New York City at Christmas with Kids

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New York City at Christmas is such a magical time. The city comes alive with all the sparkle and joy of the holidays. As natives of the northeast, we have had the privilege of being able to visit New York City anytime we wanted. The city that never sleeps has always been our go-to place for fun and festivities, especially around the holidays.

Our tradition of visiting New York City during Christmas time has existed even before we were a family.  Every December, James and I would make our yearly pilgrimage to “the city” to check out all the festivities the city has to offer. It was on one of those trips, in fact, that we got engaged.

Even though the type and size of our family has changed over the years, we still make it a point to make the yearly visit with our kids.  From Macy’s Santa to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, there’s so much to see, do and eat in New York City during the holidays. 

New York City at Christmas with Kids

What to See

No New York City Christmas is complete without seeing the famous holiday displays:

Macy’s Santaland (Herald Square):

Open from the Friday after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, Macy’s Santaland is always our first stop. Located on the 8th floor of the store, the 13,000 square foot display takes you through the North Pole and all ends with a visit to Santa.

Arrive early in the morning to avoid long lines, especially on weekends (we once waited 2+ hours). Express Pass is available and reservations can be made up to 48 hours before you want to go. The only downfall is that it does cut out a lot of the Santaland experience.

The Tree at Rockefeller Center:

While there are many Christmas trees put up throughout New York City during the holidays, none is bigger nor more brightly lit than this one. Photo ops are available by professional photographers or feel free to snap as many pictures of your family as you wish.

Warning, this incredibly popular spot becomes incredibly crowded in the evening.  Consider viewing the tree from the side (49th or 50th streets), or staying at the far end of the plaza on 5th avenue.  Navigating the crowds with small children and/or a stroller can be difficult.

Want to avoid the crowds all together?  There is about an hour and a half between when the tree turns on at 5:30am and the sunrises after 7am during December. There will be hardly anyone there, and it will be all lit up just as if it were night.

Holiday Windows:

Macy’s tells the story of “Yes, Virginia” each year through its windows on 34th Street, while a new display is created for the windows facing Herald Square. This year the theme is Christmas in NYC.

Saks 5th Avenue, conveniently located across the street from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, not only has a traditional holiday window display, but also does a state-of-the-art Christmas light show projected on to the side of the building every few minutes.

Other department stores that offer holiday window displays are Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, and Tiffany & Co.

Decorations on Sixth Avenue:

 

Large, lighted reindeer, over-sized string lights and ornaments, as well as a holiday train are some of the displays put up along 6th Avenue to get the city into the holiday mood.

What to Do

 

 Go Ice Skating:

 

Before you head home, be sure to check out The Disney Store in Times Square.

Not only will you find great holiday themed gifts, but the decorations in the store are in true Disney fashion. The grand displays make for festive holiday photo ops.

Where to Eat

Kids will love this diner with a show! It’s the home of the singing waitstaff. With a wide variety of options on the menu, you’ll be able to find something for even the pickiest of eaters.

More Christmas Fun:

24 Holiday Picture Books to Countdown to Christmas

HGTV’s Santa HQ | A Magical Holiday Experience

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Movie Night

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