27 Reasons to Get Excited for January — 01/01/2026

front page of the Hippo showing snowy field with trees in distance, one leafless tree to side, blue sky, large text reading "27 Reasons to Get Excited for January"

on the cover

Forget the post-holiday blues; the new year has lots of fun on offer. Yes, even in January! Whether your idea of exciting is indoor adventures (concerts, college basketball, comedy, theater and more) or getting outside (snowy hikes, fishing, Concord’s Winterfest), there is likely something to get you excited about this chilly month in this list of 27(-ish) things to do in January.

Also on the cover A short-lived diner becomes Hellenic Pizzeria in downtown Manchester; John Fladd has the story on page 15. Michael Witthaus talks to Captain Jack and The Strangers about bringing the Billy Joel experience to life at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry on Saturday, Jan. 3 (page 20). And there’s more music on this, the first weekend of 2026 and the last weekend of the holiday-vacation-vibes season. Find live music at area restaurants and breweries in the Music This Week, which starts on page 22. Find shows at bigger venues in the Concert listings on page 23.

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