Ultimate NYC Christmas Bucket List for Families with Kids
When we think of New York City during Christmas time, we definitely picture a magical place, and this is particularly so for families with kids.
Just think of the expression on your little one’s face when they first see the sparkling lights of the Rockefeller Christmas tree, or take their inaugural spin waltzing on the ice rink under the stars.
Christmas in NYC is a place where memories last a lifetime.
The city becomes a veritable holiday wonderland with everything from magical light displays to traditional holiday performances that will leave you family in awe.
Having visited NYC a few times during the holidays, I may not yet have kids of my own, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t collected all the best family-friendly activities (and then some!) based on my own personal experiences as well as hearing advice from friends who have taken their littles.
If you are going to NYC for the first time or making it an annual tradition this is your bucket list! This is your guide to experiencing what the best Christmas has to offer for the kids!
1. See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
No trip to NYC during the Christmas season is complete without a visit to the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
This massive tree is covered with thousands of lights and topped with a huge Swarovski crystal star that will leave your kids speechless.
It’s a must-see NYC Christmas moment.
Tip: Attempt to go early in the morning or late at night to bypass large groups. Pro tip: one of the nearby vendors serves hot cocoa so pick some up to keep everyone warm while you take in the sights.
Why Kids Will Love It: The size and the sparkle of the tree are dazzling, and it’s a great place for family photos!
2. 🛼 Go Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center or Central Park
There are few more magical things than ice skating in New York during Christmas.
Rockefeller Center’s ice rink is iconic, but if you’d like a little more spread, head to Wollman Rink in Central Park.
The skyline of skyscrapers and holiday music make it a memorable experience for children and adults.
Pro Tip: Skating at Rockefeller Center is a crowded affair; purchase your tickets online well ahead of time. The Wollman Rink is another excellent choice and that one gives you that beautiful Central Park view.
Why Kids Will Like It: Getting to glide on ice — especially for first-timers — will give your kids an adrenaline rush. And the atmosphere is unbeatable.
3. Watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
In its decades-long run, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has become a beloved holiday tradition.
From the Rockettes’ high kicks to the man in red himself, this show will have make your kids sit on the edge of their seats. I
It’s a blend of music, dance and holiday magic that’s ideal for the entire family.
Best For: Though all ages will enjoy the show, children over the age of 5 will get the most out of the storyline and complex performances.
Why It’s Special: The spectacle of Radio City Music Hall infused with holiday spirit makes for an unmissable event.
4. Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows
Walk along Fifth Avenue and you’ll be treated to the world’s most stunning holiday window displays.
Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman create over-the-top displays that reflect artistry, whimsy and the magic of Christmas.
Your kids will love looking inside these elaborate scenes, and it’s a great (and free) holiday activity.
Family Tip: If good weather allows, stroll along Fifth Avenue in the early morning to walk ahead of the largest crowds. This will leave you tons of room to pause and take in each display with your kids.
Why It’s a Family Hit: These windows typically include animated characters and whimsical, holiday scenes that will inspire your children’s imaginations.
5. Experience Macy’s Santaland
Meeting Santa is among the most thrilling aspects of Christmas for any kid, and Macy’s Santaland is next level Santa magic.
This is not merely a sit-on-Santa’s-lap photo op — it’s an immersive, festive wonderland that makes you feel as if you’ve walked right into the North Pole.
From model trains to snow-dusted trees, Santaland is a kaleidoscope of sights that are sure to delight children of all ages.
Pro Tip: Make sure to pre-book your time online to avoid long waits and facilitate a smooth entry.
Why Kids Love It: The entire experience of walking through Santaland is full of magic, and meeting Santa at the end is just the cherry on top.
6. Take a Ride on the Holiday Nostalgia Train
Celebrate the holidays the old-school way with a funky ride on the MTA’s Holiday Nostalgia Train.
These vintage subway cars from the 1930s operate on certain Sundays in December, and they’re outfitted in holiday splendor.
Your kids will appreciate the old-fashioned feel as the train chugs along, and it’s an entertaining (and relatively inexpensive) way to add something different to your Christmas in NYC itinerary.
What to Know: This train runs only a few hours on Sundays, so plan ahead!
Why It’s Special: The train itself is a ride through the past, and the festive decorations give it an upbeat twist that kids will love.
7. Take a Holiday Walk Through the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Visit Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights, where holiday decorating is taken to the extreme.
This neighborhood is famous for its over-the-top Christmas light displays with giant Santas, twinkling reindeer, and entire homes covered in glittering lights.
It feels as if you’ve stepped right into a Christmas fairy tale when walking through Dyker Heights — your kids will be in total awe.
Best Time to Go: Visit on a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds and layer up for the outdoor walk.
Why Kids Will Love It: The over-the-top decorations and festive ambience make Dyker Heights a fantasyland for children (and grown-ups!).
8. Visit the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is always a thing to make families do.
The display has model trains racing through miniaturized interpretations of New York’s iconic landmarks, all constructed of natural elements like leaves, bark and twigs.
It’s both mesmerizing and informative, and your kids will be blown away by the creativity involved.
Insider Tip: Go during the day to experience both the garden and the train show—always less crowded!
Why It’s a Family Favorite: Children love trains and small figures, and this exhibition combines the best of both; even the youngest children will be captivated for hours.
9. Ride the Staten Island Ferry to See the Statue of Liberty
If you want a free way to get a view of some iconic New York sights, the Staten Island Ferry is just the ticket.
Best of all, it’s free!
Bundle the kids up and ride the ferry for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
It’s especially pretty around sunset, when the sky goes a gentle pink against the snowy cityscape.
Why It’s a Must-Do: It’s free, it’s got the best views and it can be a great experience to give the kids a taste of the novel while avoiding the bustle of the city’s roadways.
10. Visit NYC’s Christmas Markets
New York City’s Christmas markets are ideal for finding unique gifts, sampling holiday snacks and getting into the festive spirit.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village and Union Square’s Holiday Market are two of the city’s most famous, featuring cozy stalls selling everything from handmade toys to hot cocoa.
Your children will enjoy shopping from the vendors, and you’ll appreciate the easygoing, festive atmosphere.
Family Tip: Take your kids to pick out a special ornament to remember your NYC Christmas holiday experience.
Why It’s Fun for Families: There’s a little of everything — from hot cocoa to holiday trinkets.
11. See a Broadway Christmas Show
Introduce the kids to the enchantment of Broadway at Christmas.
During the holiday season, there’s no shortage of family-friendly options, from the classics, like Frozen or The Lion King.
Orange blossom is from the fragrant flowering tree and makes for dazzling lights, beautiful sets and fantastic storytelling.
Why Kids Will Love It: The larger-than-life performances and the elaborate costumes will give your kids the feeling that they’re in a show.
Conclusion: Christmas Is Magic at Every Turn
New York City at Christmas is a family with kids wonderland.
Whether it’s the twinkling lights of the Rockefeller tree, the whimsical holiday markets or the best in festive shows — there’s something for everyone.
From snowflakes to Santa to singalong songs, this NYC Christmas bucket list is filled with magic moments your kids will talk about for years.
Whether it’s your first time in the Big Apple, or part of a family tradition, NYC at Christmastime will leave your heart full of holiday cheer.
