Christmas in NYC with Kids: Must-Visit Spots
There’s truly nothing like Christmas in NYC with kids, especially when you’re seeing it through their eyes. The whole city lights up with magical displays and cozy holiday markets that make you feel like you’re stepping into a storybook.
Whether it’s your first time here or you’re a local, here are a few of our personal favorite spots during the holiday season (and the best part, these are all FREE!).
So bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and wander through the winter magic of Christmas in the city together!
Christmas in NYC
After living just outside of NYC for two years, I love nothing more than writing about fun, family-friendly local spots to visit with kids. And if you know me, you know how much I adore the holidays, especially Christmas! With four kids ages 7 and under, we made it a tradition to explore the best holiday spots in the city both years we were living there. I’m excited to share our favorite places to experience a truly magical Christmas in NYC with kids.
Normally, I’d wait until I have picture-perfect photos to share of the location I’m blogging about, but my heart wanted to highlight our favorite There’s truly nothing like Christmas in NYC with kids, especially when you’re seeing it through their eyes. The whole city lights up with magical displays and cozy holiday markets that make you feel like you’re stepping into a storybook.
Whether it’s your first time here or you’re a local, here are a few of our personal favorite spots during the holiday season (and the best part, these are all FREE!).
So bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and wander through the winter magic of Christmas in the city together!
Usually, I wait to write my blog posts until I have picture-perfect photos ready, but this time, my heart couldn’t wait to share some of our favorite places to visit during Christmas in NYC with kids (plus tips) from our time living in the city. I wanted to pass along the magic so you can enjoy these spots with your family, too! So, embrace the blurry, real-life iPhone photos—because sometimes, it’s all about the memories, not perfection.
Know Before You Go
Christmas in New York City is magical, but it’s also one of the busiest times of the year. Before you go, be prepared for crowds at iconic spots like Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and holiday markets (some of which are mentioned below).
Walking vs Stroller: You’ll want to keep in mind you are traveling with a child (or children), and what you would do solo in NYC at Christmas time will probably look different than what you’ll be doing with kids. Yes, Christmas in NYC with kids is full of magic and excitement, but one thing to keep in mind is all the walking. If your little one(s) aren’t up for all the walking, consider bringing a compact stroller or baby carrier to make it easier on everyone. Trust me, it’ll help you enjoy the experience without the added stress. I wouldn’t recommend a fancy stroller if you plan to go inside stores because many of them can’t accommodate strollers with their space, and you may be forced to leave it at the doors or even outside.
Plan Ahead: Also, plan ahead for the attractions you REALLY want to attend and buy your tickets ahead of time to ensure you have a spot, as some of these can and will sell out (I’m talking Broadway shows and Rockettes).
Safety: Always be aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing tends to be pretty common in the city around the holidays. I always made sure to have a zipper purse, and I tried to keep it inside my coat where it wasn’t easily accessed.
Now, let’s explore my top 4 must-visit spots that will make your Christmas in NYC with kids unforgettable.
1. Rockefeller Christmas Tree
First up on the list is the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree. It’s practically the symbol of Christmas in New York City, and for that reason, it’s a must-see for Christmas in NYC with kids during the holiday season.
Located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and 512th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues, with more than 50,000 LED lights and a 900-pound star on top of the tree covered in 3 million crystals, this tree is a sight to be seen. The annual tree lighting takes place on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. After the holiday season, the tree will come down in mid-January.
When we found out we were moving to NYC, one of the first things my kids asked about was seeing the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Our first Christmas there, we tried several times to take them, but the lines were always way too long. Waiting in the cold with an 18-month-old and three other kids, ages 3 to 6, just wasn’t practical. So, despite our excitement, we didn’t get to see the tree with the kids that first year.
However, after Christmas, my husband and I managed to sneak in a late-night date on December 30th and finally saw it. The crowds were still big, but the experience helped us plan better for next year with the kids in tow.
In our second year in NYC, we finally took all four kids to see the tree, and it was a truly magical experience—one I’m sure they’ll never forget.
Even at 10 p.m., the crowds were heavy when we took the kids to see the tree. We decided to use our Wonderfold Wagon so all four kids could ride instead of walk, just to be safe. The streets were packed, and this felt like the safest option with only the two of us and four little ones.
Yep, that’s the best photo we managed to get of all four kids by the Rockefeller tree—wagon and all! The crowds were so packed we couldn’t get any closer, and as a photographer, I still cringe a little every time I look at it. But hey, we’ve got all four kids (technically) in a single shot, no one’s crying, and everyone’s (kind of) looking in the right direction. I’m calling that a Christmas miracle and a night to remember.
Aside from viewing the trees, the kids loved the street performers! We walked up W 50th Street by Radio City Music Hall. They had the street blocked off and closed for visitors, and we spotted several street performers. The kids would get out of the wagon and dance with them. It was a unique experience.
Pro Tip: If you see characters offering to take pictures with your kids, be aware that they expect payment. If you’re not planning to pay, it’s best to skip the photo to avoid any awkward surprises! Learn from our mistake, and they followed us down the street until we tipped them.
Pro Tips: The best time to visit with little ones is probably early mornings or weekdays. As I mentioned above, we drove by several times, and no matter what time of day it was, it was always busy, but mornings are a little less so if you’re not looking for the nighttime magical lights.
Nearby Places to See
Radio City Music Hall
Right beside the Rockefeller Tree on West 50th Street is Radio City Music Hall. Even if you don’t plan to watch the Rockettes perform, there are so many beautiful photo ops around the area. I mentioned above that this street is usually blocked off just for foot traffic, and you’re likely to see street performers in the area.
Magnolia Bakery
Just around the corner from the Radio City Music Hall located at 1240 Avenue of the Americas (at 49th Street) sits Magnolia Bakery. Whether you go before or, as I’d recommend, after visiting the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, stopping by Magnolia Bakery is a must!
Trust me, you’ll need a sweet boost (and caffeine) to keep up with all the holiday excitement in the city.
One of their most famous desserts is banana pudding. The first time we visited, they were sold out, but several trips later, I’ve tasted it, and I can agree—it’s delicious. The bakery is the perfect spot to grab a “reward” for the kids after patiently dealing with the crowds. *Be prepared, though. The bakery itself can also have lines out the door; this is fairly normal.
2. Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park transforms into a beautiful Winter village with an ice skating rink and Christmas tree at the heart of the market. On our first trip down to Bryant Park, I was mesmerized by all the decorations, especially the cozy little igloos by the ice rink, where you can sit to eat (but the prices are steep!).
Bryant Park has a charming mix of holiday shops, ice skating rinks, and food stops. The European open-air holiday shops inspired the holiday market, where you’ll find crafts, artisans, and unique gifts.
As with any NYC tourist attraction, be advised that it will be busy. The first time we went down to the Winter Village, it was so crowded you could hardly move around.
Bryant Park opens in November and typically closes at the beginning of March. The holiday shops, which were always our favorite to browse, are open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. I will say this does vary, though. We wandered down to the village one weekend, and there were still a handful of shops open at almost 11 p.m. that night.
If you missed the Rockefeller tree and still want a picture in front of a Christmas Tree, there is one right by the ice skating rink perfect for photo ops.
Our favorite part of visiting Bryant Park Winter Village was getting hot cocoa from the local vendors and then browsing the shops. I let each kid pick out one ornament to put on our tree.
Pro Tip: The crowds can be heavy, and the space between some of the vendors is tight. I recommend a small umbrella stroller or baby carrier for this Christmas outing. Larger wagons and strollers may not fit through the spaces or crowds.
3. 5th Avenue Windows
The New York City Holiday Window Displays are truly a magical experience. Every time we visited, I was so caught up in the wonder that I never managed to capture any photos!
It’s the perfect holiday outing with kids. They’ll be captivated by the lights, the intricate designs, and the festive characters in each display. The windows bring some of the kid’s favorite classic holiday stories to life, making it feel like you’re entering a winter wonderland. One of our favorite parts was the kids spotting and calling out their favorite characters in the displays. Plus, the excitement and awe in their eyes make it worth it.
4. Brooklyn Dyker Heights
Last but not least, and honestly, our favorite Christmas family experience while living in New York City was Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn.
If you’re up for a little excursion away from Manhattan, I cannot recommend Dyker Heights enough, as it’s in Brooklyn. They have buses that pick up from the Bryant Park Winter Village and take you to Dyker Heights Christmas Lights.
This neighborhood is known for its extravagant holiday lights and decorations. They close off streets for only foot traffic during the holidays. The streets are filled with families walking and in awe of the decorations.
I thought Dyker Heights would be limited to just one street, but several in the neighborhood participate, and you don’t want to miss it.
The kids loved standing near inflatable Christmas decorations and extravagant houses and having their pictures taken with them.
Some houses even have fake snow blowing, which is magical for the kids.
You even have a few houses with a sense of humor, like this one below!
Before you go: If you plan to visit Dyker Heights to see the dazzling Christmas lights, be sure to stop by Tasty Pastry Shoppe on 13th Avenue for some sweet treats!
We grabbed a box of the cutest Christmas cupcakes and cookies while strolling through the beautifully decorated streets. The festive lights above us and delicious pastries in hand made the experience even more magical—perfect for keeping the kids (and us!) happy as we took in all the holiday cheer.
You’ll even notice along the walk through the lights that some houses will sell donuts, hot cocoa, and coffee!
Magical Spots We Missed (But Wished We Had Seen!)
Here’s a list of magical spots we didn’t get to visit but come highly recommended for experiencing Christmas in NYC with kids. These are perfect for adding a bit more holiday magic to your family’s city adventure!
- Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
- Santa’s Corner at Macy’s
- Grand Central Terminal Holiday Train Show
- FOA Schwarz Toy Store
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show
- Museum of Natural History Origami Holiday Tree
- Seaport Disrtic’s Winter Wonderland
- Nutcracker Ballet
Beyond the Holiday Magic: Year-Round Fun in Central Park with Kids
Extend the Fun Beyond the Holidays: Explore Central Park with Kids
While Christmas in NYC with kids offers plenty of festive magic, there’s much more to explore beyond the holiday season. Central Park is a must-visit destination for family fun, whether you’re in the city during the holidays or any time of year. Be sure to check out my article Fun Things to Do in Central Park with Kids for great ideas on enjoying the park’s beauty and activities, making your NYC trip even more memorable!
Explore Central Park Zoo with Kids
And if you’re exploring Central Park, don’t miss the Central Park Zoo during your visit to NYC! It’s a fantastic little spot for families year-round, offering a chance to see exotic animals up close, from snow leopards to playful sea lions. The children’s zoo is a hit with younger kids, where they can feed goats and sheep. Whether it’s a winter wonderland or a sunny summer day, the zoo adds a touch of adventure to your Central Park experience. Check out my guide to exploring the Central Park Zoo with kids for insider tips on making the most of your visit!
Your NYC Holiday Memories Await!
As we wrap up our journey exploring Christmas in NYC with kids, remember that the magic of the season truly comes alive through shared experiences. From the sparkle of the Rockefeller Center tree to the festive charm of Bryant Park’s Winter Village, the stunning window displays on 5th Ave., and the enchanting lights of Dyker Heights, there’s something special for everyone. But it’s the memories made exploring the city with your family that truly shine the brightest. Whether it’s your first visit or a cherished tradition, there’s no place quite like New York City to create holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
I’m already dreaming of taking the kids back to the city when they’re older and re-visit some of our favorite spots!
Did we miss any of your favorite magical spots to experience Christmas in NYC with kids? Share your hidden gems and must-see places in the comments—I’d love to hear what makes the season extra special for your family! Whether it’s a hidden gem, a cozy café, or a must-see light display, share your recommendations in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to make the most of this magical time in the city!
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