Christmas in NYC: Events & Activities for Families

Nancy L. said:  Find unique gifts for everyone on your list at this holiday market, many of which are made in New York. You'll be tempted to pick something up for yourself too! Enjoy food, music, and activities for kids.

Closed Thanksgiving Day

Nancy L. said:  Decorated with more than 1,000 hand-folded paper models created by OrigamiUSA artists, The Origami Holiday Tree is a yearly tradition at the museum delighting all ages. Inspired by what they see in the museum, the theme and ornaments for the 13-foot tree are one year in the making.

Let's Dress Up NYC said:  Ho ho ho. It's that time of year. We hope you will bring your little ones in for our Tea with Santa. We will have dress up and a holiday themed tea party. Plus children will have an opportunity to take a picture with the big guy (and maybe whisper some wishes in his ear). We will, of course, print one picture of each child as we normally do. Drop off is encouraged for space reasons.

Chelsea: 1:30pm-3pm

UES: 4:30pm-6pm

Nancy L. said:  Santa Claus will lead the countdown to the tree lighting in Washington Square Park. Everyone is invited to sing holiday songs with The Rob Susman Brass Quartet and The Washington Square Association provides songbooks .

6pm

Lisa R said:  The Bryant Park Tree Lighting is an amazing, spectacle featuring a Christmas sing-along, performances by renowned figure skaters, special guests, fireworks, Santa, and more! This is an event worth turning into an annual tradition. The event culminates with a tree lighting and open ice skating for the public.

6pm

Kelly R said:  Since 1992, composer Phil Kline has put his own spin on Christmas caroling with this annual event for all ages. The audience bears a chorus of assorted boomboxes and audio devices, synchronized to play one of four parts that together create an original holiday composition. Unsilent Night has spread to many additional cities over the years, though Phil himself still leads the NYC flagship event. Participants meet at the arch in Washington Square Park, press "play," and proceed to Tompkins Square Park.

6pm

Jennie Utsinger said:  The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has been lit; now come celebrate the season with musicians from across the country. Hundreds of tuba players of all ages gather underneath the tree to play a selection of Christmas carols and holiday songs. Kids can sing along, marvel at the tree, and take a spin on the rink after the performance.

3:30pm

Kristy Pepping said:  Join the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation (AALDC) for holiday windows viewing. Look for merchants with red balloons out front. Walk Atlantic Avenue from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue to see these magical displays. There will also be special events, live music, free holiday treats and Santa available for visits, while you shop and eat in the area.

11am-7pm

Kelly R said:  This annual Christmas Eve tradition held at the Washington Square Arch invites carolers of all ages to sing holiday favorites along with the Rob Susman Brass Quartet. Songbooks are distributed thanks to the Washington Square Association.

5pm-6pm

Jenell B. Stewart said:  Taking a trip to Rockefeller Center during the holidays has been a family tradition since I was a little girl in the ‘90s. You and your kids can listen to all the musicians, watch the Christmas light show on the buildings nearby, and ice skate on the most iconic skating rink. http://jenellbstewart.com/make-family-traditions-this-holiday/

Tim Ponisciak said:  See Bryant Park transformed into a winter wonderland! There is an outdoor ice skating rink, pop up shops selling holiday gifts, food & drink, and your kids can visit Santa. If you just want to enjoy the atmosphere and your kids aren't snow lovers, hang out at the The Lodge for festive cocktails and food.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The kids will get in on the fun in this musical performance to help Santa save Christmas! The audience will sing along to Christmas carol favorites to help put the reindeer in the holiday spirit so they will fly Santa's sleigh. Afterward, the kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos!

Juan L. said:  The Ride is a kid-friendly sight-seeing experience in NYC. Seasonal music, comedic hosts, and videos make The Ride an unforgettable New York experience for the whole family. And the Holiday Edition makes it a great choice for a family Christmas or Holiday activity. The whole trip lasts 75 minutes. Passengers get to lounge in stadium-style seating and peer through the floor-to-ceiling windows at all the action that's taking place!

Nancy L. said:  Many residents in the Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn elaborately decorate their homes with Christmas lights. It has become so popular that this tour of the neighborhood now showcases homes with a 15-foot Santa Claus and light shows synchronized to music. Purchase tickets to enjoy this from inside a comfortable, heated bus.

Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day