A vist to the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show makes for magical holiday memories. Photo by Jody Mercier

Holiday Light Shows and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival

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

All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC

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NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024

Experience the magic of the Tianyu Lights Festival at Citi Field this holiday season. Photo courtesy of the festival

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Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden

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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0

See the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Leuca. Photo courtesy of the Noho Hospitality Group

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Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 11. Photo by Heidi Lee

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Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel

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Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024.

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The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.

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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

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Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin

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The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!

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Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier

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Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.

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The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH

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Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum

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Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.

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There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

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Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

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See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

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Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier

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The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier

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No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird

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Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Breakfast with Santa in NYC

Share a special holiday experience with your child at American Girl New York's Santa brunch. Photo courtesy of American Girl

11/15/24 - By Drew Kristofik

Breakfast with Santa—or a tasty Santa brunch—might be in order if your child wants a hearty visit with the big red guy. We've found the best spots for families to enjoy a special holiday meal with Santa Claus in New York City, ranging from the extravagant Radio City Breakfast Spectacular to a lavish breakfast with Santa at Macy's, sweet treats during Santa brunch at American Girl New York, and even FREE fare at Empire Outlets on Staten Island. You can even hop on a cruise with Santa!

Keep in mind that all of these breakfasts with Santa in NYC require reservations and sell out quickly. No matter which one you choose, bring your camera—and your appetite. Be sure to bookmark this page, as we'll be adding more NYC breakfast with Santa options as we find them. You'll find all our seasonal picks for family fun in our Holiday Guide for New York City Families.

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