Magical Things to Do at Christmas in New York with Kids

Twinkling lights, bustling holiday markets, ice skating under the tallest decorated trees… There’s nothing like spending Christmas in New York City with the whole family.

Sure, the holiday season is a busy time of year in the Big Apple, but it’s also the most magical. New York pulls out all the stops during the Christmas season and there are endless shows, restaurants, hotels, and entire neighborhoods getting into the Christmas spirit. This guide includes only the best things to do in NYC at Christmas that will be fun for the whole family.

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Is Christmas in New York City with Kids Worth It?

Yes, Christmas in New York City with kids is absolutely worth it. The city packs an extraordinary number of family-friendly holiday experiences into a few square miles: the Rockefeller Center tree and ice rink, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Bryant Park Winter Village, and free neighborhood light displays like Dyker Heights. Crowds and prices are real, but booking in advance tames both.

How to Celebrate Christmas in New York City

1. Buy Tickets for the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

Catching a Broadway show is a quintessential New York experience, but you can do one better during the holiday season. You want to see a show that only comes once a year!

Swap Times Square theaters for Radio City Music Hall in Midtown Manhattan and book tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

Watch the Radio City Rockettes, a world-famous precision dance company, perform their annual family-friendly 90-minute holiday show. Over 140 performers participate in this all-original extravaganza which features humor, song, dance, scenes, and an original score. Radio City Christmas Spectacular made its debut in 1933 and it’s still going strong!

Performances start from early November and continue until early January. There are up to five performances every day, including Christmas Day.

Ticket pre-sales begin as early as April, but there should still be plenty of choice in October. Children under two can attend for free (provided they sit on your lap). Group discounts are available if you’re traveling with over nine family members. Grab your Radio City tickets here!

2. See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Plaza is legendary! Not just because it appeared in Home Alone 2, but because of its scale and story. The first Rockefeller Christmas Tree was decorated by staff in 1931. NBC began broadcasting the tree lighting in the 1950s on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving until early January.

The tree is usually over 100 ft tall and it’s always beautifully decorated. Unlike many Christmas decorations that only illuminate at night, it stays lit from 5:00 AM until midnight. You can’t miss seeing the tree during your NYC Christmas trip.

Viewing the tree from Rockefeller Plaza is free, but you can pay around $40 for a professional family photo. While you’re there, book a time slot for the Top of the Rock observation deck for one of the city’s best views.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center is an iconic place to ice skate in front of the dazzling tree. It’s open from October to March, and you should book ahead during peak times.

Don’t forget to add skate rentals to your booking if you’re not packing your own skates! They’re not automatically included.

3. Ice Skate in Central Park (or Another Cool Spot)

Another bucket list skating rink in New York City is, of course, the Wollman Rink in Central Park. This much larger rink has welcomed New Yorkers and tourists wanting to ice skate in the city since the 1950s.

Like the Rink at Rockefeller Center, it is open from October to March. It’s best to pre-book tickets (and skates, if you need them) in advance. Unsurprisingly, this skate rink is also popular.

Don’t worry if you’re planning your Christmas in New York City trip a little late and the time slots are taken. The Rink at Bryant Park (free admission!), Chelsea Piers Sky Rink, and Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park are some of the best places to skate in NYC too.

4. Explore Bryant Park Winter Village

You won’t miss the Christmas markets in Europe if you visit the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. This open green space transforms into the most magical white winter wonderland every year with an abundance of winter activities for the entire family.

In addition to ice skating, you can also try your hand at curling. Go all out and book a cozy igloo to escape the cold with a menu of seasonal drinks and meals.

Alternatively, the Food Hall serves an array of festive foods to suit everyone. Expect spiced cookies, mulled wine, pretzels, and seasonal sausages.

This wouldn’t be an NYC Christmas market without a huge selection of stalls and pop-up shops. There’s an open-air German-style market which is the perfect place to buy artisanal gifts and decor from local and international craftspeople.

Bryant Park is an unmissable spot when visiting NYC with family. It opens at the end of October and closes in early March.

5. Hop on Board the Holiday Train Show at NYBG

Every year, the New York Botanical Garden hosts their Holiday Train Show. There’s nothing like it elsewhere in the city! Model trains chug along tiny tracks around the 250-acre gardens and through small-scale replicas of New York City’s skyline. Not just any replicas, as these are entirely made from plants and natural materials. 

The best way to experience the Holiday Train Show is at night. The gardens are lit by NYGB GLOW, the garden’s special Christmas light display.

Listen to Christmas music as you enjoy the displays, sip hot chocolate to keep warm, and stay cozy in the Haupt Conservatory. Some nights are adults-only, but most are all-ages events.

Tickets for the daytime are on sale months in advance. Bookings for evening events usually go on sale towards the end of October. This magical landscape is open to visit from late November to late January. 

6. See Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

You can see the bright lights of NYC year-round, but you can only see the incredible holiday displays around Christmas.

One that always has everyone talking is the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Dyker Heights is a small neighborhood close to the Brooklyn Bridge. The area goes all out with the most kitschy, extravagant lights. Expect trees and foliage covered in fairy lights and facades completely hidden by images of Santa and his friends.

There are many ways to explore the light show at Dyker Heights to suit your family’s needs and travel style.

One is the four-hour bus tour (gifts and snacks included!) available from late November until late December. Another is the 90-minute walking tour which is a great way to see the displays if you’re short on time. 

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights also hosts private tours too! If you would rather, it’s possible to drive or walk around the neighborhood independently for free.

It’s a good idea to visit between dusk and 9 PM, as many homeowners switch off their lights after this time.

An alternative holiday display is the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Lights Show. This short but spectacular performance is projected from the store between 4:35 PM and 10:35 PM every 10 minutes from late November to early January.

7. Meet Santa at the Empire State Building

Most families know you can book tickets to meet Santa Claus at the Macy’s department store and many other stores. But did you know you can meet Father Christmas himself in the Empire State Building? Combine your trip to meet Jolly St. Nick at the same time as you head to the 86th-floor observation deck for one of the city’s most iconic vistas.

Santa pops by the 80th floor for a couple of hours on certain dates from early December until just before Christmas Day. These special meetings are limited, so book a few months in advance.

You can book whichever package suits you. Some experiences include a 90-minute tour of the Empire State Building, the brand-new 102nd-floor observation deck with 360-degree views, and express line options.

8. Buy Early Presents at FAO Schwarz Toy Store

You can’t spend Christmas in New York City without going shopping. Whether you’re buying presents for others or yourself, it’s a great place for unique and special occasion purchases.

Families traveling with young kids have to visit FAO Schwarz. It’s relocated to Rockefeller Plaza from the 5th Avenue location but it’s still an exciting, sensory experience. There are toys and interactive displays for kids as young as newborns to teenagers. FAO Schwarz’s Christmas decor is as over-the-top as you’d expect.

The best time to visit FAO Schwarz is right when it opens. Toy soldiers perform an opening ceremony to rival Buckingham Palace’s Changing of the Guards in London. You can even book VIP experiences like a tour (includes gifts) to learn about the store’s history. FAO Schwarz is where you’ll find the floor piano from the hit movie Big with Tom Hanks.

Yes, toy stores can be dangerous places to visit kids with an insatiable love of new toys. Especially when they can personalize their own Barbie or Ken doll here! Hopefully, they will be too distracted by all the games to fill their arms with the latest dolls and gadgets.

9. Watch The Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker Ballet has been a holiday tradition in NYC since 1954. Over 90 dancers perform this beloved winter show at the Lincoln Center, the current home of the New York City Ballet Company.

Throughout the two-hour spectacle, the Christmas tree on the stage will appear to grow. You will witness the most unbelievable costumes (Mother Ginger’s wings weigh 85 pounds!) and dazzling set pieces.

Children as young as five are welcome to watch The Nutcracker, but it might be a little long for young kids to sit through. Note that even if you bring a younger child to sit on your lap, they’ll also need a ticket.

The show runs from late November to early January with a special relaxed, sensory-friendly performance during the program. Buy tickets to the afternoon or evening performance as far in advance as possible to get the best seats and price.

10. Indulge in Christmas Treats at Serendipity 3

Another New York City Christmas trip must-do that first opened its doors in 1954 is Serendipity 3. This mouth-watering dessert restaurant has attracted locals and tourists alike seeking decadent sundaes, waffles, sweets, and more.

They’re famous for their Frrrozen hot chocolate and their dinner menu is surprisingly delicious too! During the holidays, Serendipity 3 goes all out on Christmas decorations and the richest dessert specials.

Serendipity 3 still has its original location on the Upper East Side, but you can also visit its midtown Times Square location. Booking in advance is recommended as this is a popular spot.

Don’t worry if you’ve left it until the last minute, as Serendipity 3 takes walk-ins too. If you’re spending Christmas Day in New York, Serendipity 3 is open and ready to serve your holiday dinner!

11. Shop at Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Before or after ice skating in Central Park, swing by the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

While not as big as Bryant Park Winter Village, the cozy wooden hut stalls have a more European Christmas Market vibe. Buy unique and specialty gifts, home goods, and accessories, or feast on bratwurst and fresh powdered donuts. 

It’s open during the day from late November to late December (excluding Christmas Day).

Some alternative holiday markets include Union Square Holiday Market or the Grand Central Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal. The latter is a great option if you’re visiting New York City when it’s wet and windy as it’s all indoors.

12. Tea Around Town Bus Tour

What better way to celebrate the holidays than a high tea? There are several places throughout the city where your family can enjoy a Christmas tea, but why not try something different with the Tea Around Town Bus Tour?

Guests are transported through the city while sampling sweet and savory finger foods alongside a variety of teas. The bus is completely decked out in holiday style, and features live entertainment while enjoying the sights.

Other places to have afternoon tea in NYC include Palm Court at The Plaza, The Gallery at The Carlyle, Alice’s Tea Cup, and The Pembroke Room at the Lowell Hotel.

13. Dine at Papillon Bistro & Bar for Holiday Decor

Eating at Christmas Markets is fun and festive. But when you’re spending Christmas in New York with extended family, plan at least one special dinner!

Papillon Bistro & Bar is perfect thanks to its top-rated menu and incredible holiday decorations. It’s a Parisian-inspired French bistro that adorns itself with thousands (literally!) of holiday decorations from November to January. Even the exterior has angels flying outside, you can’t miss it!

Because Papillon Bistro is New York’s most popular Christmas restaurant, they only take walk-ins during the festive season. Allow extra time for waiting, especially on the weekends and evenings.

Papillon has a varied, crowd-pleasing menu at Christmas so you can bring young kids. It has a loud, vibrant atmosphere anyway, so one or two loud voices won’t draw much attention! Don’t forget to explore the whole restaurant before you leave, because the sheer number of decorations is its own attraction.

14. Check out the Lotte Palace Christmas Tree

If you want a holiday splurge, consider booking rooms at the five-star Lotte NY Palace Hotel. They offer a holiday experience totally free. There are lots of incredible Christmas trees dressed in festive lights around NYC, but theirs is one of the best.

Head to Lotte Palace behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral. You don’t need to be a guest to visit the courtyard, you can walk right in.

A natural arch decorated with fairy lights frames the gigantic tree. Plus, the courtyard columns are decorated too. Lotte Palace finished renovating its courtyard in 2023, so it looks better than ever. It’s the perfect place to take family photos for next year’s Christmas card. 

Another beautiful tree to see in NYC during the Christmas season is at the New York Public Library. Since this tree is indoors, it’s another good place to keep in mind if the weather outside isn’t playing ball!

Free Christmas Activities in NYC for Families

Christmas in New York City doesn’t have to break the bank. Several of the most magical holiday experiences are completely free.

• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (independent walk): Drive or walk the neighborhood on your own and enjoy the extravagant displays for free. Aim to arrive between dusk and 9 PM.
• Bryant Park Winter Village: Browsing the market stalls and soaking up the atmosphere costs nothing. The outdoor skating rink also offers free admission (skate rental is a separate charge).
• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: Standing in Rockefeller Plaza and looking up at the tree is free. The tree stays lit from 5:00 AM until midnight, so you can catch it at any hour.
• Lotte Palace Courtyard Tree: Walk right into the courtyard behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral to see one of the city’s most beautiful trees. No ticket, no reservation needed.
• Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Lights Show: The projected light show runs every 10 minutes from late November to early January, and watching from the sidewalk costs absolutely nothing.
• New York Public Library Christmas Tree: Step inside to see the indoor tree, a great free option on a cold or rainy day.
• Window Shopping on Fifth Avenue: The department store holiday windows along Fifth Avenue are a New York tradition. Grab a hot chocolate and stroll the displays at your own pace.

With a little planning, you can fill an entire day with free Christmas magic in NYC.

Is NYC Worth It at Christmas with Kids?

Yes, Christmas in New York City with kids is worth it. The city transforms during the holiday season in a way that genuinely lives up to the hype, and children tend to find the whole thing overwhelming in the best possible way.

The crowds are real, and so are the prices. Booking hotels and show tickets well in advance makes both easier to manage. The payoff is a city that packs many holiday experiences within a few subway stops of each other, from free light displays to world-class ballet.

December is cold in New York, so pack layers and plan indoor activities alongside the outdoor ones. The Natural History Museum, the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, the Holiday Train Show at NYBG, and FAO Schwarz all keep families warm while staying very much in the Christmas spirit.

The most Christmassy place in New York City is Rockefeller Center. The combination of the towering tree, the ice rink below it, the surrounding shop windows, and the general buzz of Midtown at Christmas is hard to beat anywhere in the world.

A 4-Day Christmas in NYC Itinerary for Families

Short on time? Here’s a simple order to tackle the highlights across four days without burning everyone out.

Day 1: Midtown Magic Start at Rockefeller Center to see the tree and, if you’ve pre-booked, skate at the Rink. Walk to FAO Schwarz (arrive early for the toy soldier ceremony), then head to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular in the afternoon or evening.

Day 2: Central Park and Upper East Side Morning skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park, followed by the Columbus Circle Holiday Market for bratwurst and fresh powdered donuts. Afternoon visit to Serendipity 3 on the Upper East Side for frozen hot chocolate. Check the Lotte Palace courtyard tree on your way back.

Day 3: Brooklyn and Downtown Head to Brooklyn for the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in the evening (arrive at dusk). During the day, explore Bryant Park Winter Village for curling, market stalls, and festive food.

Day 4: Culture and Shows Morning at the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show (book evening tickets for NYBG GLOW if available). Afternoon performance of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, or the Tea Around Town Bus Tour for something a little different.

This order keeps the big Midtown sights together on Day 1 when energy is highest, and spaces the outer-borough adventures across the middle days.

Celebrate Christmas in New York City With Your Family

Planning a trip to spend Christmas in New York City can be tricky. There are so many things to do!

I’ve listed some of my favorite things to do in NYC around Christmas time and I’m sure your family will enjoy them too. What’s not to love about seeing a world-class dance company like the Rockettes perform or tasting seasonal and delicious treats?

As long as you plan and book your activities in advance, the whole family will have a New York Christmas trip you’ll talk about for years.