Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids

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The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens

When it comes to holiday activities in NYC, locals know that even though there's a week of Kwanzaa, eight nights of Hanukkah, and 12 days of Christmas, the holiday season in NYC really lasts from early November through New Year's Eve. That's almost two months of only-in-NY holiday activities and special Christmas events.

Of course, not all Christmas events and holiday activities are created equal. That's why we've rounded up the absolute best ways to get into the spirit of the season. Here is our curated list of must-do holiday activities and Christmas events in NYC in 2025. Consider this seasonal bucket list our gift to you. Below, we're detailing a dozen NYC Christmas events and holiday activities sure to give your family a season of happy memories.

Our picks for New York City's top holiday activities are a mix of classic favorites, like the star-studded Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and new classics, like the return of the beloved Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show. You'll find plenty more family-friendly seasonal celebrations in our NYC Kids' Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Holiday Fun, which includes picks for everything from Christmas towns near NYC to the best Nutcracker ballets for kids, and more sweet seasonal treats.

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Los Angeles

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Los Angeles Ballet's gorgeous Nutcracker production soars. Photo by Reed Hutchinson

Seeing a Nutcracker Ballet is a Christmas tradition for so many families. In a city like Los Angeles, there are over twenty Nutcracker shows for your pick of performance from Hollywood to Long Beach and so many places in between. 

To answer two of the most common questions posed by parents in search of a Nutcracker ballet in Los Angeles: Yes, there is a condensed version specifically for kids offered by the Festival Ballet Theatre down in Costa Mesa. And yes, there are local performances with full orchestra—​the Long Beach Terrace Theater is one of the best. There's even a fantastic and very LA production by Bob Baker's Marionettes, which is light on the dancing and heavy on the post-show ice cream, for little kids looking for a fun introduction to the classic Nutcracker Ballet. 

When you've had your fill of the Mouse King, let us direct you to some nifty Polar Express and Christmas train rides, neighborhood Christmas lights displays, and more in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families. 

Moab with Kids: 16 Best Things To Do in Moab, UT

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Arches National Park is a must-visit in Moab. Photo by the author

If you're looking for a unique family vacation destination, Moab, Utah offers a diverse array of activities for families of all shapes and sizes. Moab is home to two national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, that boast some of the most stunning natural landscapes anywhere. The parks are amazing places to participate in outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, biking, and rafting. 

There are also a number of attractions and activities in the town of Moab. We've rounded up all the information you need to visit Moab, including the best things to do in Moab with Kids, where to stay and eat and insider tips and advice to make the most of your Moab family vacation. 

To make the most of your time in Utah and surrounding area, combine your Moab trip with a visit to Zion National Park or even the Grand Canyon. For more reviews and inside tips about other national parks, check out our United States National Parks Family Travel Guide.  

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