14 Must-Do Christmas Activities When Visiting NYC with Kids
New York City during the holidays is magical and a favorite time for people to visit. Here are 14 activities to add to your NYC trip holiday itinerary.
September 27, 2024
New York City during the holidays is magical and a favorite time for people to visit. Here are 14 activities to add to your NYC trip holiday itinerary.
September 27, 2024
Christmas in New York City feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The streets are decked out with sparkling lights, and families are everywhere, enjoying the holiday fun. Think ice skating, exploring festive holiday markets, and experiencing the big moment when they light the massive Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. The tree is normally lit at the end of November so mark your calendar. The tree lights up at 9 p.m., but if you want a good spot to watch the show, try to arrive around 6 to 7 p.m.
Once the tree is lit, it feels like Christmas has officially started in New York. Retail stores quickly put up their holiday lights, and the city's ice skating rinks take on new energy as the Rockefeller tree lighting marks the start of the Christmas season around the city. It's a season of magic, excitement, and the most popular time of the year. Here’s a list to help you make the most of the season when visiting with kids.
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One of New York City's most cherished cultural traditions, the Radio City Christmas Pageant is the ultimate romp through the city of lights. After all, it doesn't get much better than watching 80 dancers act out holiday scenes dressed in stunning white tuxedos, flowing red velvet robes and holiday-themed costumes while they perform a series of traditional Broadway musical numbers. As entertaining as it is beautiful, this performance has delighted generations of audiences for almost 90 years.
If you are looking for a holiday adventure that is second to none, NYC has got you covered! Brooklyn has become the epicenter for Christmas decorating thanks to the The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. You’ll see life-sized Santas, sleighs, snowmen and houses plastered with lights. You might even hear a few Christmas carols. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and explore some unique side streets in Brooklyn.
Everyone needs to answer their holiday shopping queries—from finding the perfect gift for your kids to stocking stuffers and wrapping necessities. So, this year, check out Bryant Park's Winter Village in Midtown (plus the festive cocktails and dishes at The Lodge Deck), where you'll find some of the city's best shopping and a free (with your own skates) ice skate rink to build up some holiday cheer.
For almost a century, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree has been a part of Christmas time in New York City. It is a world-famous icon, with millions of visitors annually looking to see it up close. Whether you're driving down Fifth Avenue with your family or walking through the city on the way to Times Square, the tree will stand out as an undeniable symbol of NYC's rich holiday tradition.
Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the most popular holiday destinations in NYC. Their annual light show is a must-see, it is accompanied by music and repeats itself every 10 minutes from 5 pm to 11 pm. Each year it features additional light features, music and shapes that are animated to a dot-matrix pattern.
One of the best parts of Christmas is getting to see all the beautiful light displays in New York City. In addition to famous windows like Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, many retail holiday window displays around the city are worth visiting. Our favorites are Saks Fifth Avenue (mentioned above), Macy's, Tiffany's, and Bergdorf Godman. A Khonsu trip consultant can help you figure out which windows are best for your plan.
The New York Botanical Garden is transforming once again into a magical winter wonderland at its third annual NYBG Glow. The all-season celebration will light up the Garden with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights and installations. There will be holiday performances, ice carving demonstrations and other seasonal activities to enjoy. Plus, take advantage of the opportunity to pair your ticket with Holiday Train Show tickets for a small upcharge!
The phenomenally talented Jefferson Mays takes on a multitude of characters in this holiday touring production. Starring Jefferson Mays, the multiple-Tony Award nominee portrays all of the characters from Charles Dickens’s beloved 19th-century classic A Christmas Carol. Don’t miss his incredible performance!
Enjoy a festive holiday experience that is immersive, imaginative and 3D. This year, the Spectacular Factory: The Holiday Multiverse exhibit at ARTECHOUSE in New York City will bring holiday magic to life for visitors of all ages with a city-sized Christmas village and enchanted toy factory filled with enchanting handcrafted toys and beautiful handmade ornaments.
A magical experience for children of all ages, Macy's Santaland has been delighting families since 1861. The immersive and over-the-top winter wonderland features animatronics elves and teddy bears, life-size and model trains, and even a life-size replica of Santa's workshop. But the highlight is meeting Santa Claus himself, where kids get to have their picture taken with him and tell him their Christmas wish list. Reservations are required and there is a fee for photos with Santa. The line to meet Santa can be long, so it is best to arrive early.
The Bronx Zoo shines with holiday cheer with immersive light displays, animal lanterns and animated light shows. The celebration includes entertainment, treats, the Holiday Train and classic holiday music. This beloved tradition is fun for all ages. More than 360 lanterns representing almost 90 animal and plant species are on display, including 70 new lanterns representing 30 new species.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center is an iconic New York City landmark, and it is definitely worth seeing, even if you don't skate. It can be crowded and expensive, but it is a truly magical experience worth checking out. If you're looking for a less crowded and expensive option to actually skate in, the city has plenty. The Rink at Bryant Park is free to use (you will have to pay for skate rentals), and it offers stunning views of the Empire State Building and the city's best winter markets. Wollman Rink in Central Park is just as iconic as the Rink at Rockefeller Center, and tickets tend to be cheaper.
FAO Schwarz, the cherished toy store that closed in 2015, has made an amazing comeback in recent years. Now located in 30 Rockefeller Plaza, just steps away from the iconic Rockefeller Tree, this wonderland of toys promises to make all your Christmas wishes come true, creating an epic holiday shopping experience you won't want to miss!
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