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What Are the Best Things To Do with Kids Between Christmas and New Year’s in NYC?

For our money, the best things to do during the holiday break in NYC revolve around spending time together! The week between Christmas and New Year's lends itself to less hustle and bustle than the holiday lead-up, but many local holiday attractions are still open! Plus, it's a great time to explore one of NYC's world-class museums, spend time outdoors in the beautiful parks, or enjoy a day trip to a winter-drenched locale. Winter break in NYC is also punctuated by multicultural celebrations, including Kwanzaa!

Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in NYC

While you'll encounter some crowds, many holiday attractions and activities remain open and are less crowded than during the pre-holiday season. Here are some tips to enjoy your winter break:

• Dress for the weather, especially if you're outside with hats, scarves, and gloves.
• Even with smaller crowds, you want to buy tickets for big-name attractions in advance and arrive early.
• Plan parking and public transportation routes before heading out.
• Always check holiday hours, as many businesses and attractions may close early.

More Family Holiday Guides for NYC

Find all the information, advice, and tips you need to have the best holiday in NYC at Mommy Poppins. Here are all our top picks for the season:

• Best Christmas Lights in NYC
• Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve with Kids in NYC
• Winter Getaways near NYC

Cirque du Soleil's holiday show plays the Theater at Madison Square Garden through Sunday, December 28, 2025. Photo by Michael Last

Top Family Events and Activities in NYC During Winter Break

1. Cirque du Soleil's 'Twas the Night Before… – Midtown West

Cirque du Soleil's Christmas extravaganza 'Twas the Night Before... follows a young seasonal cynic named Isabella who's transported to a magical land where she meets characters from Clement Clarke Moore's beloved poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." It's playing at the Theater at Madison Square Garden through Sunday, December 28, 2025.

2. A Christmas Carol at the Perelman – Lower Manhattan

Our pick for the best version of A Christmas Carol this season is the one playing at the Perelman Performance Arts Center, which our theater critic dubbed "joyful, charming, and incredibly moving." For something a little more quirky, enjoy a captivating one-hour performance created from Dickens’ own script of A Christmas Carol at Merchant's House Museum—all while surrounded by 19th-century holiday decorations, flickering candles, and richly appointed period furnishings.

3. Big Apple Circus – Upper West Side

Get tickets to the Big Apple Circus to see the cutest poodles, high-flying acrobats, and many other daring and dazzling feats. This season's show runs through Sunday, January 4, 2026.

4. Holiday Train Show at NYBG – Bronx Park, the Bronx

Though the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show is the main event, you can also see trains at the New-York Historical Society and the Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal, which is FREE.

5. Artechouse – Chelsea

Become immersed in an interactive art experience with Artechouse, which is hosting a special holiday-themed installation through Sunday, January 4, 2026.

6. Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights – Bronx Park, the Bronx

Visit the animal-inspired lanterns at the Bronx Zoo. The much-loved holiday tradition returns, lighting the grounds with wildlife-themed LED displays, custom Asian lanterns, and animated light shows.

7. The Nutcracker – Multiple Locations

Catch a live performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the David Koch Theater at Lincoln Center or any of the other wonderful versions of the ballet that are available for viewing this holiday season.

Try to solve real-world problems with hands-on STEM fun at NYSCI. Photo courtesy of NYSCI

8. NYSCI – Queens

There's always something new going on at the New York Hall of Science, where you can enjoy CityWorks, plus The Big Bubble Experiment, and Connected Worlds.

9. See a Broadway Show – Midtown

If you've seen both Wicked movies, Christmas break is a perfect time to see the original Broadway production. Of course, there are plenty of other family-friendly Broadway shows playing during winter break, too.

10. Celebrate Kwanzaa at BCM – Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Head to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum for the 18th annual Kwanzaa celebration. Learn about Kwanzaa’s seven principles with live performances, workshops, art projects, and festive cuisine each day.

11. Pinkmas – Hudson Yards and Soho

The sugary playground at the Museum of Ice Cream celebrates the season with its beloved annual Pinkmas celebration—and for the first time, it's taking the fun to new heights at the Edge observation deck. Step into a whimsical world of vibrant pink installations, life-size ice cream pints, and a hanging banana jungle—all set against Edge’s breathtaking backdrop.

12. Merry Mayhem at the New Victory Theater – Midtown

See the Aussie circus show, Merry Mayhem, filled with slapstick comedy, aerial stunts, physical theater, and a live rock band. It's a circus as you've never seen, and it's playing through Sunday, December 28, 2025.

13. Governors Island – Lower Manhattan

See Governors Island in a whole new season and explore the Island's 172 acres, gorgeous views, and cozy food and drink options.

14. Harry Potter New York – Flatiron

This themed Flatiron District store has gotten a special holiday makeover with a Christmas tree scavenger hunt, plenty of last-minute gift ideas, and fun in-store experiences for the Harry Potter fans in your life!

15. Statue of Liberty – Lower Manhattan

If you haven't been to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island lately, it's time to make the trek. The Statue of Liberty Museum is worth a visit alone. Pro tip: Head there straight from the boat while everyone else beelines for the statue, and you'll have the run of the place.

16. Empire State Building – Midtown

During the holidays, play tourist and visit one of the observation decks in NYC. Last year, we went to the Empire State Building after my kids watched Elf, where several key scenes take place. Pro tip: Go right when it opens to avoid crowds.

Leave your mark on the slime wall at Sloomoo during your visit. Photo by Jody Mercier

17. Sloomoo Institute – Soho

Get messy during a visit to the Sloomoo Institute in Soho for an over-the-top sensory experience.

18. High Tea at The Plaza – Upper East Side

Dress up and head to the Palm Court at The Plaza for high tea, or try one of our other top picks for the best places for high tea in NYC.

19. Queens County Farm Museum – Queens

Take a step back in time at the Queens County Farm Museum, NYC's only farm.

20. Brookfield Place – Battery Park City

Leave the cold of the city behind, at least in spirit, and visit the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place. Bask in the warmth of the stunning atrium that's home to 16, 40-foot-tall palm trees.

21. American Dream Mall – East Rutherford, New Jersey

Dedicate a day to exploring the massive American Dream Mall in New Jersey, which is packed with family-friendly destinations like Nickelodeon Universe theme park, DreamWorks Water Park, and Sesame Learn and Play—a perfect destination for preschoolers.

22. Mount Peter – Warwick, New York

Now's the time for a quick snow tubing, snowboarding, skiing, or other winter sports adventure at Mount Peter, one of the friendliest slopes for kids and beginners.

23. Industry City – Sunsent Park, Brooklyn

Browse everything Industry City has to offer, including the alfresco ice skating rink, the curated book collection at Powerhouse@IC, and the indoor games room.

24. Glide in Brooklyn Bridge Park – Dumbo, Brooklyn

Go ice skating under the Brooklyn Bridge at Glide. The breathtaking views alone are worth it, even if you're a bit shaky on skates. You can also take a twirl on one of the other outdoor ice skating rinks in NYC.

The Dyker Lights usually dazzle through the new year. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights

Fun Free Things To Do on Christmas Vacation in NYC

25. Dyker Lights – Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

Take a trip to the outer boroughs to check out the over-the-top holiday light displays, including Brooklyn's famously decked-out houses in Dyker Heights.

26. NYC Parks Kids Week – City Wide

The Urban Park Rangers are putting on fun, FREE programming in all five boroughs all week long. So, bundle up and get outside to enjoy everything from campfire storytimes to seal exploration, and more.

27. See a Christmas Tree – Multiple Locations

Rockefeller Center isn't the only go-to spot. You can find a stunning tree in Bryant Park and countless other unforgettable Christmas trees around town.

28. Christmas Caroling – Greenwich Village

Go caroling on Christmas Eve in Washington Square Park, where The Rob Susman Brass Quartet leads a traditional sing-along.

29. Holiday Windows – Midtown

Take a holiday windows walk and marvel at stunning department store Christmas windows and other awesome seasonal sights in Midtown Manhattan.

30. Prospect Park – Brooklyn

Bring the whole family to the winter recess program in Prospect Park, which features seasonal discovery stations and nature-themed activities that introduce families to the plants, insects, and animals that call the park home.

31. Culture Pass – Multiple Locations

Reacquaint yourself with a favorite museum or discover somewhere new when you use your library card to get into over 60 NYC museums and gardens FREE of charge.

The cozy kids' section at Books are Magic makes you want to linger. Photo by the author

What Indoor Activities Can Families Enjoy Between Christmas and New Year’s in NYC?

32. Browse a Local Bookstore – Citywide

Head to your local bookstore and find the perfect book to cozy up with. In my neighborhood, I love going to Books Are Magic, where the kids' section even has little nooks for kids to squirrel away with a book

33. American Museum of Natural History – Upper West Side

The American Museum of Natural History never disappoints, and it is always pay-what-you-wish to see the permanent exhibits. While you're there, check out the Gilder Center, peruse the Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs exhibit, and don't forget to see the amazing origami Christmas tree.

34. Urban Air – Sunset Park

Have kids beat the winter doldrums by jumping on the trampolines at Urban Air or at one of these other indoor trampoline parks.

35. The SpongeBob Movie – Citywide

Watching a movie in theaters is a perfect winter vacation activity. This year, kids can flock to the new SpongeBob movie.

See spectacular ice sculpture demonstrations during the Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights. Photo courtesy of the Bronx Zoo

Are There Holiday Light Shows and Outdoor Attractions Still Open After Christmas in NYC?

36. Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights – Bronx Park, the Bronx

The Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights is a beloved annual tradition where the entire grounds are filled with custom Asian lanterns, wildlife-themed LED displays, and animated light shows. Hint: We have an exclusive discount if you click through the link.

37. Lightscape – Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

The illuminated spectacular, Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, is one of my favorite lightshows. The garden comes alive at night with light, color, and sound

38. Holiday Under The Stars – Columbus Circle

Holiday Under the Stars features 300,000 twinkling lights and 44 illuminated stars that transform the shopping center into a dazzling kaleidoscope of color. In the Great Room, color-changing stars perform choreographed light shows every 30 minutes from 5pm to midnight, set against a backdrop of shimmering garlands. FREE

39. Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show – Upper East Side

The Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show is an iconic NYC holiday light show. The light show starts at 5pm and ends at 11pm, repeating every 10 minutes. It goes through early 2026. FREE

Are There Any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Weekend Events for Kids in NYC

Celebrate 2026 in style by creating wearable artwork, time capsules, and tissue snowflakes during the Children's Museum of Manhattan's New Year's Eve Extravaganza. There's also New Year's Eve fireworks in Prospect Park, which is a festive way to ring in the new year with the whole family. Find all our top picks for the evening on our list of the best family-friendly New Year's Eve celebrations.

FAQs for Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year’s in NYC

What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year’s in NYC?
We've rounded up the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year's, like watching A Christmas Carol, going to the Holiday Train Show at NYBG, and seeing Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Are there any FREE things to do with kids after Christmas in NYC?
There are quite a few FREE things to do with kids after Christmas in NYC, as we've noted above. You can also bookmark this list of 100 FREE things to do in NYC for more ideas.

What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year’s in NYC?
Some indoor activities that are open between Christmas and New Year’s in NYC include trampoline parks, movie theaters, and museums.

Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas in NYC?
Yes. Lightscape, the Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights, Holiday Under the Stars, and the Saks Fifth Avenue light show are all shining through early January 2026.

What family events are happening on New Year’s Eve in NYC
Some family events happening on New Year's Eve include the Children's Museum of Manhattan's New Year's Eve Extravaganza and the Prospect Park New Year's Eve Fireworks. Find all our top picks for the day here.

Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in NYC?
Yes, museums, zoos, and family-friendly attractions are open during winter break in NYC, but make sure to check their holiday hours.

What’s the best day trip from NYC during Christmas break with kids?
Some of the best day trips from NYC during Christmas break include indoor water parks, skiing resorts, and the American Dream Mall in New Jersey. 

This article, originally published in December 2012, is updated annually.