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42 Best Things To Do in NYC December 2024 with Kids

The Magic Flute takes the stage at the Metropolitan Opera. Photos courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera
The Magic Flute takes the stage at the Metropolitan Opera. Photos courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera
12/1/23 - By Drew Kristofik

Holiday lights, sights, and celebrations abound in NYC this December. Read on for our top things to do with kids to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.

We're still plowing through the leftover turkey, and we have to start prepping for Christmas, Hanukkah, and 2024's final bow. Luckily, there's a spectacular array of kid-friendly things to do.

The month kicks off with top picks like Annie at MSG and the Met Opera's The Magic Flute, and includes a full month of holiday fun at Paleyland and the cacophony of musical madness that is Unsilent Night. All that and we're sending the month, season, and year out with a bang during the New Year's Eve Fireworks in Prospect Park.

Keep our top picks for holiday must-do's handy all month long, too, and bookmark our NYC Kids' Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for easy access to all the holiday hullabaloo that pops up!

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Sleeping Beauty gets a modern twist—and revenge—at the Abrons Arts Center. Photo courtesy of the center
Sleeping Beauty gets a modern twist—and revenge—at the Abrons Arts Center. Photo courtesy of the center

Top Things To Do in NYC this December with Kids

Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand!

Midtown West
Weekends, through December 29
The Paley Center's must-see holiday extravaganza fills five floors of the Paley with holiday fun and winter wonderland magic. Enjoy free hot chocolate, watch past and present holiday family specials on the big screen, discover the magic of a classic model railroad display, and so much more. READ MORE

Mario the Maker Magician at the SoHo Playhouse

SoHo
Weekends through Sunday, December 29
Mario the Maker Magician has surprises up his sleeve in a romping explosion of vaudeville and magic, cardboard and robots, science and innovation. READ MORE

December at CMOM: Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve, and More

Upper West Side
Tuesday-Sunday, through Tuesday, December 31
December at CMOM is all about Frosty Festivities around the world, from Christmas to Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, and more. READ MORE

Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off at the Museum of the City of New York

Upper East Side
Thursday-Sunday, through Sunday, January 12
The Museum of the City of New York has invited bakers from across the five boroughs to create gingerbread displays revolving around the theme of “Iconic New York”—creating distinctive buildings, places, or things that represent their neighborhood, community, or borough. READ MORE

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Bronx Park, Bronx
Select dates through Monday, January 20
The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show returns for its 33rd year! Model trains zip through a miniature wonderland of nearly 200 New York landmark replicas, each re-created from natural materials such as leaves, seeds, twigs, bark, acorns, and cinnamon sticks. READ MORE

Dog Man Book Hero Party at Museum of the Dog

Midtown East
Tuesday, December 3
Celebrate the newest release of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man book series, Dog Man: Big Jim Begins, with light snacks, a Dog Man drawing workshop, and a presentation from real K9 Police officers with their dogs from the NYC Transit Bureau K9 Unit. A copy of the book is included in the ticket price.   READ MORE

Annie at Madison Square Garden

Midtown West
Various dates, Wednesday, December 4-Sunday, January 5
Annie returns to NYC in a new production – reminding little theatergoers that the sun will come out tomorrow. READ MORE

Peter and The Wolf with Isaac Mizrahi at the Guggenheim

Upper East Side
Friday, December 6-Sunday, December 8
Isaac Mizrahi narrates and directs Sergei Prokofiev's charming children's classic, Ensemble Connect performs the music, and the cast, wearing costumes by Mizrahi, performs choreography by John Heginbotham, bringing the 30-minute story to life. READ MORE

Seven in One Blow, or the Brave Little Kid at Axis Theater

Greenwich Village
Various dates from Friday, December 6-Saturday, December 21
The Axis Theatre Company presents its 21st annual production of the beloved family holiday show, Seven in One Blow, or the Brave Little Kid. READ MORE

Best of BAMkids Film Festival 2024 - ages 6-8

Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Saturday, December 7
A captivating collection of festival favorites focused on friendship and adventure, curated for children aged 6 to 8, includes the BAMmie Award-winning Battery Mommy and Honorable Mention Swing to the Moon. READ MORE

Ferdinand the Bull and the Velveteen Rabbit at St. John's of Park Slope

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Sunday, December 8
Ferdinand the Bull, by Munro Leaf, and The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams, are set to music by composer Mychal Gendron and narrated by professional voice actors Stina Nielsen and Craig Colfelt.  READ MORE

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! at Queens Theater

Flushing, Queens
Sunday, December 8
It's not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone's wings flapping. READ MORE

The Toymaker's Child

Union Square
Friday-Sunday, December 13-15
The Chickenshed's original holiday musical celebrates imagination, friendship, family, and the magic they create. READ MORE

Graham 2 Holiday Event at Martha Graham Studio Theater

Greenwich Village
Saturday, December 14
Graham 2, the Martha Graham School’s ensemble, performs some of Martha Graham’s iconic dances, from an early solo to the last dance she choreographed. The family program also includes crafts, snacks, and goodie bags for the younger set, and a chance to dance and be photographed with the dancers.   READ MORE

Winter Family Fair at the Morgan Library

Midtown East
Saturday, December 14
Celebrate the holiday season with The Morgan’s annual display of the original manuscript of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and enjoy crafts and activities themed to The Morgan's current exhibitions. READ MORE

Performances, Works & Process: Third Bird at the Guggenheim

Upper East Side
Saturday December 14
Isaac Mizrahi narrates a new tale about a flying bluebird, a swimming duck, and a running ostrich. Third Bird celebrates each individual’s unique strengths. READ MORE

Unsilent Night 2024

Greenwich Village–FREE
Sunday, December 15
Each year, composer Phil Kline leads a massive chorus of boomboxes from the West Village to the East Village in the annual holiday presentation of Unsilent Night. READ MORE

The Snow Queen at Tribeca PAC

Tribeca
Wednesday, December 18
The Grand Kiev Ballet brings Hans Christian Andersen's wintry tale to life. READ MORE

Make Music Winter

Astor Place–FREE
Saturday, December 21
Make Music's Winter festivities range from a chorus of ukuleles to carol singing, bell ringing, and a harmonica holiday jam. READ MORE

The Pout Pout Fish at Tribeca PAC

Tribeca
Saturday, December 21
Turn the poutiest of frowns upside down in this musical, featuring whimsical puppets and live performers in a sweeping oceanic adventure. READ MORE

Celebrate Hanukkah with Jazzukkah at Eldridge Street

Lower East Side
Wednesday, December 25
Eldridge's beloved annual Christmas Day concert coincides with the first night of Chanukah! Stop by for a holiday jam that the whole family can sing along to courtesy of The Jazzukah Project. Inspired by the legendary lineage of Jewish artists transforming the American Christmas songbook, The Jazzukah Project ensemble aims to reimagine Chanukah classics with jazz-infused musical makeovers.   READ MORE

Prospect Park's New Year's Eve Fireworks

Prospect Park, Brooklyn–FREE
Tuesday, December 31
Brooklyn's most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration returns to Prospect Park's iconic Grand Army Plaza. Quintessential Playlist provides a live concert before the fireworks. READ MORE
Cirque du Soleil's first Christmas show, 'Twas the Night Before..., takes the state at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Photo by Kyle Flubacker/MSG Entertainment
Cirque du Soleil's first Christmas show, 'Twas the Night Before..., takes the state at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Photo by Kyle Flubacker/MSG Entertainment

Best Christmas Events in NYC this December with Kids

Tree Lighting Skate-tacular at Bryant Park

Midtown West–FREE
Tuesday, December 3
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park hosts its annual tree lighting, with a stellar lineup of live skate performances, and fireworks!  READ MORE

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting 2024

Midtown West–FREE
Wednesday, December 4
The 92nd Rockefeller Center Christmas tree illuminates for a national close-up. Families across the US can view the Christmas tree lighting from home, live on the national broadcast “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on NBC. READ MORE

28th Annual Central Park Holiday Lighting

Central Park–FREE
Thursday, December 5
See the flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer get lit for the season at this annual Christmas tree lighting. Visitors can meet Santa and friends, watch a live ice-carving demonstration, sing carols on the plaza, and warm up with hot cocoa and cookies. READ MORE

Holiday Lights Battery Park City in Rockefeller Park

Battery Park City–FREE
Thursday, December 5
Kick off the holiday season in Rockefeller Park. The festive evening features lively carols, beverages and treats, and many special guest appearances including Matías De La Flor from Broadway’s Camelot, and a visit from you-know-who!   READ MORE

23rd Annual St. Nicholas Day Celebration at Wyckoff Farmhouse

East Flatbush, Brooklyn–FREE
Saturday, December 7
Families are invited to NYC's oldest house for an outdoor celebration packed with craft activities, a tree lighting, and a special visit from St. Nick (who arrives on horseback around 2:45pm). Kids can sip hot cider, try some colonial games, create a holiday pomander, decorate a Dutch clog for Sinterklaas, and dress the tree.   READ MORE

Young People’s Chorus of New York City Presents A Very Merry New York at Geffen Hall

Midtown West
Sunday, December 8
This magical winter concert unites 600 award-winning choristers for an unforgettable celebration of music’s ability to spark joy, and inspire hope, featuring a repertoire of beloved carols, reimagined holiday classics, and contemporary works. READ MORE

21st Annual Christmas Show at St George Theatre

St. George, Staten Island
Friday-Sunday, December 13-15
An all-volunteer cast of over 100 performers light up this annual Staten Island Christmas Show, which features an excerpt from The Nutcracker and the fabulous Richmondettes, comprised of superstars from various dance companies across Staten Island. READ MORE

Holiday Reading: The Gift of the Magi

Little Neck, Queens–FREE
Saturday, December 14
Grab your fleece, hats, gloves, coats, and woolies, and throw on your winter boots! The Queens County Farm Museum hosts a special outdoor holiday reading of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. READ MORE

Cathedral Christmas Concert at St. John the Divine

Upper West Side
Saturday, December 14
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine's annual Christmas Concert promises a family-friendly program of holiday favorites, featuring the much-anticipated return of the Great Organ. READ MORE

White Christmas Sing Along

Upper West Side
Sunday, December 15
Count Your Blessings as you sing along with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen in this feel-good holiday favorite film. READ MORE

Holiday Caroling Under the Washington Square Arch

Greenwich Village–FREE
Tuesday, December 24
Join The Rob Susman Brass Quartet for a holiday celebration under the Washington Square Arch. The annual Christmas carol event fills the city streets with the sweet sounds of holiday carols. READ MORE

North Pole Express in Manhattan

Midtown West
Daily, through Sunday, January 5
Santa is bringing the North Pole to the heart of Manhattan. Take a tour of Midtown Manhattan’s storied holiday lights as you listen to thrilling Christmas tales told by one of Santa’s elves. The journey ends with a visit from Santa himself.  READ MORE
Brooklyn's largest menorah gets lit each night of Hanukkah in Grand Army Plaza. Photo courtesy of the event
Brooklyn's largest menorah gets lit each night of Hanukkah in Grand Army Plaza. Photo courtesy of the event

Top Hanukkah Events in NYC this December

Hanukkah Family Day at the Jewish Museum

Upper East Side
Sunday, December 15
Celebrate the festival of lights with art-making and music at the Jewish Museum! Build a holiday sculpture with an exciting mix of found objects inspired by the exhibition Ilit Azoulay: Mere Things and Hanukkah menorahs in the Museum’s collection, design bold-printed cards, collaborate on a giant mixed-media work of art, and dance to the catchy pop tunes of Grammy winner Joanie Leeds.  READ MORE

Hanukkah Extravaganzukah at 92 Y

Upper East Side
Sunday, December 15
A rocking interactive family concert, led by Rebecca Schoffer and a live band, sets the mood for 92 Y's Extravaganzukah, which continues with a candy bar, coffee cart, face painting, juggling, games, latkes, sufganiot (donuts), and more. Hanukkah robots and dancing dreidels take the stage for act 2, featuring renowned Israeli Dance Troupe “Parparim!” READ MORE

Hanukkah at Brookfield Place

Financial District–FREE
Tuesday, December 17
Enjoy a live klezmer band performance and therapeutic artmaking activity led by art therapist, Tova Speter: create a mini candle holder READ MORE

The World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah: Manhattan

Midtown East–FREE
Wednesday, December 25-Thursday, January 2
Gather around the 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel holiday icon at Grand Army Plaza (Fifth Avenue and West 59th Street, across the street from The Plaza hotel) to kick off the annual Jewish Festival of Lights. READ MORE

The Largest Menorah Lighting: Brooklyn

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn–FREE
Wednesday, December 25-Saturday, January 4
Chabad of Park Slope hosts the 32-foot "Largest Menorah" in Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza. There's a kick off concert on Wednesday, December 25, and each subsequent night of Hanukkah is celebrated with music, latkes, and gifts.  READ MORE

Menorah Lighting at Hudson Yards

Midtown West–FREE
Wednesday, December 25-Saturday, January 4
Visit the Public Square and Gardens in Hudson Yards for a menorah lighting, then snag eight days of special offers from participating shops.    READ MORE

Light Up the Night: 14Y's Downtown Chanukah Celebration

Union Square–FREE
Thursday, December 26
Celebrate Hanukkah with mesmerizing LED light juggling, holiday-themed crafts for kids, Mizrahi music curated by DJ Jonathan Cohen, a soulful Yiddish music performance by Broadway singer, Joanne Borts, and an Insta-Choir experience. And of course, the evening wouldn't be complete without a menorah lighting and jelly donuts...    READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Museum of the City of New York
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
St. John’s of Park Slope
BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Various Locations
BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Prospect Park (at Grand Army Plaza)
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
Brookfield Place Hudson Eats