The Best of New York City At Christmas with Kids
/New York City at Christmas is magical. As a kid, I had seen so many movies showing impressive window displays, FAO Schwarz, Rockefeller Plaza and, of course, a snow-covered Central Park. We have made it a 3-year running tradition to make it to New York City with kids at Christmas time. We have found the perfect balance of Christmas, New York City staples and toddler-friendly activities. Every time we return, we add new things to our New York City Bucket list and I make it a point to try out recommended best spots for kids in New York. In this blog you will everything we have done in New York City with kids at Christmas and our review of each one!
Please remember that I am only recommending things that I have done and no one could truly see everything there is to do in New York City at Christmas in one season.
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Us visiting the Tree at Rockefeller Plaza!
Christmas Tree shipping in SOHO
Table of Contents
The Best Place to Stay in NYC with Kids
When we don’t stay with friends or family in NYC, here are the places we’ve stayed and loved.
We stayed in a 2-bedroom Brownstone townhouse in Brooklyn. The townhouse has been broken up into 3 apartments. Ours was on the second floor, newly decorated and had free street parking. There is not a better apartment in NYC for the price. We paid $420 total for 2 nights. The weekend we went, the cheapest studio hotel room was over $330 per night. The apartment is a 15-20 min walk from the subway, but it was an easy walk. This apartment was very family friendly.
We also really really loved the Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station - check out my NYC with Kids guide to see more photos and read more about that hotel and why we loved it!
If you’d rather search for hotel in New York City, I’ve made it easy! Find a hotel in your budget with this map!
Be sure to pin this post so you can find it easier in the future!
Interactive Map of NYC Christmas Spots
If you click this map you can see a full itinerary for New York City done in layers in Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can turn on the layers or turn them off — the map has different activities grouped together so you aren’t wasting time crisscrossing the city! To use this map, click the icon on the far left of the top and choose to turn the layers on by day!
The Best Things to do with Kids in NYC at Christmas
Central Park: If you’re in New York City with or without kids, you MUST go to Central Park. It took me 3 visits before I went. Someone could spend days and days meandering this massive park. It is absolutely stunning. Photo spot: head to the 77th St-Central Park West entrance and head toward the rocks at the lake. You can get some photos with the skyline and lake in the background. If you’re super lucky, there will be snow on the ground! There are so many things to do with kids at Christmas in Central Park. There is the Colombus Circle Christmas Market, ice skating, the Central Park Zoo, Natural History Museum, Central Park Carousel, playgrounds, etc.
Ice skate with a view when you ice skate in central park!
Columbus Circle Christmas Market was SO amazing!!
Columbus Circle Holiday Market: We got off the Subway at the 59th street stop and headed toward Central Park where we stumbled on the Columbus Circle Christmas Market. “Located at the entrance to Central Park, at 59th street and Central Park West, visitors lose themselves in glittering aisles of art, jewelry, home goods and delicious eats from local artisans and designers.”
Times Square: Times Square is a must for anyone visiting New York City. It is an iconic square with so many TV screens you must see it to believe it. While not necessarily in themed with Christmas, there were so many Christmas ads on the screens and it was very fun to see! Keep your eyes out for Santa Clause and consider bringing your Santa hats and hiring one of the street vendors to get some family photos for you! We hired someone there and were very happy with the shots we bought — you can not beat the prices either!
Rockefeller Plaza: Rockefeller center is absolutely a must do when visiting New York at Christmas with Kids. This iconic tree is usually lit the last weekend in November and is a must see. We visited the weekend after they lit the tree, so it was PACKED with people, but it’s still worth the trek over to see! There is nothing quite like New York City Christmas time and the Rockefeller tree is the centerpiece for all of it.
The tree is a new york city icon and absolutely must be part of your christmas in new york city
Saks Fifth Ave Light Show: We missed the show the first time we visited, but caught it this last time. It runs about every fifteen minutes, so if you miss it just hang around a few minutes and it will start again. The kids were silent in awe during the show. Also, this one of the best free things to do in New York City at Christmas Time. The show is absolutely fantastic! Pro Tip: Snag your spot a little early so that children sitting in strollers will be able to see the show.
Saks fifth avenue light show is an absolute must see in nyc at christmas
The Oculus is GORGEOUS around the Holidays
Oculus: “The “Oculus” serves as the centerpiece of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, incorporating 78,000 square feet of multi-level state-of-the-art retail and dining. We Visited the Oculus to take in it’s gorgeous Christmas decorations. While we were down by the stores The Original Dicken’s Carolers sang different Christmas songs. The show was completely free and such a wonderful surprise. You can look up showtimes and events on the Westfield World Trade Center website.
We danced and ran around Zuccatti park for a long time. The kids loved the Christmas tree displays
Zuccotti Park: This park is near the WTC site; maybe 2 blocks away. It is absolutely stunning at night. The entire park had giant Christmas tree displays and all of the par’s trees were strung with white lights. It was magical. If you are in lower Manhattan around Christmas, visit this park at night to see it in its glory!
Chelsea Market: If you are looking for something to feel the heartbeat of New York City and to get out of the cold, head to Chelsea Market. There are so many eateries, local shops, and coffee spots to warm up and finish off your Christmas list or get a memorable souvenir. The market was very stroller friendly and they have multiple elevators to get you from the first floor to the basement. One pro tip: There is a hidden family bathroom right next to the Big Mozz restaurant. Walk-in and toward the street window — it is in that corner. A must-try are the tacos from Los Tacos No. 1 — they are out of this world.
Stop and have a coffee near one of the many christmas tree vendors!
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: This is a MUST DO on any NYC Christmas itinerary. Dyker Heights is located in Brooklyn and is a Christmas marvel. There are tree-lined streets, houses with millions of lights, and tons of Christmas decorations. This tradition has been going on for many years and is the perfect way to end a day full of Holiday Cheer in NYC. New York at Christmas with kids is magical and Dyker Heights is sure to be a lifetime memory.
You can go on your own, but I highly recommend taking a tour to visit the neighborhood. Many pick up and drop off back in Manhattan, so the work is done for you!
dyker heights in brooklyn is unmatched when it comes to holiday decorations.
The entire family will be WOWed with the holiday lights at dyker heights
Union Square Christmas Market: This New York City Christmas Market is dreamy. It’s located outdoors in Union Square Park in Chelsea. They offer tons of local shops, bakeries, hot cider, and delicious choices for a meal. I love all of the unique places to buy Christmas gifts, but my favorite part of it all is that this Christmas market was able to easily fit my double stroller. I pushed it with ease throughout the market. While shopping here, be sure to look up; the entire market is surrounded by tall New York City Buildings.
Union Square Holiday market was a great spot to grab some hot choclate and delish food!
Macy’s Santaland and Macy’s Holiday Window Displays: I have heard about the Macy’s Holiday window displays my entire life but seeing them in real life is mind blowing. Every New York family Christmas vacation must include the famed 13,000 sq foot indoor Santaland at the Macy’s on Herald Square (151 W 34th St). “You'll encounter everything from a Rainbow Bridge to a giant Lionel train-scape, Santa's bustling workshop to a shiny red sleigh being prepped for the big night. Twinkling lights, snow-topped trees and other fun exhibits lead the way to Santa in this enchanting experience.“ -timeout.com
the kids in awe of the macy’s window display
Meeting santa at macy’s in new york city is going to be a core memory
Zuccotti Park is absolutely STUNNING all lit up with Christmas Lights
Other Christmas Activities in New York City with Kids:
We didn’t have time for everything, but these are on our list! (We’ll get to them next time!)
The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall: One of my all time dreams is to get to see the Rockettes at Christmas at Radio City Music Hall. It is possible, but can be very expensive. However, as my Christmas in New York City bucket list grows - this is going to the top.
Bank of America Winter Village and Ice Skating at Bryant Park: I have always wanted to get on this 17,000 square foot ice skating rink and eat at some of the stands located in the Winter Village surrounding the rink. Admission is FREE, but it does cost anywhere from $15 to $50 to rent ice skates, so if you have your own - bring them! If you’re looking for a place to warm up, rent one of the igloos in the winter village!
FAO Schwarz: From window displays to the magic of Christmas toys, FAO Schwarz is amazing during the Holidays. However, be prepared for intense crowds. We did end up visitng FAO in the Spring (not during the Holiday Season) and the crowds were crazy then. Just prepare yourself mentally for the magical chaos! FAO Schwarz is located right at Rockafeller Plaza, so consider pairing this with the tree when planning things to do with kids at Christmas in New York.
Grand Central Station Train Display: The New York Transit Museum put’s on their annual Holiday Train Show inside Grand Central station. The display consists of a two level track that shows trains departing Grand Central Station and heading for the North Pole!
New York Botanical Gardens Christmas Light and Train Show: Hosted in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, this show will offer thousands of lights outdoors and a 1.5 mile colorful experience that lights up the night after dark. The iconic spots in the Gardens and the buildings light up into glowing canvases. The Train disply moves through more than 175 New York Landmarks and all of it is created from natural materials!
If you ever find yourself in Washington DC at Christmas, the National Botanical Gardens hosts a similar experience!
RELATED POST: The Best of New York City with Kids
Times Square had some seriously cool Christmas and Holiday advertisements
The kids and i in front of the famous christmas tree in rockefeller plaza
The Best Place to Eat at Christmas in NYC
Immediately I want to say that the absolute best place to eat at Christmas in New York is at the Holiday Markets. Bryant Park, Colombus Circle Holiday Market, and Union Square Holiday Market are just a few of the amazing markets with insanely good food. I suggest warming up with a warm cider or hot chocolate while grabbing different bites from each of the stands.
Inside tavern on the green is gorgeous at christmas
Tavern on the Green: Reservations Required Located in Central Park, this is a great spot to make lunch reservations especially if you have a large group. Pop in for a holiday themed drink and some delicious food and then head over to ice skate in Central Park. Tavern on the Green has an excellent kid’s menu and is honestly a great way to break up your day exploring the area around Central Park. Central Park has so many things to do in New York City at Christmas with kids including the Natural History Musuem, Ice Skating, Playground, Carousel, Central Park Zoo, etc!
Pete's Tavern: Pete’s Tavern takes Christmas seriously. With thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights covering the ceilings and decorations everywhere, this is a great spot to grab a holiday themed cocktail and some delicious pub food. Pete’s is the oldest pub in NYC and is located in Gramercy Park.
Rolf's: (DO NOT MISS) Reservations Suggestion - call 212-473-8718: Rolfs is considered New Yorks most festive restaurant. Rolf’s is decorated all year long with thousands and thousands (maybe millions) of lights, wreathes, garland, ribbons, icicles, and everything festive. Rolfs is a German restaurant with a great lunch and dinner menu. They are open from lunch until 10PM and besides their extremely festive atmosphere, they are very well known for their signature holiday cocktails! This is a must eat place at Christmas in New York with kids!
Tavern on the green is located in central park and is gorgeously decorated for christmas
How to Get Around NYC with Kids
Subway: For children who need car seats, this is by far the most efficient way to navigate NYC and Brooklyn. We parked our car the entire weekend and never used it. The Subway is free for up to three children under 44 inches when riding with a paying adult. The adult fare is only $2.75 per way, so it’s extremely economical. We found the subways were not stroller friendly, but if you want to read more about navigating NYC’s subways with a stroller, see our post HERE.
Since we didn’t want to lug car seats around the city, we chose to take the Subway!
Uber: Use the app and catch a ride! If you’re kid are old enough to not need carseats, this could be a more time efficient route.
We absolutely LOVED Christmas time in the City. There is a reason there are songs about it, reasons there are movies about it and reasons you’ve always wanted to see it. I hope everyone gets the chance to experience this magical time in one of the most iconic cities in the world. Don’t forget to bring the kids along to experience the magic through their eyes!
Have you ever visited NYC at Christmas? What was your favorite part? Tell us in the comments!
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