Taking a trip during Yeshiva Week doesn’t need to mean anything too exotic. As much as the wonderful world of New Jersey has to offer, one of the biggest perks of living in the Garden State is its proximity to New York right next door, which, regardless of any new congestion pricing shenanigans, remains the center of all culture and commerce. If you’re sticking around Bergen County this winter break, make a point to venture over the bridge and make the most of the time off in the Big Apple. Here are five recommendations that the whole family will enjoy.
- See a Broadway Show
Broadway is perhaps the quintessential New York experience, and now that the holiday season’s tourist boom has died down, mid-January is the perfect time to catch a show. This time of year means higher ticket availability and discounts, especially for midweek performances. Look for Wednesday matinees in particular. For families with younger children, the theater district’s lineup is bursting with crowd-pleasers like “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and so on. These musicals are dazzling spectacles that delight audiences eight times a week.
For those with older kids or teens, consider more sophisticated options like “The Great Gatsby,” “Maybe Happy Ending” or “Hadestown.” While still “appropriate,” those shows deal with more mature themes. Or if something non-musical is more your speed, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is the go-to play for all ages these days, bringing the magic of that franchise to the live stage.
Pair the evening showtime with an early dinner at one of Midtown’s many kosher eateries, and you’ve given your kid a memory that folks around the globe can only dream of having.
- Catch a Sports Game
Your family probably has at least one, if not multiple, sports enthusiasts in the house, and if there isn’t one by chance, the best way to make a new fan is to bring them to a game. This winter break, the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets are in the full swing of their seasons at Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center, respectively. It’s true that the Nets are pretty abysmal these days, but that also means their games are the cheaper option when it comes to securing tickets, especially compared to the Knicks famously steep prices. The Knicks will host the Atlanta Hawks in Manhattan at 3 p.m. on Monday, January 20, and then visit the Nets for an inter-borough competition the following night, Tuesday, January 21, at 7:30 p.m. On Wednesday, January 22, the Nets will play the Phoenix Suns in Brooklyn at 7:30 p.m. For a fun Motzei Shabbat option while Saturday nights still start relatively early, the Sacramento Kings will play the Knicks at MSG at 7:30 p.m. on January 25.
I haven’t forgotten about the hockey fans. The Rangers will play at the Garden throughout winter break as well, hosting the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, January 21, and the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, January 23, both at 7 p.m. Watching a game at these iconic venues is an experience that truly can’t be beaten or replicated on the couch.
- Explore RiseNY
Located just off Times Square, RiseNY is a relatively new attraction that combines a museum experience with a thrilling 4D ride. While many Times Square activities can feel overly touristy, RiseNY manages to be both entertaining and educational, making it a worthwhile stop for locals and visitors alike.
The experience begins with a museum showcasing NYC’s history and culture, including exhibits on commerce, architecture and the city’s iconic skyline. The highlight, however, is the Soarin’-style ride that takes you on a simulated flight over New York City’s most famous landmarks. It’s immersive, exciting, and a great way to see the city from a new perspective.
Pair this with lunch at the casual Miznon on 38th Street, a location that’s part of the lauded chain from Israeli chef Eyal Shani that is newly kosher, for an ideal outing.
- Visit the Museum of Natural History
For a timeless NYC experience, the Museum of Natural History is a must. One of the world’s greatest museums, it offers something for everyone, from dazzling dinosaur fossils to interactive exhibits about space and the oceans. Within the last few years, the museum has opened a brand-new and long-anticipated wing, which includes an incredible butterfly vivarium. This beautiful exhibit allows visitors to walk among free-flying butterflies in a tropical environment—a welcome escape from the winter chill. And perfect for photos!
Don’t miss iconic exhibits like the massive blue whale or the jaw-dropping dioramas in the Hall of Mammals. After your visit, enjoy a meal at one of the many excellent restaurants on the Upper West Side. Thyme & Tonic, which recently upgraded its hashgacha and menu, is a wonderful option for creative and engaging dishes.
- Discover the Lower East Side
Before there was Grand & Essex for Shabbat takeout, there was Grand Street and Essex Street. The Lower East Side is one of New York’s quirkiest and most historic neighborhoods. Once the heart of Jewish immigrant life in the city, the area still retains traces of its cultural roots while embracing its transformation into a hub for art and creativity. For families, it’s a fascinating mix of the old and the new.
Start your exploration at The Pickle Guys, a kosher institution where you can sample everything from classic sour pickles to creative options like pickled mango. For a deeper dive into the neighborhood’s history, The Tenement Museum offers walking tours that tell the story of Jewish life on the Lower East Side. If formal tours aren’t your thing, simply wander the streets and look for old shuls repurposed into modern buildings or the Hebrew inscriptions on historic tenement facades.
The neighborhood is also packed with art galleries, independent bookstores and unique shops where you can pick up quirky souvenirs and tchotchkes. For a sweet treat, end your day with a stop at Economy Candy, a vintage candy store beloved by generations of New Yorkers.
Other Honorable Mentions
Ice Skating: Whether you choose the iconic rink at Rockefeller Center, the expansive Wollman Rink in Central Park, or the more low-key Bryant Park Winter Village, ice skating is a quintessential NYC winter activity with many rinks open through March!
The Edge at Hudson Yards: For breathtaking views of the city, this sky-high observation deck is hard to beat. Perfect for restless teens who crave something fun.
The Met Cloisters: The Met Cloisters, perched on a hill in Fort Tryon Park, feels like a medieval escape from the modern city and is one of the few truly hidden gems of Manhattan. Explore the art collection housed there while taking in the views of the Hudson River. As a bonus, the museum is within walking distance to Yeshiva University’s Washington Heights campus, so you can catch a minyan or grab a bite to eat at the restaurants there.
