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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.
  VIDEO
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?
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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
  VIDEO
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.
  VIDEO
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
  VIDEO
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 
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