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Jingle All the Way: Family-Friendly Christmas Things to Do in Manhattan

Enchanting spectacles: witness dazzling holiday lights, iconic attractions, magical hotel stays, and  festive shows elevating your Manhattan Christmas experience

New York City is the quintessential holiday destination. There is a reason the Big Apple is the backdrop for so many classic Christmas movies like “Elf,” “Scrooged,” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade to kick off the season with all the twinkling holiday lights, Manhattan in particular is aglow with the magic of the season. 

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There’s nothing quite like a New York Christmas! Get into the Christmas spirit with family-friendly activities that are sure to delight and bring out smiles all around. From ice skating beneath the majestic Rockefeller Center tree and seeing the New York City Fire Department rescuing Santa the the Fire Museum to taking a holiday cruise along the Hudson River, there is something for everyone this season! 

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collage of family activities to do in manhattan at christmas such as rockefeller center, times square, and city lights

NYC Christmas Activities

Start planning your trip today and get ready for a jolly good time with friends and family in Manhattan. With our range of experiences designed to make this a memorable winter holiday together, you can rest assured that we will have something special lined up for everyone!  

Use this guide of Christmas things to do in Manhattan to create magical Christmas memories with your family for a visit or year after year.

Rockefeller Christmas Tree at night
Rockefeller Christmas Tree at night

Make Your Stay Magical

If you’re traveling to Manhattan and booking a place to stay overnight, research the holiday festivities that the establishment has planned. Many NYC hotels offer special packages that include Christmas carols, breakfast with Santa, and more.  There’s no better way to bring the spirit of Christmas alive than by spending a night surrounded by decorations, lights and holiday cheer.

Although you will be traversing the city during the day, coming back to your hotel to complimentary hot cocoa and dazzling lobby lights are a great way to cap off the night. Whether you want to stay in luxury or have a rustic holiday retreat, there are plenty of options in and around the city. 

Santa in NYC reading newspaper
Santa in NYC reading newspaper – Image Courtesy New York Marriott Marquis

For festive holiday-themed hotels, check out: 

  • New York Marriott Marquis, located in Times Square, has Santa in residence and celebrates with 12 days of holiday fun including movie nights, holiday carolers, and hot cocoa.
  • Lotte New York Palace Take your family out for a unique holiday experience with the snazziest, iconic holiday decorations, a grand staircase, and complimentary baked goods;
  • The Carlyle, located in Lenox Hill and full of black-and-white Christmas elegance, as well as holiday-themed high tea;
  • The Peninsula New York in Midtown East, a proud “holiday home” with festive collaborations like FAO Schwarz and local charities; 
  • The Pierre, offering hot cocoa, eggnog, and milk and cookies for Santa among other kid-friendly activities amidst a festively trimmed backdrop; 
  • The Plaza Hotel, famous for its Christmas decorations and seasonal options like your very own tree right in your room;
  • The Ritz-Carlton Central Park with modern, tasteful Christmas decorations right in the hub of Central Park with views of the ice rink;
  • The St. Regis Manhattan with nutcrackers and garland galore, along with kid-friendly holiday activities. 

Of course, luxury accommodations in the middle of the city are going to be a bit of a financial indulgence. If you’re looking for something more rustic, try checking out lodging options on VRBO. Open up your search to a little bit outside of the city if you’re prepared for a drive or commute using public transit. 

Holiday Lights in NYC outside Radio City Music Hall
Holiday Lights in NYC outside Radio City Music Hall

Navigate the City Safely

Whether you’re staying in the city or driving in for the day, it’s important to plan accordingly to avoid delays as much as possible. Your number one priority is to keep your family safe, regardless of mode of transportation. 

First, you’re traveling during Christmas in New York in a season that tends to see intense snow. Extreme weather and traffic aren’t typically a good mix, and the holiday season brings in extra traffic to Manhattan in extra extreme conditions. Snowstorms in particular can cause issues with vehicle traction, visibility, and loss of control when driving. If you choose to drive your own vehicle, make sure to: 

  • Check the weather before heading out
  • Consider investing in snow tires
  • Keep a first aid kit, blankets, flashlights, and extra food and water in your car 
  • Make sure everyone is dressed for cold weather
  • Take it slow and watch for wet spots
  • Take deep breaths to avoid becoming overwhelmed and stressed

If you feel comfortable, you and your family can navigate NYC by way of subway, bus, or taxi. Just be aware of schedules and Metro card requirements. 

If you’re staying around Manhattan, dress warmly and take your snowboots for a walk to most destinations in this guide. Just be prepared for crowds and have a system in place if someone gets separated from the group. Nothing ruins a Christmas vacation like family mishaps that needn’t happen.

Rockerfeller Center Christmas Tree and Ice Rink
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Ice Rink

Skate Around the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Another mode of transportation popular around this time of year is via ice. Ice skating, however, will only get you around in circles, if you’re lucky. Try strapping on some skates with the fam and marveling at the Christmas tree that goes up in Rockefeller Plaza. 

This is arguably one of the iconic New York Christmas activities and a must-do for locals and tourists alike! This is the famous evergreen that you see televised across the globe during the tree lighting ceremony. The rink is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to midnight and free for children under 6 years of age! There are also lots of cafes and restaurants around the area for a quick snack or bite if anyone gets hungry while gliding along the ice.

Also: If you want to secure tickets to a free NBC show taping and fan experiences like the New Year’s Eve Bash at the NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center, sign up at 1iota. Last year we did this to see Seth Meyers.

Selfie with FAO Schwartz Toy Soldier
Selfie with FAO Schwartz Toy Soldier

Do Some Holiday Shopping

The elaborate window displays are arguably one of the best parts of Christmas in Manhattan. While walking past the many shops, take a moment to marvel at the toys and decorations lining the streets. 

Speaking of toys, a Christmas visit to NYC wouldn’t be complete without a trip to FAO Schwarz, the iconic children’s toy store. With its own holiday line of toys, a giant floor piano, and employees clad in classic toy soldier costumes, the store is worth a look even if you don’t plan on purchasing Christmas gifts just yet. 

Macy’s is also quintessential to the New York Christmas experience. The giant department store is filled with Christmas cheer down every aisle. You can even make a reservation for Santaland to meet the man himself. 

View from The Edge at Hudson Yards
View from The Edge at Hudson Yards – wearing North Face Parka
Skating atop the Edge in NYC
Skating atop the Edge in NYC

Hudson Yards will also be home to Santa during the Christmas season — and two million twinkling lights. You can peruse the shops and even skate atop The Edge on a synthetic ice rink in the sky. 

Beyond that, you can check out a plethora of toy stores in NYC, because toys truly are the reason for the season for the kids. If you want to go big on your holiday shopping this year, be sure to make strategic credit card purchases. Invest in purchase protection for big-ticket items and be sure to check out holiday deals. And always be sure to pay off your credit cards in full. 

Money Saving Tip: The New York CityPASS offers admission to several top-rated attractions like Edge, Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and others for one-low price. You can save up to 46% off attraction fees. It’s a great way to get in the holiday spirit while also saving money and creating memories that will last forever.

Visit Christmas Markets & Villages

In addition to the department store, local shop, and window display cheer, there are holiday villages and Christmas markets that pop up across the city. It’s truly magical to wander through a Christmas Village on a cold winter night – be sure to take advantage of these experiences this season!

Fountain at Bryant Park
Sitting at the Fountain at Bryant Park – wearing a North Face Parka
Bryant Park restaurant
Bryant Park restaurant
Curling Cafe & Bar in Bryant Park
Curling Cafe & Bar in Bryant Park
Bank of America Bryant Park ice rink with ice skaters on rink
Bank of America Bryant Park ice rink

The Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park is a great place to start. There you’ll find dozens of unique vendors selling everything from jewelry and handcrafted gifts, to street food and warm drinks. Bryant Park’s winter village ice rink is the perfect place for a family outing too.

Be sure to stop at the Curling Cafe and Bar to try the sport of curling for the first time or practice your skills if you’ve played before. The warmed igloos here provide a cozy atmosphere fwhile you play or even for having a few drinks. You won’t find a better place to learn about and experience this traditional winter game.

The open-air Union Square Holiday Market offers more of the same, as well as live performances and art. Be sure to look up holiday village locations in your area for a festive day trip.

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market in Central Park also has that vintage flair. Another great option is Gingerbread Lane at Chelsea Market. There are tons of shops and eats inside the market, sheltered from the snowy weather. They even have a giant gingerbread replica of the building, itself. 

For those looking to embark on a festive holiday adventure, booking a Christmas market and holiday lights walking tour is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. This comes with insider access to local culture, allowing visitors to go beyond the regular tourist spots and explore the sights and sounds of the city like a local.

Related: Find Christmas Lights Displays near you in our annual guide.

Marvel at the Holiday Train Show in the Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Station is another iconic fixture of NYC holidays. During Christmastime, a train show is set up in the terminal. It features miniature replicas of popular trains like the Polar Express chugging along a miniature New York landscape. 

Take in all of the city’s landmarks in a different way by reserving tickets to see this show. There is also a holiday fair that hits Grand Central Terminal if you’re less into trains than your kids may be.

See the Origami Tree in the American Museum of Natural History

Sprinkle in some educational time on your Manhattan visit while staying in the Christmas spirit. As a yearly tradition, the American Museum of Natural History sets up a dazzling display of an origami-filled holiday tree. Seeing this tree is free with admission, and you can enjoy the other exhibits in the museum. If your family loves history, dinosaurs, and science, this is a must-see stop. 

Take In the City Lights from the Water on an Illuminated Cruise

Watch Manhattan light up with a nighttime cruise along New York Harbor. This cruise will give you unparalleled views of this magical city from an entirely different perspective—from out on the water. From here, you can see landmarks like the Empire State Building twinkle in holiday lights, as well as take in the breathtaking skyline. With this cruise, you’ll get to experience the city’s spirit and energy like never before.

Radio City Music Hall viewed from street

Enjoy a Festive Show at Radio City Music Hall

Celebrate Christmas in New York with one of its most iconic sites—Radio City Music Hall. Here, you can watch the world-renowned show, The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. 

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular show features high kicks and choreographed dance numbers that make it a must-see during the holiday season. Plus, you get to take in the beauty of Radio City Music Hall itself, with its stunning Art Deco architecture and iconic red velvet curtains. There’s no better way to experience Christmas things to do in Manhattan!

Go On a Hot Cocoa Crawl With Santa’s Elves​​

New York has made the impossible possible for the holiday season. With ElfCon, you can tag along with Santa’s elves for a family-friendly bar crawl of sorts. Instead of bar-hopping for various types of booze, you and the kids can tour the city sipping all the styles of hot chocolate. Just be prepared for a sugar rush afterward.

Museum of Ice Cream sprinkles
Museum of Ice Cream sprinkles pit – Photo Courtesy Viator

Brave the Cold of Ice Cream for Pinkmas

If you haven’t gotten your fill of sugary goodness from the winter villages and hot cocoa bars, it’s time to hit up the Museum of Ice Cream. For the holidays, this sweet museum decks itself out in pink-themed Christmas decorations. 

It’s a jolly twist on your typical ice cream experience, and it allows for plenty of cute photo ops. Seasonal ice cream flavors and giant snowglobes make this a magical experience that you’re not likely to get anywhere else.

Watch Firefighters Save Santa From a Rooftop

Each year, the firefighters of the New York City Fire Department put on quite a show. Take your family to see the annual Santa rescue for free and witness firefighters bravely climb a ladder to save Santa from being stuck on the roof. This all happens at the New York City Fire Museum, so there is the opportunity to purchase admission and learn about the history of firefighting in the city.

horse drawn carriage ride
horse drawn carriage ride in Central Park

Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Through Central Park

Embarking on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and along 5th Avenue during the holidays can be a magical and memorable experience for families. To make the most of this enchanting journey, consider dressing everyone in warm layers to combat the crisp, winter air. Bring along some hot cocoa or warm mulled wine to sip during the ride, enhancing the cozy atmosphere. 

You’ll also get the chance to engage with the friendly carriage driver, who often doubles as a knowledgeable guide, to learn interesting facts about the park and its history. This early evening tour is ideal to see the sights adorned with festive lights, creating a truly picturesque holiday setting for your family to enjoy.

Another option is a Guided Holiday Lights Pedi-Cab tour. This will give you an opportunity to admire the gorgeous lights and decorations. You’ll get to hear informative stories from your knowledgeable guide too for about half the cost of a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Pay a Visit to See Santa Claus

Santa travels from the North Pole and can be found at various locations around town.

The best place you can see Santa Claus in New York City at Santaland in Macy’s Herald Square. Every year, Macy’s transforms its iconic 8th floor into a Christmas wonderland where children and families can come to visit Santa and get their pictures taken. Santa will be in his house at Santaland from November through December 24th, and you can even book an appointment online to avoid long lines.

Another place is at Saks Fifth Avenue, where the iconic department store presents its annual holiday window display. New Yorkers love to come out and enjoy the spectacle – and you can also find Santa Claus there! Kids can visit Santa in his workshop between November and December 24th. 

Preserve Your Manhattan Christmas Memories

Speaking of picturesque Claus, there’s always something new and exciting to do at the park. On select nights during the season, you can also enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the illuminated streets of midtown Manhattan surrounded by gorgeous lights and decorations. 

Now is the perfect time to take family photos that you will cherish forever. Preserving the memories from your trip can take the form of digital photo albums, home videos, or even Christmas cards that you send out to other family members. 

Try visiting The Color Factory, an interactive art museum, for plenty of festive backdrops. 

Stop for Santa photo ops, because virtually anywhere you go in Manhattan during the holiday season offers the chance to see the jolly fellow. In some cases, you’ll have to reserve a spot in line in advance. 

For a free photo backdrop, head over the Brooklyn Bridge and snap a few pictures of your family in DUMBO against the backdrop of the city skyline.

Dyker Heights in Brooklyn

Although across the bridge from Manhattan, this neighborhood goes all-out with their decorations and is definitely worth checking out. Every year during the holidays,  people come from all over to marvel at the magnificent displays. See it on your own or schedule a guided tour. 

Creating holiday memories in Manhattan is easy with all the festivities, events, and NYC Christmas activities happening during the season. Whether you’re looking for a classic New York experience or something more unique, you’ll find it in Manhattan! 

These are just a few ideas for holiday activities in New York City to get you started planning your trip. With its bustling streets, world-famous attractions, and timeless traditions, this city is guaranteed to bring merriment and joy throughout the holiday season. 

From outdoor ice rinks to festive shops, the city has all you and your loved ones need to feel the magic of Christmas. As you partake in these experiences, be sure to capture the magic through family photos, holding onto the memories for years to come.

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NYC Christmas Activities - ice skating and holiday lights
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About Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

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