How to spend Christmas in New York City with kids

Christmas in New York City is so amazing! We have visited a few times and in different seasons, but nothing compares to a visit to NYC during the holidays.

Seeing all of the New York City attractions transform into a winter wonderland is just something you have to experience once, especially the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree!

On the blog, I will share how to spend Christmas in New York City with kids, so you can plan that NYC trip, and discover all the fun holiday things to do in New York City during winter break with the kids.

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Visit the Rockefeller Plaza at Christmas in New York City

When you think of Christmas in New York City, the first thing that comes to mind is the Rockefeller tree.

One of the quintessential things to do at Christmas in New York is a visit to the Rockefeller Christmas tree.

Located in the Rockefeller Plaza, the lighting of the tree symbolizes the start of the holiday season.

There’s just something about seeing the Rockefeller Christmas tree up close, it’s so breathtaking. 

• When: December 4, 2024. The tree is lit daily from 6am-12am (24 hrs. on Christmas Day)
• Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112

Go Ice skating in New York City 

One of the most popular things to do in New York at Christmas is ice skating at the Rockefeller Center rink. It’s something you always see in movies, and has always been on our bucket list.

You can purchase tickets online (which I recommend) or buy them onsite, but be prepared for long lines!

It’s definitely something you have to try with the whole family at Christmastime in New York City.

• When: Opens October 12-Dec. 31, 2024 from 9am-midnight
• Ticket prices: Tickets range from $21-$114 and vary by date and time
• Tickets can be purchased onsite or online here.
• Skate time is 60 minutes from the arrival time on your ticket.
• One non-paying adult supervisor is permitted inside the venue, but not on the ice, for kids between the ages of 6-12 years old.
• kids under the age of 6 must be accompanied on the ice by a paying adult.
• Location: The Rink is located at Rockefeller Plaza between 50th and 49th Streets. New York, NY 10020

How to spend Christmas in New York City with kids

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Visit the FAO Schwarz toy store

One of the most iconic places to visit during Christmas in New York City is a visit to the FAO Schwarz toy store!

Its new location at the Rockefeller Center is the perfect spot, although you can count on lines trying to get in, especially during the holidays! 

FAO Schwarz is such an iconic gem in New York, especially the BIG piano made famous in the movie with Tom Hanks.

Your kiddos will have the most memorable visit and will thank you for taking them. It is definitely one of the highlights when visiting New York City during the holidays!

Visit the New York Public Library

During your New York Christmas holiday, you can’t miss a visit to the New York Public Library and its beautiful Christmas tree.

With its location right next to Bryant Park, you can easily visit the Winter Village right after.

The New York Public Library’s Christmas tree is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen, and the library itself is just amazing!

On the ground floor is the children’s reading room, which is the perfect place to let the kiddos unwind from the busy city.

On display here is also the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed toys which was so amazing to see!

Definitely add the New York Public Library on your visit to New York City during the holidays!

The New York Public Library is located at 476 Fifth Avenue (42nd St and Fifth Ave)

Enjoy the festivities at the Winter Village at Bryant Park

One of the best NYC holiday attractions is the Winter Village at Bryant Park! The holiday market at Bryant Park is the perfect place to find a unique gift for those on your list.

Let’s not forget the amazing foods you can sample here. One of our favorites is Raclette, a sandwich made with melted Swiss cheese, something we’ve had at the Christmas markets in Europe and tastes amazing!

You can also find all sorts of desserts, a Biergarten, and many more food vendors. After all that food, head over to the ice skating rink and burn off all the calories you just ate!

• When: Now – March 2, 2025-Daily: 8am-10pm
  November – December weekends and holidays: 8am-midnight
• Ticket prices: FREE
• Location: Bryant Park New York, NY 10018

The Winter Village Ice Skating Rink is completely FREE to use. You would only need to rent skates unless you bring your own, then you would only need to reserve an entry time ahead of your visit.

Skate Rental reservations are open through November 29, with December dates going live in November. “Own Skates” reservations are available now for the first week of Winter Village and will roll out daily for dates one week out.

Be aware that the lines here are also quite long and can get very crowded, so carry along some extra patience!

• Winter Village at Bryant Park Ice Skating
• Admission to the Ice Rink is FREE! You only need to pay for ice skates or bring your own.
• Reserve Ice Skate rentals here
• Reserve skate times here when bringing your own ice skates!
• Skating sessions are 1 hour long
• Open daily from 8am-10pm
• Skate rentals start at $18
• Skate Aid rental: $22/hour
• Sock purchase: $6
• Helmet rental: $6 

Christmas at Macy’s 

One of the best things to do during the NYC holiday season is a visit to the iconic Macy’s department store. You can visit Santa at Santaland, which is open during the holidays till December 24th.

For the 2023 season, you have to book a visit with Santa online in advance to avoid waiting in long lines and to maximize your visit with Santa!

Reservations will be open 5 days in advance of the day you wish to visit. Reservations open at 6:30am each day local time.

• When: Santaland is open on Nov. 29, 2024- Dec. 24, 2024
• Ticket prices: FREE but requires reservations (can be made 5 days in advance)
• Please note that your reservation time slot is when you join the line for the experience and there may be a wait of 30-90 minutes.
• Reservations open at 6:30 am on Nov. 19, 2023 daily (Make reservations here)
• Santa Photo packages start at $39.99
• Bring a printout of the reservation or display it on your mobile device
• Location: 8th floor of Macy’s 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001

Admire the Christmas Windows on 5th Avenue

One of the most magical things to do in New York City at Christmas is a stroll along 5th Avenue, admiring the New York City Christmas windows.

Get ready to be amazed by the spectacular holiday window displays as you stroll through this iconic street in NYC.

This tradition has been going on for years and is definitely a must-do during the holidays in NYC.

Admiring the Christmas windows of New York is so much fun. Love seeing the creativity, they’re always so amazing! 

Watch the Saks Fifth Avenue light show (TBA)

Another winter holiday activity in New York City to look forward to is the Saks Fifth Avenue light show which opens on November 30, 2023. The light show is amazing and is choreographed with holiday music.

Most people watch from the Rockefeller Plaza, which can get pretty crowded, but I suggest watching from the street. You get to enjoy the light show without the crowds!

The Saks Fifth Avenue light show happens nightly from 4:35-10:35 pm during the holidays in New York City.

Visit the Oculus 

During your trip to NYC for Christmas, stop by the Oculus at the World Trade Center.

This is one of the most unique buildings I’ve seen and the perfect place to do your holiday shopping in New York.

From the outside, you would never expect to find a huge shopping mall and train station inside!

There are many cool shops and restaurants inside, including one of our favorite Italian eateries, Eataly! this is where you will find all the authentic Italian yummy goodness, including gelato!

Visit Times Square

Of course, you can’t miss a visit to Times Square during the holidays in New York City!

This iconic spot may be crowded and overrated to some, but it still deserves a visit at least once! We love this place…what’s a visit to New York City if you don’t stop by?

We also spent New Year’s Eve in New York City once, and watched the iconic Times Square ball drop at midnight in 2019! It was such an amazing experience and doable with kids!

Of course, we didn’t spend the whole day waiting! We spent the day sightseeing in NYC and waited an hour before midnight. Just make sure to reserve a hotel in Times Square in advance!

Visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral  

Don’t forget to stop by Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on your visit to New York during the holidays.

This cathedral is decorated beautifully during the holidays, and it’s also the perfect place to get away from crowds.

We love visiting churches in all our travels and always light a candle and say a little prayer for our journey! 

Radio City Hall Christmas Spectacular

You can’t miss the Radio City Hall Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes during your NYC Christmas trip, or catch a Broadway show while here.

Make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time as the popular shows are usually sold out or are selling for a fortune!

Visit the Plaza Hotel in New York City

What’s more iconic than a visit to the Plaza Hotel New York and geeking out over the hotel in the Home Alone 2 movie? It was so amazing to step foot into this famous hotel and live out our Home Alone 2 movie bucket list.

The Plaza Hotel Christmas tree was amazing, and you can even have afternoon tea at the Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel which is one of the best things to do at Christmas in New York City.

Visit Central Park during the holidays

Another place to add to your Christmas in New York City bucket list is a visit to Central Park.

Fulfill another one of your Home Alone 2 movie bucket lists by visiting some of the movie locations at Central Park.

While you are here don’t miss ice skating at the famous Wollman Rink, which is another iconic holiday activity to do in NYC.

This was also one of the movie locations from Home Alone and is a must-do when visiting Central Park during the holidays.

• Wollman Rink Ice Skating
• When: Open daily starting Oct. 26, 2024 – Mar. 15, 2025
• Mon-Tues 10am-2:30pm
• Wed-Thurs 10am-9pm
• Fri-Sat 10am-10pm
• Sunday 10am-9pm
• Ticket prices: $10 and up. Ticket prices vary according to peak, off peak and holiday prices.
• Visit website here for more info.
• Skate Rentals-$11 plus tax
• Skate Aids-$25 per person 12 and younger and under 4 feet
• Location: Southeast corner of Central Park, New York City. Entrance at 59th street and 6th avenue.

Make sure to add a holiday horse carriage ride around Central Park as well, which is one of the best ways to explore and see all the main sites at the park. 

You can also visit the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, which is located at the entrance to Central Park. This is the perfect place to purchase those one-of-a-kind holiday presents for those on your list!

• Columbus Circle Holiday Market
• FREE EVENT
• When: December 3-31st, 2024.
• Monday – Saturday, 11am – 8pm
• Sunday 11am – 7pm
• Closed at 4pm on Christmas Eve
• Location: Entrance to Central Park, at 59th street and Central Park West

READ NEXT: A visit to Central Park with kids

Visit Washington Square Park

During the holidays in New York City, make sure to visit Washington Square Park during their annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony which usually happens sometime in early December.

You can even look forward to carolers on Christmas Eve while you admire the Christmas tree lights under the arch.

Washington Square Park is the perfect place to take a break from your holiday stroll around NYC, there’s even a fun little play area for the kids!

Stroll around NYC and admire the Christmas Decor

On your Christmas visit to NYC, take a stroll around the city and admire the holiday lights and decor.

Visit the Plaza across Radio City Hall for the larger than life Christmas ornaments and lights, or take a stroll and see how many Christmas Trees you can spot.

There are Christmas trees practically everywhere and its a fun game to play with the little ones.

How to get around NYC at Christmas

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During your family vacation to New York City at Christmas, I suggest taking a bus tour, or the subway to get around. 

We chose to do a hop-on hop-off bus tour to get to most places, and the subways to get everywhere else in between!

You can easily get to most of the NYC holiday attractions on foot, make sure to bring a stroller for the kiddos.

We had an amazing time visiting New York City during the holiday season! I hope this family guide to Christmas in New York city with kids, inspires you to spend the holidays in New York.

Christmas in New York City with kids is the perfect family vacation.

There are so many parks and playgrounds around the city, perfect for the little ones! And they will have so much fun with all the Christmas decor, and all the fun events going on around the city!

 Christmas in New York City is just so magical, and it’s something you have to experience once in your life!

For more tips and things to do in the city, read our Guide to New York City with kids here.

Where to stay in New York City at Christmas

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During our visit to New York City during the holidays, we stayed in the Times Square area to be close to the New Year’s celebration, and Central Park.

• The Park Central Hotel was located just a walk away from both Times Square and Central Park. There is valet parking, which is perfect if you plan to drive to NYC. They usually offer a room and park package which is so worth the price.

• The Sheraton New York Times Square is also located in Times Square and is another one of our favorites when staying in the area. There is also Valet Parking if you’re planning on driving into the city.

Book your hotel in New York City here:

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