There’s an undeniable charm (and maybe a bit of chaos) in New York City during the holiday season. It’s truly a special experience for kids to witness the festive energy all around. If you’re looking to dive into the holiday spirit in New York, here’s a guide to some must-visit spots.
winter wonderland
At Pier 15, you can step into Santa’s Winter Wonderland, hosted by Bucket Listers. This space includes 10,000 square feet of sparkling lights, lavish decorations, and delightful features like a candy cane tunnel, alongside 12 glass houses offering views of Brooklyn.
Santa’s presence is felt every day of the week, and adults can enjoy spiked hot chocolate or cocktails while the kids indulge in treats like roasted s’mores or a winter kale and pumpkin salad at the Cocktail Chalet. Tickets for glass house seating start at $55 per person, or $50 for chalet seating, which includes an appetizer. If you’d prefer, there are various food and drink options available at outdoor bars and food stations.
78 South Street, Pier 15; open until December 31st. $17
fantastic light
Hudson Yards has been the talk of the town, and now is the perfect time to see it for yourself. The Shine Bright light display, now in its sixth year, features nearly 2 million lights, 725 evergreen trees, and a striking 32-foot hot air balloon.
On December 15, enjoy pop-up Toy Soldier performances, a visit from Santa, and the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah. It’s a great opportunity to stroll with your kids while sipping hot chocolate from La Maison du Chocolat.
Then head to the Edge to experience Pinkmas at the Edge ($45 for adults, $40 for kids, $43 for seniors). The Ice Cream Museum transforms the indoor Skydeck with colorful lights and interactive exhibits, running through January 5th.
20 Hudson Yards. The main event continues until January 7th. free.
seasonal songs
Join Little Maestro, an award-winning children’s music program, for their Holiday Celebration and Sing-A-Long. Kids will enjoy Broadway-style performances featuring instruments, puppets, storytelling, and beloved holiday songs.
Chiotes Hall, 337 E. 74th St. and various locations across the city. Running Dec. 15-19, classes start at $40.
join the choir
This year’s Christmas concert at St. John’s Cathedral features Bach’s Magnificat in D major and Handel’s Organ Concerto in B flat major, performed by Daniel Ficari. You’ll also have the chance to sing along to popular Christmas carols and listen to works by composers like Alison Willis and Samuel Coleridge Taylor.
1047 Amsterdam Ave; December 13th, from 4pm to 5:30pm, starting at $55 per person.
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Head over to Grand Central Terminal for its annual Holiday Fair, where you’ll find 35 artisan vendors and small businesses. Among the highlights are the mini-print vending machines from Inciardi, featuring over 30 new prints.
The Grand Central Gift Shop and the Holiday Train Show are also worth exploring. Whether you grab a bite at Grand Central Oyster Bar or enjoy a sundae at Paladino’s Steak & Seafood while overlooking the main terminal, you’re sure to have a delightful time.
89 E. 42nd St; running through December 24th. free.
Christmas in the city
The best way to soak in New York’s holiday magic? Walking through it. Experience the charm of the city on foot with Empire Tours’ 2-hour New York Christmas Holiday Tour. A lively guide will share stories about the city’s holiday history, and you’ll enjoy treats from Myzel Chocolates before reaching Bryant Park Winter Village.
Start at 764 Doris C. Friedman Plaza. Tours continue until January 4th. Cost is $35 for adults and $29 for children.
