There are plenty of reasons why people of all ages enjoy the benefits of being a New Yorker. NYC isn’t just about visiting the best hotspots or shopping the latest trends, it’s also home to some of the classic winter sights.
New York City transforms into a magical wonderland full of holiday lights right after Thanksgiving. We’re in need of some magic, more than ever, so take it all in and admire the landmarks, holiday markets and neighborhoods that create picturesque holiday light displays during the holiday season. Best of all, the below listed activities are perfect for all ages. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly activities to enjoy with your family during the winter.
Admire the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The enormous tree is something to gawk at. Located just steps away from Radio City Music Hall, with entrances located on 49th and 50th streets and 5th and 6th Avenues, the three can be accessed from 6am to 12am daily.
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is the most iconic NYC tradition. It draws crowds every year, opening the public to skate under a golden Prometheus. However, once peak season hits you’ll be waiting in line before getting the chance to touch the ice.
The cost to skate is: $25 for adults and $15 for children. Skate rental is $13 but you can also bring your own skates. The price is raised to $33 during peak season. Tickets can be purchased at The Rink’s Skate House on a first come, first serve basis.
Go Ice Skating in Bryant Park
Backed by a picture-perfect cityscape, is an ice rink located in the center of Bryant Park. Skate rentals are between $18 and $33 and lessons and lockers are available. You may also bring your own skates or rent them.
Shop the Winter Village at Bryant Park
Afterwards, make your way to Bryant Park’s Winter Village, which surrounds the rink. You can warm up with hot chocolate and other instagramable treats. To avoid the lines you can head to the rink as close to opening time (8am) as possible. Or you can purchase an express pass from $25 to $48.
Our kids love to glide and use the penguin figures they have for little learners.
Check out the most stunning holiday window displays in NYC
Head to 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, where you’ll find Bergdorf Goodman’s window decor. Then head south towards Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor to view the ornate holiday windows ranging from wonderland decor to iconic window displays like the Saks Fifth Avenue theatrical light show.
Take in all of the enchanting seasonal displays and shop at the same time.
Enjoy a Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3
Famous from the 2001 “Serendipity” movie, the Upper East Side restaurant has become a holiday tradition for locals and tourists alike. The dining room is heavily decorated and sparkling for the holidays.
Nearby you can visit Dylan’s Candy Bar to stock up on sweets.
Visit the New York Botanical Garden’s GLOW event
The New York Botanical Garden is adding a splash of color to its holiday celebration. This year, the Bronx family attraction will host NYBG Glow, an outdoor light experience that will brighten up the grounds with Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at its center.
Let it GLOW at The New York Botanical Garden is an all-new outdoor experience illuminating NYBG’s landmark landscape and Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
You can expect thousands of dazzling lights and other festive decor, perfect for a family holiday photo op. Explore a glowing world of color and light. Plus, enjoy artistic ice sculpting, music and pop-up performances by The Hip Hop Nutcracker.
You can purchase tickets here:
https://www.nybg.org/event/nybg-glow/
Sip Hot Chocolate at Dominique Ansel Bakery
Grabbing a cup of hot chocolate at the Dominique Ansel Bakery is a must in the winter. Drinking it is great, but watching the marshmallow flower open up is where the real fun is.
"DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers"
Come see your favorite comic books come to life this winter at the “DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers” exhibit at the Liberty Science Center. Kids will be delighted to connect with their favorite vigilantes like Batman and Wonder Woman as they learn about safety along the way. Explore themes of teamwork, self-discovery, strength, and justice while on the trail of a group of supervillains.
Beyond Rubik’s Cube is back at the Liberty Science Center after its worldwide tour. It’s the world’s first exhibit about the Rubik’s Cube puzzle. You and your family can experience games, puzzles, art, history and engineering.
It’s a one of a kind, fun experience that challenges you. Enjoy and learn with the whole family.
Our kids also loved trying their first ever sock skating rink and snowflake Maze.
One of the most popular attractions, the Infinity Climber is back at Liberty Science Center!
Crawl into an adventure in the world’s first suspended climbing play space of its kind. With multiple routes to explore, the Infinity Climber is a thrilling climbing gym for the 21st century.
Check out their website and purchase tickets directly from https://lsc.org/.
The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards
Catch some dazzling holiday decor including over a million lights at Hudson Yards’ all new holiday program illuminating the Public Square and Gardens, The Shops at Hudson Yards, Vessel and Edge. The larger-than-life set pieces that invite New Yorkers to rediscover the magic of the holidays in New York City.
You can climb “The Vessel.” It challenges visitors to climb 2.500 steps to the top to enjoy a great aerial view of the Hudson Yards.
It’s also the new retail mecca in Midtown Manhattan with 7 levels of high-end shops and restaurants.
Live the Spanish lifestyle at the Mercardo Little Spain Foodmarket with farm stands, food stalls and more.
If you’re looking for a new thrilling experience, try the Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
Enjoy cultural events like performances, fashion, films, and more at the new Shed Event Center at Hudson Yards.
Live the Spanish lifestyle at the Mercardo Little Spain Foodmarket with farm stands, food stalls and more.
If you’re looking for a new thrilling experience, try the Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
Enjoy cultural events like performances, fashion, films, and more at the new Shed Event Center at Hudson Yards.
See the Holiday Lights at Dyker Heights in Brooklyn
The locals also flock to see the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. The magical holiday light display is one of the best New York attractions. Many residents in Dyker Heights, hire professional companies to string the elaborate decorations outside their homes.
In addition to the thousands of lights, the homes include life-sized Santas, sleighs, Christmas carols from loudspeakers, and more. You can find the most grand displays on 11th and 13th Avenues.
I love New York City in the winter. I’ve visited it a few times during that time, and it is so magical. It really is amazing there.
Aw this brings back memories! We used to go to NYC all the time over the holidays as kids!
Looks like you really had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas in NYC and I am sure the kids had a lot of fun.
Wow! You really had a wonderful winter! It’s such a waste I have not seen the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It’s really beautiful.
We didn’t go outside to see Christmas decorations and even show due to the current situation. Love your outfit here too! Oh, Christmas of the previous years really brings back good old memories. The lights, activities, and family gatherings. It’s very much different for 2020 but still, we are grateful everyone is safe and sound. Merry Christmas and a Happy new year!
Christmas in NYC seems so fun. Thanks for sharing your suggestions
I miss NYC at Christmastime. It truly is magical. Seeing some of my favorite spots in your post makes me long to visit again
It’s nice to know all these. Can’t wait to share to this with my friend living near NYC.
NYC looks so resplendent during Christmas, and there seems so much to do that one is spoiled for choice. These are some awesome activities, Skating, shopping, and sipping hot chocolate are our favourite.
New York City is such a wonderful place to visit. You shared some great activities for families to do during a visit.
Wow! That Christmas tree is stunning! And that Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3 is making me drool. I am so glad you had a wonderful winter.
Winter in NYC is so magical! These winter activities are so awesome to do with the whole family!
NYC winter activities looks so fun. All of them are so beautiful and fun. I will try to visit New York city after this may be next winter.