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Connecticut Convention Center - 11:00 AM Pick
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Railroad Museum of New England - various times Pick
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Santa Photos, Classic Movies, and More Holiday Magic at PaleyLand
Children under 12 are free at PaleyLand, the five-story winter wonderland at The Paley Museum.
While The Paley Museum is largely known for its expansive library of television shows and movies, and action-packed VR-filled gaming studio, its annual family-friendly holiday extravaganza deserves some major accolades! Running now through January 4th, the oh-so-festive “PaleyLand” invites visitors into a five-story winter wonderland to snap photos with Santa, sip hot chocolate, and catch screenings of classic holiday movies alongside much of the museum’s usual collection.
Just steps from Rockefeller Center and Radio City, my daughters and I love visiting PaleyLand in Midtown Manhattan for the hands-on activities and attractions, and the much-needed dose of holiday cheer. Here’s what to know before you go:
A beautiful backdrop and professional photos make PaleyLand's Santa experience a must.
Santa Photos and Character Meet-and-Greets
The Santa experience at PaleyLand is a good one–plus it’s FREE for Paley members and just an added $15 for non-members! At the end of a winding wintry path, Jolly Old Saint Nick happily accepts kids’ wish lists and patiently smiles for family photos. Not only can you snap some pictures on your own phone, but your experience includes a special souvenir shot taken by a professional photographer.
Check the Character Schedule to see what other guests are visiting PaleyLand, from Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer to Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster. You’ll also find festive Instagram-worthy backdrops throughout the museum for more holiday photo ops!
All aboard The Paley Express–a magical holiday train display on the second floor. Photo courtesy of PaleyLand
Holiday Movie Magic and Special Events
PaleyLand features daily screenings of a curated mix of beloved holiday specials in the second floor theater. Catch family-friendly classics like “Frosty the Snowman,” “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and “A Rugrats Chanukah”–plus this year’s “Christmas Music Celebration,” featuring festive tunes from Dolly Parton, Michael Buble, and even the Radio City Rockettes. While you're at the theater, don't miss The Paley Express–a magical holiday train display right next door.
Throughout the season, you’ll find other special holiday screenings too, complete with live characters, crafts, and take-home gifts. Join Snoopy’s Winter Wonderland Bash on Saturday, December 13th, where you can sip hot cocoa and meet the beloved beagle himself. Or check out the Paris & Pups Holiday Paw-ty on Saturday, December 20th, where you’ll celebrate the fabulous new animated series available on YouTube with sparkling fun and festivities. Just note that advance purchase of timed-entry tickets is recommended, although walk-ups will be welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stop by The Paley Library for festive craft projects, like construction paper trees and snowmen.
Holiday Arts and Crafts in The Paley Library
On the fourth floor, you’ll find The Paley Archive–home to the museum’s extensive digital media library and a festive crafts area. This is undoubtedly my kids’ favorite stop, where they love decorating construction paper Christmas trees with ribbons and gluing together pre-cut snowman pieces before settling down at the computers to browse the catalog of 160,000+ shows, movies, and radio programs.
My husband and I get a kick out of pulling up episodes of The Smurfs, Duck Tales, and other childhood favorites to show our girls. Comfy chairs and computers equipped with multiple sets of adjustable headphones make it easy for everyone to tune in together–and it’s so nostalgic!
The family-friendly space houses more than 65 games on over 20 gaming stations. Photo courtesy of PaleyLand
PaleyGX Gaming Studio with Virtual Reality
The PaleyGX Gaming and VR Studio is a can’t-miss stop on your PaleyLand adventure. The family-friendly space houses more than 65 games–from Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures to Fortnite–on over 20 gaming stations, including Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch. The impressive lineup also features a range of immersive VR games paired with the latest PlayStation VR2 and Oculus Quest 2 headsets. While the studio is open to all ages, note that the Virtual Reality (VR) lab is limited to age 12+ for PlayStation VR2 and age 13+ for Meta Quest 3. There’s also a $10 admission fee for any non-members ages 12 and up, while members have FREE access.
What to Know Before You Visit The Paley Center
- Reserve tickets: Purchase advance tickets online. Select an entry time and stay all day!
- Pricing: Kids under 12 get in FREE, adults pay $20.00, and there are discounts for students, teachers, seniors, first responders, and veterans.
- Add-Ons: Santa photos and PaleyGX Studio access have additional fees for non-members, but if you become a member, they're all included.
- Ages: Most of PaleyLand is for all ages, but the VR systems in PaleyGX require kids to be 12 or 13 years old.
- No food or drink: Eating and drinking aren't permitted, but you might catch some hot chocolate in the lobby.
- Tech-ready: Charge up your camera or phone for all those holiday photo ops.
- Accessibility: Strollers are welcome, and the entire museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Extras: Assisted listening devices are available, and the Paley Library has closed-captioning for over 1,000 television programs.
- Travel light: There's no coat check, so keep it simple.
- Make it a party!: The PaleyGX Studio was voted Best Children’s Party Place in Manhattan by Bethpage Best of the City, and can be reserved for private events!
The Paley Museum is conveniently located at 25 West 52 Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues– making it an easy stop along with other holiday must-sees like Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center's iconic tree. PaleyLand runs through January 4th, 2025, but The Paley Museum is open year-round!
Unless noted, photos by the author
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