There's nothing like the holiday season in NYC, from glittering holiday windows and the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to classic holiday shows and timeless traditions, the city sparkles during the holiday season. If you're ready to plan a magical holiday itinerary, you're going to need an equally magical place to lay your head at night and these family-friendly NYC hotels go all out to make you feel like you're home for the holidays.

With prime locations and fun festive touches, these local NYC hotels pull out all the stops to ensure your Christmas in New York is a core memory for years to come. Find more tips for your holiday vacation in our NYC Kids Guide to Christmas and the Holidays and our Visitors Guide, which is chock full of need-to-know information for navigating the Big Apple with kids in tow.

A baby’s first Christmas is a magical milestone that’s filled with joy, wonder, and—for grown-ups—the thrill of picking out the perfect baby Christmas gift. Whether you’re looking for an adorable baby's first Christmas outfit or pajamas, a baby's first Christmas ornament or other cherished keepsake, or a fun toy, you can't go wrong with any of the items on our list below.

Some of the best gifts for a baby's first Christmas come from the heart, so we've also included personalized options to make the holiday season extra memorable. From seasonal clothing to festive books, here are more than 20 great gift ideas for a baby's first Christmas.

Find more awesome presents for babies, including the best first birthday gifts, in our Baby and Maternity Guide.

Thanksgiving in New York City wouldn’t be what it is without the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you're eager to take your kids to glimpse those giant balloons and don’t want to rise before dawn, visit the area near the American Museum of Natural History on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to watch the giants come to life during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation.

While the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is far from crowd-free, it’s an only-in-New York event all its own—and one of our must-do holiday events for families. Read on for tips on when to go and where to eat. In need of more holiday inspiration? Visit our NYC Kids Thanksgiving Fun Guide.

With the holidays right around the corner, many nonprofits are gearing up to ensure that the 2024 holiday season is joyful for all families. If you need a little extra help this season, here is a list of organizations that are distributing free toys to kids in need. 

If you aren't struggling and want your family to start a tradition of giving back, reach out to one of these groups to see how you can donate free toys or offer other assistance. Not sure what gifts to donate? Our Gift Guide has recommendations for kids of all ages at all price points for toys and gifts that kids adore.

For more ways to save money this holiday season, try giving homemade gifts that kids can make themselves, like bookmarks made from recycled holiday cards or salt dough handprint ornaments. Our Christmas Activities and Hanukkah Guide also includes lots of free ways to have fun with your family this holiday season.

The incredible number of cultural institutions in NYC makes for some awesome field trip destinations for local schools. While raising kids in NYC isn't always easy, one huge perk is the wide-ranging choice of kid-friendly museums, incredible zoos, and other cultural institutions that are just a subway ride away. With kid-friendly, educational programming, many of these local spots make excellent field trip destinations in NYC for classes, troops, home-schoolers, camps, and other groups.

While the zoos and larger museums are obvious field trip destinations in NYC, we've rounded up some lesser-known gems below. These NYC field trip destinations are a bit more off-the-beaten-path. From historic houses to on-the-water classrooms and soaring cathedrals, we've got you covered for your next NYC field trip. Read on for the 12 of the coolest field trip destinations in NYC, and happy exploring!

Make the most of Christmas in Boston with three days of holiday fun!

Strap on those skates and get outdoors for family fun this winter! 

Whether you live in the Chicago area or are here for a visit with your family, there are a few things that should always be on your to-do list. The one I strongly suggest? The Garfield Park Conservatory. This is one of the largest conservatories in the country with more than 10 acres of greenhouses, outdoor gardens, nature spaces, and play places. Not only could I not get enough of the wide variety of plants they showcased, but the kids had an absolute blast. Best of all, it is easy to get to and FREE! Read on for details on what you will see and what to expect when visiting with kids.