Christmas in NYC with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide
Christmas in NYC with kids feels like stepping straight into a storybook. Every corner glows, every window sparkles, and each stop offers magic for children and adults alike. Families find endless ways to explore, from skating under skyscrapers to spotting Santa in unexpected places.
This complete family guide highlights the best Christmas things to do in NYC with kids, from classic trees and toy stores to light shows and festive restaurants. We’ll show you where to find calm photo spots, how to enjoy the highlights without stress, and which places truly deliver for children. For even more inspiration, visit our main article Best Things to Do at Christmas in NYC and follow our daily updates on Instagram at @MyChristmasInNewYorkCity.
Table of Contents
Best Christmas Trees to See in NYC with Kids
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the classic family stop. It dazzles children instantly. Crowds build fast, so go early or late. For calmer photos, visit the Lotte New York Palace courtyard. Both deliver iconic holiday backdrops near many kid-friendly sights.
Our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour visits Rockefeller Center and Lotte New York Palace. The Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour includes the Wall Street Christmas Tree downtown. Both options simplify logistics and pacing with kids.
New York features many more festive trees across the city. For the complete list, timings, and photo tips, read our guide to the best Christmas trees in NYC.
Christmas Markets in NYC with Kids
New York’s Christmas markets offer endless treats and souvenirs for families. Each market feels unique, with local crafts, warm snacks, and festive lights.
The Bryant Park Winter Village is the most family-friendly thanks to its open layout, skating rink, and covered food hall. The Union Square Holiday Market is vibrant and artistic, while the Columbus Circle Christmas Market adds Central Park views to the mix.
Kids love tasting hot chocolate, exploring toy stalls, and watching artisans at work. Parents enjoy picking up handmade ornaments and small gifts to take home.
Our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour stops at Union Square, giving families time to shop and snack without rushing.
Magical Christmas Shops and Toy Stores
Toy shopping in Midtown feels like a holiday movie come to life. Start at FAO Schwarz near Rockefeller Center, where kids can dance on the giant piano and meet Johnny the Toy Soldier welcoming families at the door. Every corner bursts with color, candy, and playful displays.
Next, visit the LEGO Store at Rockefeller Plaza. Children can build, explore, and see models of New York landmarks made entirely from bricks. A few blocks away, the American Girl Store offers doll makeovers, holiday brunches, and crafts, perfect for younger kids.
Finally, stop at My Christmas in New York in Little Italy. It’s a true Christmas wonderland filled with movie souvenirs, glittering ornaments, and the famous Home Alone turtle doves. Families on our New York Movie Tour with a Christmas Twist enjoy a dedicated stop here to shop and take photos.
These stores combine play, nostalgia, and sparkle, ideal breaks between sightseeing stops.
Read more: Christmas Shops NYC: The Best Holiday and Souvenir Spots
Christmas Shows in NYC Kids Will Love
Nothing captures the holiday magic like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes’ costumes, toy soldier march, and Santa scenes fill the stage with joy and energy that kids instantly love. The show is easy to follow, festive, and runs daily from mid-November through early January.
Before or after the performance, families can stop at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, just steps from Radio City Music Hall. It’s one of the most entertaining family restaurants in NYC, where singing waiters perform Christmas tunes and Broadway hits while serving burgers and milkshakes. Children usually leave smiling, it’s dinner and a show in one stop.
Pair the Rockettes and Ellen’s Stardust with a visit to Rockefeller Center for an unforgettable festive day in Midtown.
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
The Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show is one of the most dazzling sights for families visiting New York at Christmas. Every few minutes, the building’s facade bursts into music and color, perfectly timed with holiday songs. The show lasts about five minutes and repeats regularly each evening, making it easy to catch between activities.
Children love watching the lights dance across the huge display while the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree glows just across the street. It’s completely free and feels magical every time.
Arrive after sunset, stand across the street for the best angle, and hold your phone ready, kids will want to record every second.
Ice Skating in NYC at Christmas with Kids
Few activities feel more festive than skating under New York’s winter sky. Families love Wollman Rink in Central Park for its spacious layout and skyline views. It’s calmer and easier for beginners than the Rockefeller rink, with shorter lines if you arrive early. The gentle music and snowy trees create a true Christmas postcard setting.
At Rockefeller Center, skating is magical too, though it can be crowded. Children often enjoy watching others glide while you admire the enormous Christmas Tree towering above. For many families, skating at least once in New York becomes a cherished holiday memory.
Bryant Park Winter Village also offers a large rink surrounded by shops and food stalls. Entry is free if you bring your own skates, making it an excellent budget-friendly stop for families.
Carousels: A Whirl of Christmas Joy
Carousels bring gentle joy to family holidays. The Central Park Carousel is a classic, hidden among the trees near the park’s playgrounds. Its nostalgic music and painted horses create a calm break between bigger sights.
In Brooklyn, Jane’s Carousel spins inside a glass pavilion in DUMBO. Kids love the ride, and parents love the river and skyline views, especially at sunset.
Downtown, the SeaGlass Carousel at Battery Park feels like an underwater dream. Children sit inside glowing fish that rotate under soft lights and music. It’s indoors, warm, and especially beautiful after dark.
Each carousel offers a touch of old-fashioned wonder that balances the city’s high energy. Together, they make Christmas in NYC with kids feel timeless, joyful, and truly magical.
Fifth and Sixth Avenue Christmas Decorations
Fifth and Sixth Avenue glow brighter than anywhere else in New York during Christmas. Children are amazed by the giant red ornaments, glittering candy canes, and walk-through Christmas tree along Sixth Avenue. On Fifth Avenue, they’ll love spotting the sparkling façades of Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Bergdorf Goodman, each dressed in lights and ribbons.
All these decorations are close to one another, but streets can get very crowded and the winter air can feel freezing, especially for kids. That’s why our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour is the easiest way to experience it all. In just three hours, families enjoy the perfect balance between bus time and short outdoor walks. You’ll travel on a warm, first-class coach with restrooms and phone chargers, see every major Midtown Christmas sight, and skip all the planning and stress.
Our licensed tour guides even help take beautiful souvenir photos at each stop, so you can simply enjoy the magic together.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: A Must-See in NYC with Kids
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn are a true highlight for families visiting New York in December. Entire streets glow with life-size Santas, reindeer, and music-synced light shows. Children love seeing how every house competes to shine brighter than the next. It’s colorful, joyful, and completely over the top, exactly what Christmas should feel like.
However, reaching Dyker Heights on your own can be tricky. The area is purely residential, with no nearby subway stations, restaurants, or public restrooms. Walking long blocks in the cold and dark is tiring for children, and while the neighborhood is safe, it isn’t designed for heavy foot traffic or evening crowds.
The best way to visit is on our Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour with DUMBO and Free Hot Chocolate at Bryant Park Winter Village. You’ll travel comfortably by bus, enjoy live narration from a licensed guide, and see the lights up close without worrying about directions or transit. The tour ends with a skyline stop in DUMBO and a voucher for a cozy hot chocolate in Bryant Park, the perfect way to wrap up a magical evening.
Grand Central Holiday Train Display for Families
The Grand Central Holiday Train Display is a hidden gem for families exploring NYC at Christmas. Located inside the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex, it features intricate train models circling miniature cityscapes and snowy towns.
Children can watch tiny subway cars and vintage locomotives pass by glowing landmarks, while parents appreciate the craftsmanship and nostalgia. It’s indoors, free, and an ideal warm stop during cold December days.
The display typically runs from mid-November through early February, so even late visitors can still enjoy it.
Holiday Train Show: A Favorite Christmas Activity in NYC for Families
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is one of the city’s most enchanting Christmas experiences for families. Miniature trains glide through detailed replicas of New York landmarks made entirely from bark, leaves, and natural materials. Kids love recognizing the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and Yankee Stadium in tiny form.
The exhibit runs from mid-November through early January, with special evening sessions featuring twinkling lights and music.
Read more: New York Botanical Garden Christmas
Visiting the New York Public Library at Christmas with Kids
The New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue is one of the most family-friendly indoor stops during the holidays. Kids love greeting Patience and Fortitude, the lion statues guarding the main entrance. Inside, the children’s reading room displays the original Winnie the Pooh and friends, a touching piece of literary history that fascinates little readers.
The library also offers restrooms, benches, and a warm, quiet environment to recharge between outdoor sights. Its grand interior, marble halls, and festive wreaths make it a beautiful photo stop as well. Parents often appreciate that it’s steps from Bryant Park and the Fifth Avenue decorations, making it easy to include in any Christmas day itinerary.
Festive Restaurants and Rooftops for Families in NYC at Christmas
Finding a festive place to eat in New York at Christmas with kids can be challenging; many restaurants fill up weeks in advance. One of the most beautiful options is Papillon Christmas Restaurant, known for its incredible décor with lights, garlands, and ornaments covering every corner. Families love it, but during the holidays Papillon accepts no reservations at all, and the walk-in line can stretch for hours.
With our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour, families skip that entire wait. After exploring the city’s top decorations, you’ll head straight to a reserved table at Papillon, where lunch is served in a warm, relaxed setting. It’s a magical ending to the morning, and one of the rare ways to dine there without queuing outside in the cold.
For skyline views, visit 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, one of NYC’s most famous holiday spots. The heated igloos and Empire State Building views make it perfect for families during the day. Guests on our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour enjoy skip-the-line entry and no cover charge, a valuable perk during the peak Christmas season when lines usually wrap around the block.
These experiences combine festive atmosphere, comfort, and convenience, a must for families wanting to enjoy Christmas in NYC without the stress of waiting or planning.
Best Parks in NYC to Visit with Kids at Christmas
Amid the city’s lights and crowds, New York’s parks give families space to slow down. Central Park is a winter wonderland, ideal for snow play or a calm stroll between holiday stops. Kids can run near the playgrounds or visit the carousel for a short ride.
Bryant Park Winter Village is smaller but packed with Christmas spirit. The skating rink, festive kiosks, and food hall make it a perfect mid-day break for families exploring Midtown. Parents can grab coffee while children watch skaters glide under the city lights.
For local neighborhood charm, Washington Square Park features a beautiful Christmas tree under the arch. Carolers often sing here in the evenings, adding to its cozy atmosphere. These parks offer breathing space between sightseeing stops, keeping the day fun without overwhelming little travelers.
Best Hot Chocolate Stops in NYC at Christmas with Kids
A good cup of hot chocolate is part of every New York Christmas. Families can’t miss Bryant Park Winter Village, where kiosks serve creamy cocoa topped with whipped cream and marshmallows.
Funny Face Bakery in the Seaport District is another family favorite, known for its playful cookies and rich chocolate drinks. Uptown, From Lucie offers European-style hot chocolate, thick and comforting, perfect on a cold afternoon.
Many cafés turn cocoa breaks into mini traditions for kids. Parents can sip coffee, rest tired legs, and enjoy the holiday music drifting from the streets. These warm pauses make exploring Christmas in NYC with kids more relaxed and joyful.
Where to Meet Santa in NYC with Kids
Meeting Santa is one of the most magical parts of Christmas in New York. The most famous stop is Macy’s Santaland, a full indoor experience with snowy tunnels, toy trains, and cheerful elves leading families to Santa himself. It’s free to visit, but you need an online reservation, spots open early and fill fast.
For a more elegant setting, visit Lotte New York Palace, where Santa hosts cozy Sunday morning story times beside the hotel’s grand Christmas tree. There’s also a special North Pole mailbox where kids can drop off letters and receive replies later in the season.
Each experience feels unique, one playful and full of energy, the other calm and storybook-like. For the complete list of Santa experiences across the city, read our full guide: Where to Meet Santa in NYC.
Thanksgiving Events and Early Christmas Fun in NYC with Kids
If your trip starts in late November, you’ll see the city come alive. The Macy’s Balloon Inflation event happens the night before the Thanksgiving Parade and is far easier for kids than the main event crowds. It’s relaxed, festive, and perfect for photos with the giant balloons before they float down Sixth Avenue.
By the next morning, Christmas lights, trees, and markets begin appearing across the city. Families visiting this week can already ice skate, shop at Bryant Park Winter Village, and enjoy early decorations at Rockefeller Center. It’s the perfect time to watch New York transform from autumn gold to full Christmas sparkle.
Christmas Cruises in NYC with Kids
A Christmas cruise in NYC adds a calm, scenic break to busy city days. Families can sail past the Statue of Liberty and glittering skyline while sipping hot cocoa inside warm glass-enclosed boats.
The most popular option is the Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise, featuring Christmas music, cookies, and friendly crew dressed for the season. Morning and afternoon departures are ideal for children, offering daylight views and shorter sailing times.
Older kids might enjoy the Holiday Jazz Cruise or a festive Brunch Cruise with buffet and skyline lights. These run from late November through early January, departing from Chelsea Piers.
For details, prices, and schedules, read our full guide to Christmas Cruises in NYC.
Final Tips for Visiting NYC at Christmas with Kids
Visiting New York during the holidays with kids is pure magic, but a little planning makes it even better. Start your days early to enjoy top attractions like Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park before the crowds. Build in warm indoor breaks, the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, and cozy cafés keep everyone happy between walks.
Dress in layers and pack gloves, hats, and waterproof shoes. December temperatures often stay near freezing, especially at night when the lights shine brightest. Keep snacks handy for long days exploring.
To make the most of your time, mix active moments such as ice skating, seeing the Dyker Heights Lights, or watching the Rockettes with quieter stops like the Holiday Train Show or a visit to Papillon Christmas Restaurant.
If you want a smoother holiday experience, our Christmas tours are the easiest way to see it all. From Midtown’s sparkling decorations to Brooklyn’s lights, each route saves time and guarantees comfort for families.
Christmas in NYC with kids is a memory that lasts forever, full of music, lights, and simple joys that make the city’s holiday season truly unforgettable.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
