7 Ways to get your family in the holiday spirit while visiting NYC
There are few places on earth more festive than New York City during the holidays. From annual favorites like The Nutcracker and the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular to outdoor skating rinks and Christmas markets, here are our top 7 holiday picks in NYC.
1. Walk the holiday windows
In addition to the tree at Rockefeller Center, the windows of all the major department stores (Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, and Barneys) are decked out in holiday cheer by the week of Thanksgiving. It’s a seasonal sight to behold. Viewing the elaborate Christmas window displays as you stroll along 5th Avenue is free and fun for the whole family.
2. Lace up your skates
Many people dream of the simple, yet timeless traditions of Christmas in NYC, like sipping hot cocoa after ice skating. With so many ice rinks around the city, it’s hard to choose one. Each year, thousands of New Yorkers and tourists alike flock to the Wollman Rink in Central Park to enjoy gliding across the ice with the city skyline in the background. Newbies will love the learn-to-skate program, the largest in the country. Cost: Youth $6; Adults $12-19; skate rental $10; cash only.
To skate next to what is likely the most famous Christmas tree in the world, head to The Rink at Rockefeller Center, one of the city’s most celebrated attractions in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Unless you plan on skating very early in the morning, prepare yourself for long lines. With only 150 people allowed on the ice at a time, patience is a must here. Cost: Youth $15; Adults $25-33; skate rental $12.50; for a premium, you can make advanced reservations.
Another great spot to skate is The Rink at Bryant Park which offers a 17,000-square-foot ice rink free of charge. While you have to pay for rental skates, the complex holds 500 people at a time, so the lines aren’t as long. It’s the best bargain for families. Cost: Free; skate rental $20.
3. Shop small at Bryant Park
After getting your skate on, be sure to check out the holiday shops and food carts at the Winter Village at Bryant Park. More than 170 artisanal vendors sell their innovative wares housed in glass kiosks. These jewelry box-like boutiques light up the tree-lined allées of this European-inspired, open-air market. You’ll find fun, funky, and unique vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry and loud socks to chimney cakes and chocolate (trust me, you’ll want to sample). After finding the perfect gift for that hard-to-please person on your list, head over to The Lodge by Urbanspace, a rinkside, pop-up food hall. Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, this cool and cozy spot features a festive cocktail bar and a range of eateries. There’s also a s’mores bar and outdoor beer garden. Arguably the best Christmas market in the city, this vibrant and festive spot is one of the many reasons to love NYC during the holidays.
4. Meet up with Santa
Santa Claus makes his grand entrance to NYC at the end of the Thanksgiving Day parade. Now it’s time to go climb on his lap and tell him what you want! At Macy’s famed flagship store in Herald Square, Santa is a pretty big deal. This is where the classic film Miracle on 34th Street takes place, after all. And in the lead-up to Christmas, you can find Mr. Claus here in Santaland, a replica of his North Pole home complete with live elves, an enchanted forest, and toy train display.
Santaland Herald Square is by reservation only. You’ll be able to join the line during a preselected time slot. Choose one online from 30 minutes to 5 days in advance. Know however that the entire experience from getting in line to having your Santa photos in hand can take 1-1/2 hours, even with the reservation.
For a better Santa experience in NYC, head over to Brookfield Place Mall (230 Vesey St.). Trust us on this one!
5. Attend The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker ballet has become a true New York City holiday classic. And while you’ll find several different interpretations all around NYC, none is more famous than George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. This magical production is truly a must-see at least once in your life. The season opens the day after Thanksgiving. Know that this two-hour production is really not recommended for young children. Cost: Tickets start at $55.
6. Watch the Christmas Spectacular
If the New York Ballet’s The Nutcracker seems too stuffy, then this show is for you. As far as NYC holiday bucket-list items go, watching the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall is right up there with seeing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Along with the parade, the annual Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular kicks off the holiday season in the city. A holiday tradition since 1933, this show, set to original music with some classic Christmas tunes thrown in, stars Santa himself along with the Rockettes, the high-kicking dance troupe known for its chorus line. Cost: Tickets start at $40.
7. Stroll through Grand Central
At this time of year, you’re actually encouraged to stroll through Grand Central rather than rush for the next train. The Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair is one of the longest-running indoor holiday fairs in New York City. The annual fair takes over the majestic Vanderbilt Hall for six weeks in the lead-up to Christmas, letting shoppers browse an array of American-made and handmade items like jewelry, toys, and artwork. You’ll find unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.
If you’re looking for more family-friendly activities, check out KidTripster’s Top 10 Plays in NYC.
Marcia Breen lives outside of NYC with her husband and 4-year-old daughter and spends her days exploring the city and writing about it. Well, that and doing laundry and making meals her kid won’t eat.
Pin to Pinterest & Read Later
