a mass ceremony where couples renew their vows at the crossroads of the world.

Anyone can come and watch couples pledge themselves again to each other on the famous red steps at W. 46th Street & Broadway in the heart of Times Square.

Before or after the ceremony, discover Times Square using our guide on things to do in Times Square.

NOTE: This event has not yet been confirmed for 2023, but it will likely take place as it has for many years.

11. Take a Romantic Valentine's Day Evening Cruise

Nothing beats the nighttime views from a cruise on the water just off the shore of Manhattan's sparkling skyline.

There are many companies that offer night boat tours, some with a Valentine's Day theme.

See our post, Which New York Boat Tour or Cruise is Best?

For a free nighttime ride, you can take the Staten Island Ferry 24 hours a day!

Our post on riding the free Staten Island Ferry has all the information you need to plan a magical, affordable voyage.

Note: you can check here to see which boat tours and cruises are included on discount passes: All Inclusive - Go New York | Explorer - Go New York | Day Pass - New York Sightseeing | Flex Pass - New York Sightseeing

12. See a Stand-up Comedy Show

The New York area attracts some of the biggest names in comedy, and you'll find some of them performing in February.

Stand Up Comedy

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler | February 7th, 9th, 11th
Maz Jobrani | February 10th
John Oliver and Seth Meyers | February 25th

Comedy Venues

Read our post on things to do in NYC at night for other after-dark activities.

13. Attend New York Fashion Week

Taking place annually in both February and September, is one of the world's most iconic fashion events.

There are fashion shows, trade events, product domonstrations, panel discussions, and of course, social events.

14. Take a Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour

Hop-on-hop-off bus tours are especially good for young children who can tire easily from a day of sightseeing.

They have the additional advantage in February of being nice and warm - something the whole family can enjoy!

Our post The Best Hop-On, Hop-Off NYC Bus Tours can help you decide which is best for you and your family.

Note that these tours can also be found on some of the discount passes.

15. Explore Grand Central

This world-famous terminal is a great place to spend some time, especially on a cold day.

While you can enjoy it just by walking around, you will learn secrets about this historic station by taking a tour.

We offer a pay-what-you-wish two-hour tour of Grand Central and also have an audio tour that can be used any time, day or night.

Our guide on what to see in Grand Central Station is filled with helpful information, so be sure to take a look.

RELATED POSTS:

Things to Do in New York in February

1. Celebrate Black History Month