It’s no secret that Christmas in New York City is magical. From the spectacular lights to the ice skating rinks to the tree stands dotting nearly every corner, it celebrates the holidays like no other city. But of all the many Christmas-y events and festivals and sights, these 10 are the most family-friendly must-dos.
Photo courtesy of Bridgette Langdon
1. Ice Skating in Central Park
There are ice skating rinks throughout the city (Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, Meatpacking District, Battery Park City), but Central Park’s Wollman Rink offers the most space and a stunning view of the midtown skyscrapers from inside the park. Bring cash for skate rentals and the skating fee, then show off your skills on the ice! Warm up with some sweet treats from the nearby Columbus Circle holiday shops or a hot chocolate from the Plaza Food Hall.
2. Rockefeller Center
The holiday season in NYC truly starts once the Rockefeller Christmas Tree has been lit up. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting has been a longstanding tradition since 1933 when the first Christmas tree was put up in front of the Rockefeller Center. Everything is super-sized in New York City. The Christmas tree is no exception — the Norway Spruce is 85 feet tall, 13 tons and lit with 50,000 LED lights! While you’re in Rockefeller Center checking out the sparkling tree, don’t miss the newly re-opened FAO Schwarz. The beloved toy store is back with a mix of larger-than-life classics (the room-sized piano keyboard to dance on) and new attractions, like FAO Raceway, where you can build your own custom remote-control car.
3. 5th Avenue Window Displays
Every year, the retailers that reside along 5th Avenue in midtown outdo themselves with elaborate and dazzling window displays. It’s well worth ambling north from Rockefeller Center along the shopping avenue toward Central Park. Window shopping was never so fun!
Photo by: Angela Cranford
4. Bryant Park Holiday Shops
You’ll find a handful of holiday pop-up shops throughout the city (Union Square, Columbus Circle), but Bryant Park‘s are especially spectacular. All within the park, families can ice skate, sip on hot chocolate (or cocktails), enjoy food vendors, and shop for locally-made gifts and goodies. Plus, the annual tree lighting Skate-tacular is when the Christmas tree in Bryant Park gets illuminated with a stunning (free) ice skating show each year, featuring Olympic skaters and synchronized skating groups.
5. Santa at Macy’s in Herald Square
Macy’s Santaland is open through Christmas Eve on the 8th floor of the retailer behemoth. Snap a classic Christmas photo with the jolly old man in red. You can (and should) even make a reservation online ahead of time.
Photo © Paul Kolnik
6. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at NYC Ballet
Looking to splurge? George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, is a timeless tale that enchants kids and adults. The orchestra and the dancers will wow the entire audience, and kids are sure to leave with a lasting memory.
7. Holiday Eloise Tea at the Plaza
Warm up with afternoon tea at the Plaza’s Palm Court. As the residence of the fictional character, Eloise, the Plaza serves up Eloise-themed teas for children, including a holiday Eloise tea. Enjoy some rawther delicious beverages, paired with sweets and savories. Pinkies up!
8. New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Trek to the Bronx for the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show. Enchanting model trains zip through a display of more than 175 New York landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials — all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. This year’s exhibition showcases Lower Manhattan — the birthplace of New York City — featuring the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and iconic skyscrapers sharing the spotlight among old and new favorites. Making their debut this year are One World Trade Center and the historic Battery Maritime Building along with two vintage ferry boats.
9. Hot Chocolate at City Bakery or Max Brenner
Is there anything more cozy than sipping hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night while admiring the twinkling Christmas lights of the city? New York City has plenty of hot chocolate options, but grab your cocoa from City Bakery or Max Brenner. City Bakery is one of the most popular hot chocolate spots, thanks in part to its annual Hot Chocolate Festival. Every February, City Bakery serves a different hot chocolate flavor each day. The cocoa there is so rich, thick, and chocolaty, it’s a good thing it’s available in mini 4-ounce “shots.” Each is topped with a homemade marshmallow. Max Brenner, on the other hand, is a massive, whimsical chocolate fantasy! Whirring machines spin melted chocolate alongside the dining tables. Tubes with flowing cross the ceiling. Visitors will find a long list of hot chocolate varieties to choose from, including Mexican and mocha. Best of all, though: Kids can even build their own drink.
10. GingerBread Lane Exhibit at New York Hall of Science
GingerBread Lane is the record-holder of the Guinness World Records for largest gingerbread village! Visitors to the New York Hall of Science can marvel at homemade gingerbread houses made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing and candy. The houses are drafted, designed, baked, planned, built and decorated by chef Jon Lovitch over the course of an entire year. This year’s GingerBread Lane includes a number of storefronts with quirky names: Pickles and Ice Cream Pregnancy Boutique, 8 Maids a Milking Dairy and Milk Bar, 6 Geese a Laying Brunch Café, 5 Golden Rings Jewelry Store, The Well Dressed Gingerbread Man Flannel Pajamas, I Saw Three Ships Custom Built Sailboats, and Deck the Halls Holiday Decorating Service.
By Bridgette Langdon