Christmas in New York City with Kids
Top 10 Things to Do in New York City During the Holidays with Kids
The holiday season in New York City is pure magic, and seeing it all through a child’s eyes only makes it better. If you're planning a family trip to NYC this season, you're in for unforgettable experiences—from dazzling lights to skating in famous parks. To make your trip even more memorable, our New York City Holiday Edition Kids Travel Journal & Activity Book is the perfect companion. It’s designed to help kids fully immerse themselves in the magic of NYC, with activities that turn spotting the Rockefeller Tree, designing their own 5th Avenue store window, and exploring holiday traditions into hands-on fun. Let’s dive into the best of NYC with little adventurers by our side!
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree & Ice Skating
No holiday trip to New York is complete without a visit to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Your kids’ eyes will light up at the sight of this towering tree decked out in lights and topped with the most magnificent star. If your family loves to ice skate, lace up and take a few spins on the ice right below the tree. It’s one of those only-in-NYC moments they’ll never forget.
Walking through Central Park in the winter feels like stepping into a snow globe. Wander the winding paths, sip on hot chocolate, and take in the holiday decor scattered around the park. Stop by the Delacorte Clock near the Central Park Zoo to hear holiday chimes every half hour while the cutest little animal statues twirl around. A walk in the park- especially when it snows- is as magical as it can get!
Less than a 5 minute walk from Times Square, Bryant Park transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season, complete with an ice-skating rink, holiday market, and a massive Christmas tree of its own. Let the kids browse the unique little shops, watch skaters glide by, and maybe even pick out a special souvenir. This is also one of the few spots where skating is free (if you bring your own skates), making it a fun and budget-friendly stop for families.
4. Fifth Avenue Window Displays
The holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue are a spectacle that’ll have your whole family wide-eyed. From sparkling lights to moving characters, each store window is a work of art, and some even include interactive elements for kids. Walk along Fifth Avenue and see who can find their favorite display! (Hint: Use the scavenger hunt page in our holiday travel journal to turn up the fun.) www.
Newyork.com posted a great list of some fun store displays from 2023!
If you’re looking for a cozy, indoor option with a lot of holiday charm, head to the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show. Miniature NYC landmarks made out of plants and other natural materials create the setting for a train display that zips through this mini New York City. It’s truly captivating for all ages! Make sure to purchase those tickets in advance to guarantee a visit!
6. A Broadway Holiday Show
There’s something so magical about a live show, especially around the holidays! Family-friendly shows like The Nutcracker and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes bring to life everything kids love about the season. The lights, music, and dancing will have them talking about it long after you’re back home. Other options: A Christmas Carol The Musical and Elf on Broadway!
7. Brooklyn's Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
For a real neighborhood holiday extravaganza, take the kids to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, where houses go all out with holiday decorations. Think towering Santas, light-up reindeer, and whole front yards transformed into winter wonderlands. It’s a bit outside Manhattan, but the magical, over-the-top displays are well worth the trip. You can get there via subway plus walking or by booking a guided tour. Wear comfortable shoes and know that public bathrooms are nonexistent in the area so have the kids keep the liquids at bay prior to the adventure. Time Out wrote a phenomenal write up with more info!
8. Explore an Epic Toy Store
What better way to finish up that holiday wish list than browsing some epic New York toy stores? The LEGO Store on 5th Avenue is a must-see, with life-sized LEGO creations, build-your-own mini-figures, and an entire wall of LEGO bricks in every color. A short walk away is FAO Schwarz, the legendary toy store known for its whimsical displays, classic toy soldiers, and a giant piano that kids can actually dance on! And for fans of American Girl dolls, the American Girl Store on 5th Avenue is a dream come true, with custom doll outfits, doll-sized salon services, and endless doll accessories. These stops are not just stores—they’re magical experiences for kids (and grown-ups) to remember!
9. Find the Best Warm Cookie in the City
Nothing beats a warm cookie on a chilly New York day! Make it your family’s mission to find the most DELICIOUS cookie in the city! Stop by Levain Bakery for their famous oversized, gooey cookies, or head to Chip City for unique flavors like s'mores or funfetti. If you're near Bryant Park, Maman serves up beautifully decorated cookies that taste as good as they look. Upper West Side- head to Janie’s Life Changing Baked Goods. A cookie hunt through NYC is a sweet way to keep warm and make memories along the way!
10. Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square
End your holiday adventure with a visit to Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square, where your kids can meet Santa and take a photo in this enchanting winter wonderland. Half the fun is the winding excitement up the nearly 100 year old wooden escalators to the 8th floor of Macy’s where Santa is! With twinkling lights, magical displays, and Santa himself, it’s a perfect finale to your NYC holiday trip.
These are just a few highlights to make your family’s holiday trip to New York City unforgettable. But let’s face it—NYC is brimming with holiday magic but also- holiday crowds, and keeping the kids engaged through subway journeys, long lines, or downtime can be a challenge. That’s where our New York City Holiday Edition Kids Travel Journal & Activity Book comes in! Packed with interactive activities, it’s designed to teach your child about NYC in a fun, engaging way. Boost their imagination with prompts like designing their own 5th Avenue store window, spark curiosity with wildlife bingo, or tempt their taste buds with the “Taste of NYC” page encouraging them to try some of the best from NYC with holiday treats sprinkled in as well. From completing a NYC holiday bucket list to capturing their favorite moments on the daily log pages, this journal turns every part of your trip—even the quieter ones—into a magical, memory-filled adventure
And here’s a bonus! Sign up below for a FREE Holiday Scavenger Hunt page designed just for the holidays to help your kids spot festive sights around New York City
Until next time-
Jenn
Creator of Clark & Cru
Teacher | Mother | Traveler