Family-Friendly Restaurants near Lincoln Center for Pre-Show Eats

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The Brooklyn Diner is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Photo courtesy of the diner

Though many of the restaurants and cafés surrounding Lincoln Center might seem too upscale for family dining or a quick, inexpensive snack, there are plenty of affordable, family-friendly restaurants near Lincoln Center hidden in plain sight. Most of these restaurants cater to the pre-theater crowd, know local productions and schedules, and are more than happy to make sure you're in and out with time to spare before the curtain rises.

Whether you're in the neighborhood for a concert, to see the Big Apple Circus, The Nutcracker, or just to check out the famous fountain, here are our favorite family-friendly restaurants near Lincoln Center to grab a bite without breaking the bank—or your patience.

Find more great kid-friendly eateries in our NYC Kids' Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants.

Why a Visit to the Legoland New York Holiday Bricktacular Is a Seasonal Must-Do

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Legoland New York has gotten a seasonal makeover with plenty of festive fun, food, and attractions during its Holiday Bricktacular.

The holiday season is officially here, and there's no better place to celebrate than Legoland New York in Goshen! This festive destination is a must-visit for your family during the season. The park has kicked off its annual Holiday Bricktacular, transforming the park into a winter wonderland for the off-season. Running through Saturday, January 4, 2025, the spectacular Legoland New York brings the fun with rides, shows, and character appearances, all sprinkled with a little holiday magic.

An added perk: Tickets are available at a discounted rate since it's the off-season. Located less than an hour from New York City, Legoland is a perfect holiday season day trip or overnight destination thanks to its on-site Legoland New York Hotel.

Read on to discover why the Holiday Bricktacular is the perfect time to visit Legoland New York, and if you're looking to explore the area, be sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Goshen.

Turtleback Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go

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Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.

Step into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights at NJ's Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season at the annual Holiday Lights Spectacular. On select evenings in November and December, visitors can stroll through a fantastic display of holiday lights and scenes throughout the Essex County zoo. There's lots to see and do for FREE, though some activities require extra fees.

So bundle up the kids and get ready for a memorable night at the zoo: Here's everything you need to know about this special event. Read more about all the great things to do at Turtle Back Zoo in our review, and check out our post on 21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids for other can't-miss NJ events. 

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in NYC: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and More Things To Do

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

Experience a kaleidoscope of photo-ops, plus acrobatic shows, tasty food, craft cocktails, live music, and more at the captivating light festival, Lektrik, at the Queens Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of Fever

Looking for the best things to do in New York City on Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this Thanksgiving weekend.

We're grateful for so much this weekend, including two behind-the-scenes Thanksgiving Day Parade peeks: the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation and Marching Bands Practice at the Seaport Museum. Then, Thursday brings the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Macy's Santaland opens Friday, serving as the gateway to the sparkly NYC holiday season.

We're anticipating classic holiday fun, like the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, plus new holiday happenings, including the brilliant Lektrik light show setting the Queens Botanical Garden aglow. Read on for all our top picks for Thanksgiving Day weekend fun in NYC.

Best Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC with Fun Activities for Kids, Plus Menorah Lightings, Too

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Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam

Good news for the crowd-averse: You don't have to brave the commotion of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting to witness a fabulous Christmas tree lighting in New York City. We've rounded up a collection of local NYC Christmas tree lightings that are much less crowded and every bit as lovely, from Brooklyn and Queens to the Bronx and everywhere in between, including the biggest living tree, a tree made of traffic cones, and a ceremony with fireworks!

This year, Hanukkah begins on Wednesday, December 25, and upcoming menorah lightings include the two biggies, in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

We've got more fun things to do this holiday season in our NYC Kids' Guide to the Christmas and the Holidays, including our list of 12 must-do holiday activities and our favorite holiday lights displays across the five boroughs.