NYC Holiday Hit List: Things to Do with Kids This Season

Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

It's back! The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is happening this season, with new balloons, floats and more! (Ada Twist! Baby Yoda!)

Get the full scoop on the 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade here! 

Get a Tree!

 Find a nice live one at one of our favorite NYC area Christmas tree farms!

Not up to the outing? Here's how to get a Christmas tree delivered to your door in NYC!

Visit the Tree at Rockefeller Center

The tree lighting takes place on December 1—you can catch it on NBC at 8 p.m. that night. After that, the tree will be lit daily from 6 a.m.-12 a.m. On Christmas Day, the tree is lit for 24 hours and on New Year’s Eve it is lit from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

30 Rockefeller Plaza
Rockefeller Center
212-588-8601
Midtown
Online: rockefellercenter.com

Visit Macy's Santaland

Macy's Santa is back for 2021 after doing strictly virtual visits last year (although you can still opt for a virtual visit in 2021). Book an appointment for a meet and greet at Macy's here.

But Macy's isn't the only game in town when it comes to meeting up with St. Nick. Check out other places to get a picture with Santa in NYC here! 

See ALL the Lights

So. Many. Lights. Tiny and LED, big and colorful, in the center of Manhattan and in the outer boroughs! (And lots and lots of light shows and experiences to walk or drive through.)

We've rounded up where to find them, here.

See Illuminate The Farm at the Queens County Farm Museum

A lantern fest unlike any you've probably seen before is on display at the Queens County Farm Museum this winter. Visit the farm to check out hand-crafted illuminated lanterns of pigs, cows, flowers and even a tractor over the historic farm's six acres. For an extra $5, you can even decorate your own wish lantern to take home. Add on-site VIP parking for $10. 

Tickets: $24.99/adults; $16.99/ages 3-12; free/2 and under, $29.99/holiday week, 12/24-1/2
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy.
Floral Park, NY
718-347-3276
Online: queensfarm.org

Visit PaleyLand at The Paley Center for Media

The Paley Center for Media just announced its grand reopening and the return of the month-long classic holiday extravaganza, PaleyLand. Beginning Saturday, December 4, visitors will be able to enjoy all kinds of holiday events and programming throughout the center's four floors.

You can see holiday classics, including A Rugrats Chanukah, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, as well as a sneak preview screening of Disney’s Christmas Again and meet with holiday characters like Snoopy, Frosty The Snowman and Gabby from Netflix’s Gabby’s Dollhouse. More fun includes a live holiday-themed LEGO demo from LEGOMasters contestant, Richard Dryden, a new Paley Express Holiday train display and Instagrammable photo opportunities with Santa Claus and a stunning seven-foot-tall menorah. 

Tickets: $20/Non-members; $16/students, teachers, seniors, veterans and early responders, free/ Children 12 and under.
Dec. 4-Jan. 6, 2022
The Paley Center for Media
25 W. 52nd St. 
Midtown 
Online: paleycenter.org

Watch the Central Park Conservancy’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

The Central Park Conservancy’s Tree Lighting is on Thursday, December 2. The annual event includes singing carols on the Plaza, watching an ice-carving demonstration and the chance to meet Santa and friends. The grand finale is a countdown to the holiday tree flotilla lighting on the Harlem Meer. 

Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m.
Charles A. Dana Discovery Center 
East Side at 110th Street
Central Park
Upper East Side 
Online: centralparknyc.org

See a Holiday Show

Go for something classic like the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, or check out some circus fun, double dutch or maybe even CocoMelon! 

Check out what's playing here!

Or See a Nutcracker Ballet

So many Nutcrackers, so little time. (We'll help you decide.) See our favorite 2021 productions of The Nutcracker here!

Check Out the Paw Patrol Experience at CAMP

The Paw Patrol Experience at CAMP is an immersive, one-of-a-kind family-friendly shopping pop-up at Hudson Yards. Kids can live out their rescue team dreams through themed environments, games, and activities celebrating this beloved group of adventurous canines. Highlights include Adventure Bay’s iconic Lookout Tower, where kids can communicate with one another across the experience with an intercom system; the chance to grab hold of a fire hose and douse a colorful projection of out-of-control fireworks alongside Marshall at City Hall and sail down an indoor zipline. (And you can get some shopping done!)

Tickets: $30/Adults, kids ages 2 and over on weekdays; $35/weekends 
Hudson Yards, 5th Fl.
10th Avenue and 30th Street
Online: camp.com

Celebrate Chanukah

Chanukah falls on November 28 to December 5 this year. Celebrate by attending the lighting of one of two huge menorahs in the city, both, technically, the largest in the world. (They are the same height.)

Brooklyn’s menorah can be found in Grand Army Plaza at Eastern Parkway in Prospect Heights. The lightings here will include live music, hot latkes and gifts for the children attending; the first night features a special concert.

Note: Lighting times vary throughout the duration of the holiday.

Online: chabadparkslope.com

Manhattan's giant menorah is located at Grand Army Plaza Fifth Avenue and W. 59th Street. Shining gold and standing 32 feet-tall, 28 feet-wide and weighing 4,000 pounds, the impressive steel menorah was designed by Yaacov Agam and has been lit each year since the late 1970s. 

Go On a Holiday Adventure at the Liberty Science Center

New Jersey's Liberty Science Center is bringing the cheer (and the STEM) for the month of December. Navigate your way through the Snowflake Maze outside, where you’ll learn amazing facts about the science of snowflakes; take a spin indoors on the Sock Skating Rink – an ice rink made of synthetic ice— then hit a Holiday Dance Party, experiment with phosphorescence by leaving your shadow on our glow-in-the-dark Shadow Wall, and Play a Snowman Riddle Scavenger Hunt game for a chance to win a prize. Don't miss Laser Wonderland: A Holiday Lights and Music Show, with songs from Mariah Carey, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Frozen and more! 

Nov. 27-Jan. 3, 2022 (Closed Dec. 21-25)
Liberty Science Center
222 Jersey City Blvd.
Liberty State Park
201-200-1000
Online: lsc.org

Hop On a Polar Express

Jump on a Polar Express train ride to visit the "North Pole", see Santa and have a cup of hot chocolate or two. Check out these options in the NYC area!

Do Fondue at The Greens

Get cozy in one of the 28 rooftop cabins at the Seaport District's The Greens. With floor-to-ceiling views, virtual fireplaces, room for eight people and real heat, the cabins aim to offer a little bit of "Upstate downtown." Beyond fondue, cocktails by Dante are available, and you can even get a candy apple for the kids. Reservations open every Monday at 10 a.m., with a portion of proceeds going to charity.

Pier 17
89 South St.
Seaport District 
Online: thegreens.pier17ny.com

Or Dine in a Fabulously Festive Restaurant

Cozy, kitschy, classic—NYC has a holiday dining experience no matter what your style! (Gramercy's famous Rolf's is shown here.)

Click here to see NYC's most festive food spots!

Celebrate 50 Years of the Origami Tree at the American Museum of Natural History

This annual feature of the Museum is celebrating five decades in 2021! The theme of the 13-foot tree is "Gems of the Museum", featuring 50 specially created gold-colored models for the “golden anniversary” 50th Origami Holiday Tree. Among the more than 1,000 origami pieces decorating the tree will be models of dazzling specimens from the new Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals; creatures inspired by the new special exhibition Sharks, and creations depicting iconic Museum exhibits like the Blue Whale, Titanosaur, and T. rex.

The tree is located in the Grand Gallery on the first floor of the museum. (Tickets to the museum must be reserved in advance.)

Nov. 24, 2021-Jan. 2022
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West & 79th St.
Upper West Side 
212-769-5100
Online: amnh.org

Visit the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park 

Home to a free ice-skating rink, a holiday market curated by Urbanspace, and The Lodge, where you can snack and drink rinkside, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park brings the holiday cheer in the heart of Midtown. (If you need skates, there is a rental charge.) You can also book a private "igloo" here, which comes with your own curling lane! Can't make it now? Don't worry: this festive spot is open through March!

The lighting of the tree in Winter Village is a big to-do. This year's is on Monday, December 6 at 6 p.m. The event will feature a Christmas choir by Classical Theatre of Harlem; performances by world-class skaters Mirai Nagasu, pairs team Meagan Duhamel and Dylan Moskovitch, Shawn Sawyer, and The Haydenettes, plus fireworks, Santa, and special guests,

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park 
42nd Street and Sixth Ave. 
Midtown
Online: bryantpark.org

See Model Trains at the New-York Historical Society

This annual favorite returns to The New-York Historical Society on November 26. The museum's celebration of trains, Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection showcases an impressive collection of toys, trains, figurines and miniature models alongside fun facts and animations on screens nearby. The show includes toy train stations dating from the turn of the 19th century to the WWII era, showcasing the evolving designs of American and European toymakers and runs through February 27. A special addition to the show for 2021 is a collection of never-before-seen toy rides. Visitors can marvel at a miniature Ferris wheel, carousel, blimp ride, and roller coaster.

New York Historical Society
170 Central Park West
Upper West Side 
 212-873-3400
Online: nyhistory.org

Marvel at the New York Botanical Garden Train Show

This popular NYC tradition returns for its 30th year with a miniature wonderland in the warmth of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at model trains zipping through an enchanting display of more than 175 famous New York landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, and other favorites—each delightfully re-created from natural materials such as pine cones, acorns, and seeds. Several of the New York Botanical Garden's buildings are rendered as well, such as the iconic Haupt Conservatory and—new for this year—the majestic LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building, both of which designated New York City landmarks. The train show is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., but you can extend your visit on select nights and check out the light festival GLOW after dark! 

Nov. 20, 2021-Jan. 23, 2021
2900 Southern Blvd.
718-817-8700
Bronx
Online: nybg.org

Take a Ride on the (Virtual) Nostalgia Train

The annual tradition continues, albeit online. Hop on here!

Hit One of New York City's Best Ice Skating Rinks

Choose from iconic rinks in the center of Manhattan to less-crowded ones for quality skate time.

Click here to see our favorites!

Shop Local!

Small and local businesses need our support more than ever. We rounded up our favorite gifts for kids, foodies, hard core New Yorkers and more. Click here to see our picks!

Head to DUMBO for Holiday Fun

A lot is happening in this neighborhood! 

The Dumbo 15th Annual Tree Lighting will take place in the Pearl Street Triangle (across from Dumbo Archway) on Thursday, December 2 at 5:30 p.m. Lots free activities will take place that day from 4-7 p.m. including performances live musical performances, meeting Santa Claus in a magical setting created by West Elm, plus a photo booth from The Self Portrait Project, building giant LEGO creations with Brooklyn Bridge Parents and enjoying hot cocoa and sweet treats by Dumbo’s favorite bakeries.

Other holiday happenings throughout the season in Dumbo include the Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market, a mailbox for letters to Santa, festive projections throughout the season and Christmas trees for sale.

Online: dumbo.is

Stop By American Dream in New Jersey

This entertainment and shopping complex is decked out for the holidays. In addition to Angry Birds not so mini golf; Big SNOW, an indoor ski slope; DreamWorks Waterpark and upscale retail shops. 

Other holiday happenings at the mall include a 30-feet by 30-feet menorah; a double-decker candy chute with American Dream elves handing out candy canes, and Skate with Santa at The Rink. Plus: Santa and his elves will be rolling through on a luxurious golf cart, stopping for photos and handing out candy canes to shoppers, while SpongeBob Santa will be at Nickelodeon Universe amusement park and Shrek Santa will suit up at DreamWorks Waterpark. 

American Dream
1 American Dream Way
East Rutherford, NJ
551-213-6200
Online: americandream.com

Make Some Noise on Unsilent Night

Composer Phil Kline started this free event way back in 1992, and now sister events happen all over the world! This parade downtown features people blasting a Kline composition from "boom boxes", and anyone can join! BYOBoombox! 

Sun., Dec. 19, 6 p.m. (Gather at the Washington Square Park arch at 5:45 p.m.)
Waverly Place & Fifth Avenue
Washington Square Park
Greenwich Village
Online: unsilentnight.com

Grab a Cup of Hot Chocolate

Warm up with one of the best cups of hot chocolate in NYC. Click here for our favorite spots! 

Relax Runway-side at the TWA Hotel

Book a retro, design-forward staycation at the TWA Hotel at JFK airport, where you can relax in the warmth of a jacuzzi infinity pool and watch the jets take off and land. (Be sure to check out the cool exhibits curated by the New-York Historical Society that look at the history of TWA, the Jet Age and the midcentury modern design movement.)

John F. Kennedy International Airport
One Idlewild Dr. 
212-806-9000
Online: twahotel.com

Give Back

Pay your good fortune forward by volunteering with the kids this season. Click here for ideas on how you can do that from home!

See the Luminaries at Brookfield Place

Make a wish at this interactive light display!

Take a Break in A Cozy Cabin

We found lots to choose from. Click here to check them out! 

Grab a Sled and Hit the Hills

At some point, it's going to snow.

Here's where to head when the snow flies!

Need to Warm Up (or need a vacation week getaway)?

Check out indoor waterparks near NYC, where it's always bathing suit weather!