17 Family Friendly New York City Christmas Bucket List Experiences
Christmas in NYC is truly something else. Truly…magical.
For me, the holidays were – and always are – incomplete without an annual New York City Christmas trip.
I grew up a native New Yorker and the daughter of a Manhattan hotel employee. As a kid, nothing felt more festive than walking up to my dad’s Madison Avenue hotel for a luggage cart ride around the beautifully decorated lobby. I refer to it as my Eloise era.
When he got off work, we’d head over to Rockefeller Center to see the tree, my dad always knowing exactly when to cross and where to stand to catch the most gorgeous views without the crowds. He knew exactly when to have me turn my head to catch the light show on Saks Fifth Avenue. He knew which store windows shined each year, and which ones were duds.
And, even after working on his feet all day in one of the world’s busiest cities, catering to often unappreciative tourists and guests, he knew that Christmas in New York City should feel special. And boy, do I have some incredible holiday memories because of him.
For me, one of the most nostalgic feelings in the world is being able to share these experiences with my own children now. Every year, we pick a day or two and head from Long Island into the chaos that a New York City Christmas and create a little holiday magic for our boys – the same way my dad did for me.
There isn’t a single thing to do in New York City at Christmas – with kids or without – that I haven’t done. It’s sort of my thing after thirty six years.
So, I’m sharing all of my favorite experiences and insider tips so you can add them to your New York City Christmas itinerary.
Where’s the best viewpoint of the famous tree? Where can you skate for free? Which restaurants are decorated the best? And how on earth can you score tickets to Macy’s Santaland?
Plus, you’ll uncover our favorite family friendly Christmas in NYC festivities, including free things to do in New York City for Christmas, as well as which experiences are worth a splurge.
And, of course, we’re going to share all of our New York City Christmas tips and tricks so you can experience a little piece of holiday magic with your family. Let’s get started…
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Table of Contents
15 Magical Experiences For Your New York City Christmas Itinerary
Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Yes, Christmas in New York City is incomplete without a trip to Rockefeller Center. And I don’t care how crowded it is...
Since 1931, when the Rockefeller Center workers pooled their money for a Christmas Tree and decorated it with garland made by their families, the infamous tree has been a Christmas in NYC staple. The tradition has withstood decades of change and history, from the blackouts of WWII, to the patriotic decorations commemorating the tragedy of 9-11, to the additions of the skating rink, the Channel Gardens Angels, and the Swarovski star.
Each year, a unique tree is selected from across New York and the Northeast, transported to Rockefeller Center, and adorned with thousands of LED lights. One of the biggest trees in the world, and most iconic it’s no wonder that locals and tourists travel from far and wide to experience it, at least once during a lifetime.
Tips to visit the Rockefeller Center tree:
- The tree is lit from 5:00am until midnight, and 5:00am until 1:00am from December 15 through Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day the tree is lit 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve it is lit from 5:00am until 9:00pm.
- The best and most iconic views are from The Channel Gardens (between 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza). Naturally, they’re also the most crowded.
- Don’t approach Rockefeller Plaza from Fifth Avenue. It’s just claustrophobic.
- Plan a visit just before the tree is lit for minimal crowds.
- You can’t actually see the tree from the Top of the Rock, so if that’s your plan, think again.
- You can see the tree from the secret rooftop garden which is accessible through the (very pricy) Rockefeller Center VIP Rock Pass.
You can also couple Rockefeller Center with dozens of holiday tours across New York City to keep your visit seamless and convenient:
Experience Macy’s Santaland
The most epic New York City Christmas experience for children, Macy’s Santaland is a must see if you have kids. Or if you don’t…
Since the early 1860s, Santa has considered Macy’s Herald Square his ‘home base,’ welcoming thousands of children annually. Visitors typically would wander through the winter wonderland, meet Santa’s famous tiny helpers, and spill the beans on their holiday wishlists.
Walk the Christmas Displays on 5th Avenue
The department stores that line Fifth Avenue boast incredible window displays during the holidays. Find fun and child-like displays in Macy’s, couture set ups in Bloomingdale’s, and the famously chic window art of Sack’s Fifth Avenue.
For 2024 Saks has dulled their displays; while the windows will be decorated, New Yorkers mourn the loss of the light show.
Check Out the Giant Ornaments on 6th Avenue
Only in New York City can you find giant, oversizes holiday ornaments sitting in the middle of a major avenue.
Near Rockefeller Center, at 1251 6th Avenue, you can find giant Christmas ornaments sitting in the fountain plaza.
See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
There’s nothing to get you in the Christmas spirit like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The annual show, showcased at Radio City Music Hall, features original music, traditional Christmas stories, and the world famous Rockettes. It’s a ton of fun for the entire family, whether you have children or not.
Snag Tickets to the Nutcracker
An upscale and classy production, the Nutcracker Ballet is a truly magical experience.
Lincoln Center presents the NYC Ballet’s The Nutcracker in this classic holiday performance. As the story goes, a brave girl finds herself amidst a battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice.
Spend Time in Bryant Park
The New York City Christmas Market at Bryant park is one of the city’s most famous. Shop for artisan and handmade goods or sample fare from the dozens of eclectic food stands.
In addition to shopping, Bryant Park features a gorgeous tree of its own and free ice skating (if you bring your own skates). And an overpriced bar. There’s nothing like a glass of red to warm the soul, though.
Peruse Other Christmas Markets
Right in the heart of Manhattan sits the world renowned Union Square Christmas market. Visitors can purchase handmade goods by craftsmen and artists, while munching on delicious snacks and local fare.
Grand Central Terminal boasts it’s own indoor holiday market, and Columbus Circle is a must if you’re visiting Central Park.
Visit Central Park
Nothing is as serene as Central Park during the winter months, covered in a blanket of snow. The iconic park features a few holiday specials, as well.
The landmark restaurant, Tavern on the Green, is spectacularly decorated for the holidays, too. After a delicious meal, head to Wollman Rink for ice skating or walk the park’s romantic paths and take a look at the holiday lights and decorations.
Go Ice Skating
There’s no shortage of options for skating during Christmas in New York City. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is iconic, but steeply priced, starting at $21 for adults plus skate rentals. Central Park’s Wollman Rink is famous for its scenery and starts at $19 for adults plus rentals. Bryant Park offers New York City’s only admission free skating, though skate rentals are steep at $20.
Browse The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is absolutely exquisite during the holidays. I personally think their Christmas tree, in Astor Hall, is one of New York City’s most beautiful.
Plus, the subtle, yet classy decor, set against the stonework, is stunning.
Attend Service at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Right in the heart of midtown, one of New York City’s most iconic churches is gorgeously decorated for the holidays.
Worth a visit on a typical day, the holidays makes it extra special. Self guides tours are available daily between 9am and 6pm, but be mindful of church services and use proper etiquette.
Eat at Rolf’s
All New Yorkers know that Rolf’s is the place to be for Christmas decor. Almost every inch of the restaurant, from floor to ceiling, is covered with Christmas decorations.
Rolf’s is so popular that you absolutely must make reservations months out. Dining reservations require each person order an entree. If you’re looking to grab a drink at the bar, expect an hour long wait, or more.
My insider tip: Rolf’s keeps their decorations up months after Christmas, so if you have trouble snagging a reservation, ask about the week or two after the holiday is wrapping up. Most tourists head home and you’ll still be in the mood for some Christmas magic.
Marvel at the Empire State Building
During the holidays, one one of New York City’s most iconic skyscrapers is uplit in beautiful reds and greens. As you walk the city streets, don’t miss taking a look up.
Visit Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights
A premier New York City Christmas destination, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is a must.
Homeowners in the Dyker Heights neighborhood (between 11th and 13th ave and 83rd to 86th street) go all out to decorate their homes just after Thanksgiving. Through the New Year, you can visit some of the best holiday displays. You’ll find life-sized Santas, decorations, and light sows set to holiday music.
Grab some hot chocolate an take a drive through New York City’s most beloved Christmas neighborhood.
See NYBG’s Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Gardens’ annual holiday train show is a miniature locomotive marvel. Model trains zip through to-scale replicas of New York City landmarks, like Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Not just for kids, you can book an adults only tour on special bar car nights. View the train show while sipping spiked hot chocolate…yes please!
Drive Through the Bronx Zoo for Lights
What kid wouldn’t love to drive through one of the country’s most iconic zoos during the holidays for a spectacular light show?!
We especially love and appreciate that the Bronx Zoo offers sensory friendly nights, and 50% discounts for veterans and active duty military and their families!
Where to Book New York City Christmas Accommodations
Reserve your hotel right here:
And your New York City Christmas guided tours right here:
Have you spent the holidays in the City That Never Sleeps? Is a New York City Christmas on your bucket list?
What are you most looking forward to? What would you add to this list? Feel free to reach out in the comments with any questions you might have about visiting New York City this holiday season!
Save Our New York City Christmas Bucket List for Later:
More Holiday Destinations You Might Enjoy:
- Bethlehem PA Christmas Bucket List (2 hours from NYC)
I was in the city around New Years and it was lovely, so I can just imagine what it’s like leading up to Christmas! The decorations and displays look so magical 🙂
Thanks for the tips. New York City is a trip that my twins have always discussed. They turned 13 today. We promised to take them when they get a little older.
It has to be at least 13 years since I spent a Christmas around/near NYC. Back in college and high school, I went a little more often. I loved seeing the tree in Rockefeller Center and watching the ice-skaters out the window from what I remember being a bar or restaurant. I also enjoyed seeing all of the windows decorated for the holidays, especially in the ritzy neighborhoods.
I’d love to watch the ball drop from a warm, cozy bar on NYE too. I don’t think that I could ever watch from the ground, freezing my behind off for hours upon hours with those insanely large crowds. I imagine the Macy’s Day Parade being a similar experience. I see you have a post link up there about NYE…which I am headed to next.
SantaCon would be AMAZING. GAHAHA. I just saw how some famous actor was IG televising some Santas from the event playing beer pong on the roof, and they invited him to join. What a sh*t show.
Happy Holidays! Xxx