Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NYC Families in 2022 | MommyPoppins - Things to do in New York City with Kids

Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NYC Families

It might be pure holiday madness inside FAO Schwarz, but you'll forget the chaos when it's your turn to twirl on the giant piano with the glittering Rockefeller Center tree in the background. Photo by author

35 NYC Holiday Activities Every Kid Should Try Once

Consider this your bucket list guide to only-in-New York holiday fun.

Macy's reindeer are spreading holiday cheer with the department store's 2021 holiday windows display.

Holiday Windows Walk: See Midtown Manhattan's Iconic 2021 Christmas Displays

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Midtown Manhattan.

See the NYC Winter Lantern Festival on Staten Island. Photo courtesy of the festival

12 Must-Do Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2021

Don't miss these quintessential holiday events in NYC for kids.

Santa invites young visitors to step into his office and share their wishlists at Macy's Santaland in 2021. Photo by Diana Kim

Where to Take Pictures With Santa in NYC in 2021

Cozy up to Santa for a seasonal photo session at these local NYC spots.

Enjoy a drive or a walk through the beautiful lights in Dyker Heights. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

The Most Spectacular Holiday Light Displays in NYC

Here's where you can find NYC homes decked out in holiday lights.

The American Girl Store in Rockefeller Center offers tea on select dates this holiday season. Photo courtesy of American Girl

Best High Tea Spots in NYC to Enjoy a Cup with Kids

Enjoy a special high tea outing in NYC with your favorite kids, scones and cream included.

Meet Santa and his elves at The American Girl Cafe this December. Photo courtesy of The American Girl Doll Store

Brunches, Cruises, and Breakfasts With Santa in NYC for Kids in 2021

Treat kids to a special brunch or even a cruise with Santa.

Santa invites young visitors to step into his office and share their wishlists at Macy's Santaland in 2021.

Macy's Santaland NYC: When and How to See Santa at Herald Square in 2021

Santa arrives soon! Here's what you need to know to nab a reservation at Macy's.

Take a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express in Whippany, New Jersey.

13 Picture-Perfect Holiday Day Trips Near NYC

Christmas and holiday sights and lights for families that are worth the trip.

Many organizations are distributing free toys for kids in need this holiday season.

How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!

Here's a list of organizations distributing free toys for kids this holiday season.

Christmas jokes for kids make the season a bit jollier all around!

25 Christmas Jokes for Kids and Holiday Riddles

Why was the Grinch such a great gardener?

Holiday Lights

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is an iconic NYC holiday destination. Photo courtesy of Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center Tree in 2021: Tree Lighting and More Rockefeller Center Fun

The 79-foot spruce is the star of the season in NYC. Here's how to see it. READ MORE

Visiting the origami tree at the American Museum of Natural History is an annual tradition. Photo courtesy of AMNH

Christmas Tree Lightings in New York City for Christmas 2021

You don't have to brave the crowds at Rockefeller Center to see a glorious tree lighting in NYC. READ MORE

Come nose-to-nose with brilliantly lit sea turtles and more magical creatures during a visit to the NYC Winter Lantern Festival.

NYC Winter Lantern Festival Lights up Snug Harbor

Immerse yourself in this light-filled escape this winter. READ MORE

Winter Cathedral is but one of the stunning sights you'll encounter at Lightscape, the new installation at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Photo by Richard Haughton for Sony Music

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Shines Brightly With Lightscape

Walk an enchanting one-mile path as the garden comes to life in a whole new light. READ MORE

Walk past stunning lanterns and through tunnels of light at the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Take Visitors on an After-Dark Safari This Season

The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights take visitors on a wonder-filled safari full of seasonal treats. READ MORE

The Dyker Heights Christmas lights attract throngs of visitors to the Brooklyn neighborhood each holiday season. Photo by the Rosalind Muggeridge

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in 2021: How to See the Lights

Brooklyn's holiday extravaganza is back for another season. READ MORE

What To Do on the Holiday

Looking for a restaurant open on Christmas? Let Brooklyn's Cobblestone Catering prepare a feast for your family.

Restaurants Open on Christmas in NYC

When it comes to holiday dining, the time to place orders and book reservation is now. READ MORE

Winter Cathedral is but one of the stunning sights you'll encounter at Lightscape, the new installation at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Photo by the author

12 Best Christmas Eve Activities in NYC for Families

Enjoy Christmas Eve on the town with these fun family activities. READ MORE

Santa Sightings

Santa invites young visitors to step into his office and share their wishlists at Macy's Santaland in 2021.

Macy's Santaland NYC: When and How to See Santa at Herald Square in 2021

Santa arrives soon! Here's what you need to know to nab a reservation at Macy's. READ MORE

Meet Santa and his elves at The American Girl Cafe this December. Photo courtesy of The American Girl Doll Store

Brunches, Cruises, and Breakfasts With Santa in NYC for Kids in 2021

Treat kids to a special brunch or even a cruise with Santa. READ MORE

Head to The Plaza for a classic holiday tea, and a memorable visit with the season's biggest celebrity. Photo by author

Santa in the City: 25 Awesome Santa Activities for NYC Kids

Still searching for a Santa sighting? We've found 25 spots to catch up with St. Nick. READ MORE

Santa invites young visitors to step into his office and share their wishlists at Macy's Santaland in 2021. Photo by Diana Kim

Where to Take Pictures With Santa in NYC in 2021

Cozy up to Santa for a seasonal photo session at these local NYC spots. READ MORE

Holiday Shows

Sing Christmas carols during the annual winter edition of Make Music New York this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Make Music New York

Where to See Holiday Concerts and Sing Christmas Carols in NYC This Season

These soaring musical events are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. READ MORE

Catch a performance of Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical at Brooklyn's Kings Theatre. Photo by Kenek Photography.

Best Holiday Shows in NYC for Kids and Families in 2021

Here's a holiday treat: 15 family-friendly shows to celebrate the season. READ MORE

The Brooklyn Nutcracker returns to the Kings Theatre for two performances in 2021. Photo courtesy Kings Theatre

Where to See The Nutcracker in NYC in 2021

We've rounded up the best Nutcrackers playing in NYC this season for kids. READ MORE

New York’s favorite holiday tradition, featuring an enchanting display of more than 175 famous local landmarks is back at NYBG. Photo courtesy of NYBG

Best Holiday Train Shows in NYC for Kids: NYBG Train Show and Beyond

The NYBG Holiday Train Show returns, and there's a few other tiny trains to see, too. READ MORE

Holiday Getaways and Day Trips

Battenfeld's Christmas Tree Farm is pet- and kid-friendly! Photo courtesy of the farm

16 Best Christmas Tree Farms Near NYC

Plan a visit to one of these farms where you can cut your own Christmas tree this year. READ MORE

Bethel Woods Peace, Love, and Lights display returns for another season of delightful, twinkling, drive-thru Christmas light displays.

Holiday Light Shows: Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Near NYC for 2021

Cue the holiday music, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, and hit the road for a holiday lights show. READ MORE

Drive by the whimsical Whoville installation at Wegmans Lights on the Lake in Liverpool, New York, this holiday season.

Christmas Towns and Festivals to Explore Near NYC

NYC isn't the only Christmas town in New York state. Find more holiday spirit here. READ MORE

Santa Claus welcomes passengers of all ages aboard Santa’s Paradise Express. Photo courtesy of Strasburg Rail Road

Polar Express and Christmas Trains Near NYC in 2021

Hit the rails to see Santa, sip hot chocolate, and sing carols. READ MORE

Home for the Holidays

Tip Toe's journey is laid out storybook-style in Macy's holiday windows display. Photo by the author

35 Fun Things To Do Over Holiday Break in NYC With Kids

Start plotting your NYC winter break activities now. READ MORE

First word, sounds like... Photo by Mommy Poppins

20 Fun Christmas Games for the Whole Family: Start a New Holiday Tradition

Let the holiday games begin!READ MORE

We’ve tested out dozens of Christmas cookie recipes over the years, and these are the very best.

10 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes To Bake with Kids

From a jolly Santa to a peanut butter Rudolph, these cookies are as tasty as they are cute.READ MORE

From onesies for baby to a kerchief for your pup, the whole family can get in the holiday spirit with matching PJs.

15 Cutest Matching Family Christmas Pajamas for the Holidays

Cute, comfy, coordinated jammies for your whole family.READ MORE

Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas movies filled with Santa, elves, and reindeer.

Best Kids' Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season

These kid-friendly holiday and Christmas movies deliver laughs and plenty of cheer.READ MORE

Armed with our giant list of Christmas activities, you'll keep kids in Christmas crafts until the New Year!

101 Christmas Activities for Kids: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decorations, and More

Keep kids busy until it's time to tear into stockings!READ MORE

Giving Back

Help us give back this holiday season by adopting a letter to Santa.

You're Invited to Join the Mommy Poppins Operation Santa Project

Spread some holiday cheer by granting a child's holiday wish.READ MORE

NYC Mamas Give Back helps distribute diapers and other necessities to families in need.

Where to Donate Kids' Clothes, Toys, and Gear Across NYC

Get in the giving spirit by donating kids' clothes and gear at these NYC spots. READ MORE

Archives

25 Christmas Jokes for Kids and Holiday Riddles

Why was the Grinch such a great gardener?READ MORE

15 Free Things To Do in NYC With Kids Over Holiday Break

These 15 no-cost NYC activities are sure to keep your family busy this holiday break. READ MORE

Chinese Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in NYC

If holiday ham isn't your thing, try one of these Christmas Day alternatives. READ MORE

What's Open on Christmas Day in NYC: 14 Things To Do With Kids

Here are more than a dozen things to do in NYC with kids on December 25. READ MORE

Over 50 Last-Minute Christmas Gifts They'll Love: Experience Gifts for Kids

It’s not too late to pick up awesome experience gifts, classes, lessons, and more for Christmas.READ MORE

20 Fun Christmas Games for the Whole Family: Start a New Holiday Tradition

Let the holiday games begin!READ MORE

Christmas/Hanukkah Holidays