Visiting NYC at Christmas with kids is a truly magical experience. We were lucky enough to live in New York City for just over two years and spend three Christmases there with our children. It really is the most magical time of year, and some of my favourite family memories are from the holiday season.
From admiring the mesmerising Christmas decorations to visiting Santa, there is so much for the whole family to enjoy. This guide is based on our own experiences of exploring the city at Christmas as a family, including the places we’d recommend to friends visiting with their kids.
So, if you’re visiting New York at Christmas with kids, this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip, including the best festive activities, must-see attractions and family-friendly experiences that make the city so special at this time of year.
I’ve included practical information throughout to help you plan your NYC itinerary, along with some really useful tips to make your time in New York City as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
- Why Visit NYC at Christmas With Kids?
- Map of New York at Christmas with Kids
- What to Expect in NYC at Christmas as a Family
- Best Things to Do in NYC at Christmas With Kids
- Admire the Magical NYC Christmas Decorations
- The Best Christmas Trees in NYC
- Where to See Santa in New York City
- Where to Go Ice Skating with Kids in NYC
- Browse New York's Christmas Markets
- See a Family-Friendly Christmas Show
- Ride a Christmas-Themed Bus Around NYC
- Tips for Spending Christmas in NYC with Kids
- FAQ's About Visiting NYC at Christmas with Kids
- So, is NYC at Christmas Worth Visiting with Kids?
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission. There is no additional cost to you, and I am so grateful, as these commissions help me to run my blog. All the photos are our own from our time living in New York. Most decorations were the same or very similar each year. I can’t guarantee the decorations will remain the same every year, but it will be magical.
NEW YORK AT CHRISTMAS WITH KIDS: QUICK PLANNING:
Best Time to See the Lights & Decorations:
Mid-November & December
Top Christmas Hotels:
Lotte New York Palace
The Peninsula New York
Visit Santa At:
Macy’s Herald Square – full review & tips here!
Best Decorations:
Fifth Avenue
Rockefeller Centre
Upper East Side
Top Observation Decks:
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Top of the Rock
Holiday Show:
Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
If you plan to visit lots of NYC’s top attractions, you can save big with the New York Pass, which covers over 100 attractions for 1 to 10 days.
Why Visit NYC at Christmas With Kids?
New York City is my all time favourite place and it is magical at any time of year, but there is something particularly special about visiting NYC at Christmas with kids. We loved experiencing the city during the holiday season when we lived there, and some of my favourite family memories are from our three Christmases in New York.
The city really does feel like it has been transformed for Christmas. From towering Christmas trees and spectacular department store windows to ice skating, visiting Santa and festive markets, there are so many experiences that children will love. And many of the best Christmas experiences in NYC are completely free, which is always a bonus for families!
Whether this is your first visit to New York or you’re returning to experience the city at Christmas, there is something incredibly exciting about seeing the famous sights dressed up for the holidays.
Map of New York at Christmas with Kids
Below is my interactive map of all the best things to do in New York City at Christmas with kids. I have pinned everything I will discuss in this post to make planning your itinerary as easy as possible. (Read our perfect 4 days in New York with kids itinerary to help you as well!)
Simply click on the top right-hand corner of the map below to open it in Google Maps.
What to Expect in NYC at Christmas as a Family
After spending Christmas in New York three times, we know the city well and have picked up plenty of useful tips along the way. From knowing which experiences are worth booking in advance to understanding how busy different areas can get, I’m sharing everything I wish I’d known before our first family Christmas in NYC.
- 🎄 When does Christmas start in NYC? You’ll start to see Christmas decorations appearing around New York from mid-November, with most of the major displays, Christmas markets and festive attractions in place around Thanksgiving. The Christmas atmosphere continues through December and into the first week of January, although some attractions finish earlier.
- ❄️ What is the weather like in New York at Christmas? December in New York can be cold, so make sure the whole family has warm coats, hats, gloves and comfortable shoes. You may be lucky enough to see snow, and in my opinion, there is nothing more magical than Central Park in the snow!
- 👨👩👦 How busy is NYC at Christmas? New York is always busy, but especially during December, particularly on weekends and in the days leading up to Christmas. The most popular attractions can get very crowded, so I recommend planning your days around the areas you want to visit and booking popular experiences in advance wherever possible. My children are early risers, I found getting up and out in the morning (by around 8am) would give you a couple of house of quiter exploring.
- 🎟️ What should you book in advance? Some of the most popular Christmas activities, including seeing the Rockettes, visiting Santa and certain ice-skating sessions, can sell out. If there is something you know your children will be excited about, I’d recommend booking it before you arrive rather than hoping there will be availability.
- 💰 Is Christmas in NYC expensive? It certainly can be, but some of the best Christmas experiences in New York are completely free. Seeing the extravigant Christmas trees and decorations was always our favourite thing to do. Visiting NYC on a budget? Read this guide next.
Best Things to Do in NYC at Christmas With Kids
There are so many amazing things to do in NYC at Christmas with kids, from seeing the city’s famous Christmas trees and decorations to ice skating, meeting Santa and watching a festive show.
Having spent three Christmases in New York with our children, these are the Christmas experiences I’d recommend to families visiting the city. I’ve included our favourite things to do, as well as plenty of practical tips to help you decide what is worth adding to your NYC itinerary.
Admire the Magical NYC Christmas Decorations
I’m starting with our absolute favourite activity. New York City goes all out with its incredible festive decor, and just looking at it all is a fun, free activity for both kids and grown-ups! It really is a magical time of year.
One of the best things to do during the holidays as a family is to go and see all the amazing Christmas decorations. I’ve written a detailed guide on where to find all the best Christmas decorations in NYC, linked here.
I will also share below where to see the best Christmas decorations in New York.
Hotels in New York that Decorate for Christmas
Many of New York’s hotels decorate for Christmas, and you don’t have to be a guest there to enjoy their displays!
I’ve listed the best ones to check out below:
- The Peninsula New York – 700 5th Avenue – This was one of our favourite displays. The staff here are so friendly and they welcome you to come in and look around! The main decorations are in the entrance foyer but there are also some more if you go up the stairs shown below. They also have an amazing Sweet Shoppe but this is for hotel guests only. (👉Check availability here.)
Visiting The Peninsular Hotel is a fun Christmas family activity.
- Lotte New York Palace – 455 Madison Avenue – their courtyard has the most fabulous display, which anyone is allowed to visit. They have been doing renovations for a long time but it looks like it will be scaffolding free for 2026! This is also home to The Vander Woodsens in Series 1 (if any Gossip Girl fans are reading this, check out all the locations here!)
Child looking at the giant Christmas Tree outside the Lotte New York Palace
- The Plaza, New York – 768 5th Avenue – kids will love to be like Kevin in Home Alone 2 and spend Christmas at the Plaza, although I do wonder how his parents afforded it! We went in one Christmas without a booking, another time they weren’t letting people in without a reservation for the hotel or bar. (👉Check availability here.)
Alternatively, you cound consider a Home Alone 2 Tour, which will show you all the spots used in the movie!
The New York Plaza Hotel at Christmas
- The Mark – 25 East 77th Street – located on the Upper East Side, close to Central Park. This hotel often partners with designers such a Swarovski (shown below) to put on an incredible christmas display.
The Mark Hotel’s stunning holiday decor
If you’re thinking about where to stay in NYC at Christmas, one of these hotels would be an extremely magical experience!
👉 Check all NYC Hotel Availability here – book as early as possible for the best price!
Shops with the Best Holiday Displays
Again, lots of shops go all out with their holiday decorations. My kids are young and didnt love to shop (unless it was for toys), but they did enjoy seeing all the decorations. Below are the stores you won’t want to miss:
- Macy’s – Herald Square West 34th Street. Macy’s is fully decorated inside and out. The window displays were amazing and interactive, and quite possibly my sons favourite. The inside is also beautifully decorated. Kids will enjoy the Toys R Us department on the 7th floor and the opportunity to visit Santa. (In my opinion, visiting Santa at Macy’s is a must do Christmas activity for young children). You can find out more details below or read our detailed review here.
Admiring the Macy’s Festive window display
- Oculus World Trade Centre – 185 Greenwich Street, Downtown Manhattan. This is a really interesting building to see even if you’re not visiting over the holidays. The downstairs is decorated for Christmas. Personally, I wouldn’t make a special trip here, but it’s located close to One World Observatory and the Twin Towers memorial, so you may find yourself in the area.
- Hudson Yards – The huge hot air balloon-shaped lights are a really magical and a must-see. Younger children in particular will be amazed by this display. Hudson Yards also has a lot of places to eat and a Dylan’s Candy Bar (sweet shop), which was a favourite treat experience for my son!
Hudson Yards annual Christmas display
- FAO Schwarz – 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It goes without saying that kids will love to visit a huge toy store. Arrive here at opening time if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds and allow your children to explore. Although window shopping is totally aceptable, be prepared, kids will be picking out many, many Christmas presents for themselves.
- Saks Fifth Avenue – I’ll talk more about Fifth Avenue in general below, but Sacks deserves a special mention as they put on a stunning, free light show. This was another of our family favourites. Starting at 4pm daily and running around every 10 minutes, it is really something special to see when you’re spending Christmas in New York.
Sacks & Dior Stunning Christmas lights
New York Streets & Houses that Decorate for Christmas
Another of our favourite things to do in New York at Christmas is to simply wander the streets and spot the extravigant displays. Some streets in New York are extremely festive and well worth checking out. There are also some individual houses that are really spectacular and worth checking out if you can. This is another perfect, fun and free thing to do if you’re spending Christmas in New York with kids.
- Fifth Avenue – we always set aside time to take the kids for an early morning wander down Fifth Avenue at Christmas. Most of the shops decorate for Christmas. The street itself is also decorated. Bergdorf Goodman usually has fabulous window displays. Also, check out Cartier, Ralphs Coffee and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Saks Fifth Avenue really goes all out, their light display is a must-see, ideally both in the day and in the dark! They also do an amazing window display.
Giant toy decorations on 5th Avenue
- Rockefeller Plaza – Of course, the giant Rockefeller Centre Tree is a must-see, but there are also a lot of other great decorations around this area and Radio City Music Hall. One of our favourites was this giant Candy Cane sculpture! These are usually here every year.
Rockefeller Plaza candy Cane decoration
- East 64th Street – Between Fifth and Madison Avenues. There is an incredible house here (yes, this is someones incredibe house!) which always does something special for Christmas.
Townhouse on East 64th Street decorated for Christmas
- East 76th Street – Between Fifth and Madison. The most amazing house EVER! The giant nutcrackers and other decorations here are the perfect backdrop for photos. They also do a fabulous Halloween display, read all about Halloween in NYC here.
Incredible decorations on East 76th Street
The Best Christmas Trees in NYC
I think the most iconic symbol of New York at Christmas is the extravagant, giant Rockefeller Christmas tree. It really is amazing, but New York also has many other options.
- Rockefeller Tree – New York’s giant Christmas tree, and must-see, as I previously mentioned. The Rockefeller tree lights are due to be turned on 2nd December 2026. This one is worth seeins in both day and night.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
- Bryant Park – at Christmas time, Bryant Park transforms into a winter wonderland. With a holiday market, ice skating and a big Christmas tree! Some of my sons favourite Christmas memories are skating here!
- New York Public Library – before we moved to New York, I didnt realise you could go inside the New York Public Library, and it’s completely free. It is extremely beautiful, and their huge Christmas tree is decorated with cute woodland birds and other animals. Here, they also have an exhibition displaying the original Winnie the Pooh stuffie. This is a great place to pop by with kids, my son really loved it!
Close-up of the unique decor on the NYPL’s Christmas Tree
- South Street Seaport – downtown in Seaport, there is another great Christmas Tree. This one is usually not so busy, if you’re visiting NYC with kids who don’t like crowds, this is a good option.
The South Street Seaport Tree.
- Wall Street – another downtown location with another amazing Christmas tree. Picking your favourite tree is a fun thing to do in NYC around Christmas time!
- The Lotte New York Palace, The Peninsula, and The Plaza Hotels also have huge trees (which I mentioned above). 👉 Check all NYC Hotel Availability here.
Where to See Santa in New York City
If you’re in NYC at Christmas time with kids, you will need a visit to Santa! Of course, New York has multiple options.
Macy’s Santaland
Macy’s Santaland is New York’s most well-known Santa’s Grotto, to make it even more amazing, it’s completely free!
We visited twice and really loved the experience, our full review and tips for visiting is linked here.
Waiting to go into Macy’s Santaland
Tickets are released at 6 am, 5 days in advance, and you should go on to the website at 6 ready to snap them up (they do go fast!) Macy’s Santaland usually opens after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, so check in September or October for the exact date tickets will be released.
You may have to wait a while in the queue to get to Santa, but there are plenty of magical things to see on the way around.
Children enjoying the holiday decor at Macy’s Santaland
In full disclosure, my kids were always mesmerised by it all however, I have heard of other children struggling with the wait. If you’re concerned about this, it is much quieter in November and gets busier the closer to Christmas you get. Make sure to pack a drink and some snacks as well!
Macy’s also has the option to select white, black or Hispanic Santa when you book, which I think is amazing!
Visiting Macy’s Santaland
Santa at Bloomingdales
While Santa at Macy’s would be my first choice. There are also some other NYC Santa experiences you could consider. Santa is at Bloomingdale’s on 59th Street, and he has an adorable grotto there. It was advertised as free to meet Santa from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. However, when we tried to visit on a weekday, Santa was not there.
Staff said he was only actually there and free on the weekends, and during the week, you had to book. I can’t remember the exact cost, but I think it was around $40. Check the Bloomingdales website for up-to-date info.
Santa at Bloomingdales
Other NYC Santas To Visit
While Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are the most popular choices, there are some other locations for kids to have meet and greets with Santa in New York, which include:
- Hudson Yards – from 5 pm to 8 pm, Santa is on the third floor and available for photos. This is first-come, first-served, no booking required and also free.
- Bryant Park – located near the Christmas tree, Santa is available for photos at select times. Again, this is a first-come first first-served meeting, no booking is required and also free.
- Nordstrom – West 57th Street. From 2 pm to 6 pm, you can meet Santa and his elves, enjoy story time or write a letter to Santa.
- Top of The Rock – if you’re planning to visit Top of The Rock (which is my favourite – read our full guide to which observation deck to choose here), you can add a ticket to visit Santa for an additional fee. We didnt do this, but it looked like a beautiful setup. Book Top of the Rock Tickets here.
- The Empire State Building – again, you can add tickets to your reservation for the Empire State Building for an additional fee. Book Empire State Building Tickets here.
Santa at Bloomingdales
Where to Go Ice Skating with Kids in NYC
Ice Skating is such a lovely festive activity and perfect if you’re in NYC at Christmas time with kids! Of course, New York has multiple skating rinks for you to choose from. My husband and our eldest son skated twice at Bryant Park Winter Village. When he was almost 3 (on a very cold day) and almost 4, it was a lot more successful at almost 4. If you’re spending Christmas in New York with older kids, this is an amazing activity!
Also, make sure to have travel insurance. It’s always a good idea, but especially when ice skating.
3-year-old ice skating in Bryant Park
The Main Ice Skating Rinks in NYC:
- Bryant Park – if you have your own ice skates, you can skate here for free. Otherwise, you just pay for skate hire. They also have free skate aids and ice skate seats (see photo below) available for children on a first-come, first-served basis. The prices vary depending on the date and time of day, so check times and availability on the Bryant Park website.
- The Rink at Rockefeller Centre – skate with a view of the gorgeous Rockefeller Tree. Penguin skate aids are available for children however, these are hired at an additional fee. Buy tickets on the Rockefeller website here.
- The Wollman Rink in Central Park – if anyone is a Gossip Girl fan, this is where Blair’s famous ice skating scene was filmed. Penguin skate aids are available for children however, these are hired at an additional fee. The prices vary depending on the date and time of day, so check times and availability on the Woolman Rink website.
The ice rink at Rockefeller Centre.
Other Skating Rinks in New York:
Most likely, you’ll want to choose one of the three rinks I mentioned above; however, there are some other options if those are fully booked.
- The Manhattan West Rink – located on the west side of Manhattan. See prices and book on their website here.
- The Rink at Brookfield Place – you’ll find this rink in the financial district of Manhattan. Skate aids are available for an additional fee but can’t be reserved online. See all the details on their website here.
- Chelsea Piers Sky Rink – This rink is open year-round and offers ice skating lessons. You can also do one-off drop-in sessions by booking here. Skate aids are free before 11:30!
Ice skating in Bryant Park – age 4
Browse New York’s Christmas Markets
To be completely honest, I found some of New York’s Christmas markets a little underwhelming compared to European Christmas Markets. However, you’ll likely pass one and may want to stop by and pick up a memento of your trip. Bryant Park was my favourite option, and it can be combined with the ice skating I talked about above.
New York’s Christmas Markets:
- Bryant Park – as I previously mentioned, Bryant Park is a lovely place to explore, especially at Christmas. Each year they hoast the Bank of America Winter Village, which has festive food a gifts markets and the ice skating rink.
- Columbus Circle – located in the Southwest corner of Central Park, and is the largest holiday market in NYC.
- Union Square – one to see if you’re passing, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit here!
Union Square Christmas Market
- Rockefeller Plaza – not quite a market, but there are Holiday Chalets, where you can enjoy drinks overlooking the ice rink. These need to be reserved in advance.
Rockefeller Holiday Challets
See a Family-Friendly Christmas Show
New York is known for its Broadway Shows, but there are also some shows around the holidays which are perfect if you’re visiting New York City at Christmas with kids:
- The Rockettes – this is a spectacular show for all the family. I read it wasn’t really suitable for under age 6, but I know that my son, who was 3 at the time, would have loved it, and I wish we’d taken him! Click here to book tickets to The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.
- My First Nutcracker – I haven’t been to this personally, but friends with daughters have told me it’s really good! Check the New York Children’s Theatre website for more details.
The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
Ride a Christmas-Themed Bus Around NYC
Full disclosure, this was a gifted experience, but all opinions are my own!
The North Pole Express
Top View Tours runs a Christmas-themed tour bus. This is a great way to see NYC’s top Christmas lights and decorations form the comfort of a double decker bus, avoiding the crowded streets at the same time.
This isn’t the cheapest activity, but kids and parents alike will really will love it. There’s singing, dancing elves and even a visit from Santa himself! The tickets also include hot chocolate, biscuits and a cute little jingle bell to take home.
This tour lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes and goes past some of New York’s most beautiful Christmas lights, so you get to see them from a unique perspective.
You can book tickets on the Top View Website, linked here.
View of Cartier from the North Pole Express Christmas Experience bus
Another popular tour is to visit Dyker Heights, an area in Brooklyn that is known for its extravagant Christmas decorations. Unfortunately, we never made it here ourselves. It’s something to consider depending on how much time you have. You can make this journey on the subway for just $2.90 each way (kids under 44 inches go free). It will take approximately 1 – 1.5 hours from Times Square.
Bus tours also run to this popular area. There are many different options to choose from; most take around 4 hours in total and depart from near Times Square. Click here to see all the tour options and to book.
Top Tours Christmas-Themed Bus Ride is a perfect activity in NYC at Christmas with kids.
Tips for Spending Christmas in NYC with Kids
Pack Warm Clothes and Layers
Winter in New York can get cold, but the temperature does vary. Our first Christmas there was freezing, my son wore ski gear and snow boots every day. The other two were much milder. Make sure to check the temperature beforehand and pack accordingly. There’s nothing worse than children moaning they’re cold.
Be Prepared to Walk
New York is a huge city, and getting around involves a lot of walking; it is common to do at least 20k steps in a day. (We have a full guide sharing how to get around NYC like a local, linked here.)
If you have young children, I would always recommend taking a pushchair (stroller) so they can have a rest. Our son wasn’t much of a napper but if he was suffering from jet lag, then he would. I really love our Joolz Aer+ and always recommend it. You can read my full review here.
We never had a problem taking the Subway in New York. Set your Google Maps to show wheelchair-accessible routes if you want to avoid stations with no elevators. Alternatively, our favourite way to get around was the NYC Ferry.
READ OUR GUIDE ON HOW TO GET AROUND NEW YORK CITY LIKE A LOCAL HERE.
Consider a CITY PASS
NYC is an expensive city. If you’re planning to do lots of the amazing tourist attractions, a New York City Pass might be a good option for you, as it can save money.
Again, there are multiple options for this pass. GoCity offers an all-inclusive pass. You can choose the number of days and visit as many attractions as you like during that time, including Top of the Rock, The Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and many more. You can see the full details and which attractions are included by clicking here.
Get Your Guide also offers a pass which includes five top attractions.
Try to Avoid NYC’s Christmas Crowds
New York gets extremely busy at Christmas. At times, walking down Fifth Avenue, especially by Saks, was almost impossible. My best advice is to get out early and avoid the crowds. I would also advise booking any activities and restaurant reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Macy’s Holiday Display
FAQ’s About Visiting NYC at Christmas with Kids
Yes, even though it does get crowded, visiting NYC at Christmas with kids is a truly magical experience. There is so much to see and do that the whole family will love.
A stay of 4 to 5 days is ideal. This allows enough time to see the major attractions, enjoy festive experiences, and explore iconic neighbourhoods without feeling rushed.
Midtown Manhattan is the best area for families. Staying near Times Square or Rockefeller Centre puts you within walking distance of major attractions, holiday decorations, and transport links.
Yes, New York City is generally safe for families, especially in popular tourist areas like Midtown Manhattan. As with any major city, remain aware of your surroundings, keep belongings secure, and plan routes in advance.
So, is NYC at Christmas Worth Visiting with Kids?
Visiting New York City at Christmas with kids is nothing short of magical. From twinkling lights and festive markets to world-famous attractions and unforgettable holiday shows, the city transforms into a real-life winter wonderland. Whether you’re admiring the iconic tree at Rockefeller Center, ice skating in Bryant Park, there’s something to delight every member of the family.
With thoughtful planning, a visit to NYC during the holiday season can be both seamless and unforgettable. This guide provides everything you need to create the perfect festive itinerary, from must-see attractions and family-friendly experiences to practical travel tips and insider advice.
Whether it’s your first trip or a long-awaited return, Christmas in New York City is an experience your children will treasure for a lifetime. If you’re dreaming of a magical festive getaway, there truly is no place quite like NYC at Christmas.
Thank you so much for reading our guide on the best things to do in NYC at Christmas with kids. I hope the information has been useful and we’ve helped you to plan your festive New York trip!
OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
THE BEST NYC CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
MACY’S SANTLAND NYC: REVIEW AND TIPS
PERFECT FOUR DAYS IN NEW YORK WITH KIDS ITINERARY
HOW TO GET AROUND NEW YORK CITY LIKE A LOCAL
GUIDE TO CENTRAL PARK WITH KIDS
FREE THINGS TO DO IN NYC WITH KIDS
We hope you have the most amazing holiday season in New York City!
A London mum sharing stylish, family-friendly travel guides.
I In our travel guides, I show you that you can still travel as a family and create beautiful memories, even when trips aren’t full of kid-centric activities.
When I’m not planning our next adventure, I also share timeless style inspiration and ideas for living more thoughtfully and sustainably.
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