Do you want to build a snowman? In Texas? Better hop in the car.

Nothing is better than the twinkle of lights during the holidays, and these family-friendly restaurants in NYC really glow with seasonal splendor. They make for a perfect destination on a cold winter night. No matter which holiday your family celebrates, lean into the enchantment of one of these over-the-top holiday pop-ups and restaurants in NYC, where festive decorations turn dining into a full-on celebration.

Visitors are greeted by jaw-dropping displays—think towering Christmas trees, Instagram-worthy photo-ops, and extravagant winter wonderlands—that transport diners into a magical holiday world. Whether you're seeking an immersive experience complete with themed cocktails and holiday-inspired dishes, or just looking to soak in the festive cheer, these family-friendly restaurants and holiday pop-ups in NYC offer the perfect blend of seasonal spirit and culinary delight.

Keep reading for our picks for the best over-the-top holiday-decorated dining spots, and find more holiday bucket list ideas on our list of must-do Christmas events and holiday activities in New York City for Kids.

There's a new scene-stealing dinosaur in town at the American Museum of Natural History, which announced today the arrival of Apex, a 150 million-year-old Stegosaurus fossil that's set to go on display in the lobby of the Richard H. Gilder Center for Science Education this weekend. We got a sneak peek at this new giant, who joins the already impressive ranks at one of our favorite museums for kids in NYC just in time for Christmas vacation visits!

Coney Island's Luna Park has proven it's more than a summer destination, jump-starting the holiday season with its second-annual Frost Fest. This winter celebration features select rides and attractions—including the new Candy Cane Chute—plus holiday lights and decor, photos with Santa, festive food options, and more.

The holidays are here and that means the scramble for last-minute gift ideas and then last-minute gift shopping is inevitable. Thankfully Amazon offers super quick delivery for most gifts...and you get to avoid chaotic stores, busy parking lots, and competitive shoppers. Procrastinators, forgetful gifters, and at-home shoppers: put your worries aside with our helpful guide to gifts that arrive soon after you place your order.

These last-minute gift ideas are all tried and true, tested and beloved. And to keep the love of reading alive at every age, we've included a great literary gift in each category.

Take a look at some of our favorite unique holiday gifts to satisfy every age group! For more great gift ideas, check out the Mommy Poppins Holiday Gift Guide 2024, including the hottest toys and Christmas gifts for kids, cool stocking stuffers, and much more.

It’s nearly that time of year again: The Rockefeller Center tree is getting spruced up and ready to welcome visitors as one of the most popular attractions of the holiday season in New York City. With its dazzling lights, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree towers over the ice skating rink, producing a postcard-perfect sight worth seeing at least once. So, don your gloves and catch the holiday spirit because we've done the legwork to provide you with everything you need to know about visiting the Rockefeller Center tree in 2024, from best times to visit to avoid the crowds to the best restaurants near Rockefeller Center.

Find all the seasonal highlights in our Guide to Christmas in NYC, including top family-friendly Christmas tree lightings and our picks for must-do holiday activities.

Atlanta families can see the incredible acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil, with a holiday twist, at The Fox Theatre. ‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show, and it's at The Fox November 29 - December 15, 2024. Based on the classic poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore, the show features Cirque's mesmerizing acrobatics, familiar Christmas songs, and a heartwarming tale. The show is a perfect Christmas event for the whole family! 

Part of what makes the holidays so special for families are their annual Christmas traditions. Some holiday traditions may have started when we were kids ourselves. Others might be new Christmas traditions we've created with our own children.

No matter what your holiday traditions are, you can rest assured your kids will remember them forever—and maybe continue them with their own children someday.

Here are 50 Christmas traditions that will help you make holiday memories with your family. For more ways to celebrate the season, check out our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids, with includes our Holiday Gift Guide.