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
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in NYC: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and More Things To Do
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
During Christmas in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is chock-full of glittery eye candy. Photo by Ally Noel
Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2024. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
Macy's Santaland NYC: When and How to See Santa at Herald Square in 2024
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows near NYC
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam
Best Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC with Fun Activities for Kids, Plus Menorah Lightings, Too
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
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
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
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
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
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
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

Christmas Weekend 2023 in NYC: Top Things To Do with Kids

Meet Santa, see holiday classics, and explore the winter wonderland that is PaleyLand this Christmas weekend in NYC. Photo by Jess Laird
Meet Santa, see holiday classics, and explore the winter wonderland that is PaleyLand this Christmas weekend in NYC. Photo by Jess Laird
12/22/23 - By Drew Kristofik

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

You may still have gifts to wrap (or—gulp—shop for) and stockings to hang, but there's festive fun to be had all weekend. Our annual favorites include singing carols under the Washington Square Arch, catching a classic holiday show, and checking out the Dyker Lights.

On Christmas Day, families can catch the Nefesh Mountain concert at the Jewish Museum or celebrate Jewish and Chinese music on the Lower East Side.

No matter how you celebrate, Happy Holidays from the Mommy Poppins team!

More Things To Do in New York City this Week with Kids

Be sure to click through to each listing for all the details, including recommended ages and times.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Witness a rice painting and more magic on stage with White Gold's Cambodian circus. Photo by Ranuth Yun
Witness a rice painting and more magic on stage with White Gold's Cambodian circus. Photo by Ranuth Yun

Best Things To Do in NYC this Christmas Weekend

Rawther Fancy Teas with Santa at the Plaza

Midtown East
Thursday-Monday, December 21-25
Eloise fans can enjoy a special holiday-themed Afternoon Tea menu at The Palm Court, with some delectable pink treats, of course. Santa spotting is on the menu, too. READ MORE

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol

Flushing, Queens
Friday and Saturday, December 22 and 23
Chained and shackled, Jacob Marley is condemned to a hellish eternity. To escape his own chains, he must first redeem Scrooge. So begins a journey of laughter and terror, redemption and renewal, during which Scrooge’s heart, indeed, is opened; but not before Marley—in this irreverent, funny, and deeply moving story—discovers his own. READ MORE

Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand!

Midtown West
Saturday, December 23
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

Hip-Hop Holiday Celebration

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn – FREE
Saturday, December 23
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop with NYC Parks and Jamel Gaines Creative Outler Dance Theatre.   READ MORE

Santa Fun Cruise with Kids' Activities

South Street Seaport
Saturday and Sunday, December 23 and 24
This Santa fun cruise with kids' activities invites guests to meet Santa and his elves, join in Christmas carol singing, drink cocoa, and eat sweet treats while listening to live holiday storytelling.  READ MORE

Christmas Eve on Sesame Street – 45th Anniversary Screening

Astoria, Queens
Saturday and Sunday, December 23 and 24
In this beloved 1978 TV special, Big Bird deals with a major question—how does Santa fit down the chimney? Bert and Ernie face their own gift-giving dilemma. The screening at the Museum of the Moving Image is preceded by a brief compilation of Henson holiday clips.  READ MORE

Sleeping Beauty

Lower East Side
Select dates through Sunday, December 24
The Abrons Arts Center presents this new take on the classic. This is the most woke Sleeping Beauty you'll ever see, with the princess and her pals defeating Evil Queen Karen with 40 pies in the face! This over-the-top, vaudevillian version of the fairy tale is a crowd-pleaser. READ MORE

Park Slope Panto’s Cinderella

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Select dates through Sunday, December 24
Cinderella is stuck at Flatbroke House, running errands for her beastly fame-obsessed sisters. Will she ever make it to Prince Prospect’s ball, or is there time to transform into a pumpkin–er–princess?! This buoyant comedy throws a modern spin on a classic fairytale, celebrating the triumph of true friendship over influencers. READ MORE

Kids Skate Hour: Santa and Friends

Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Sunday, December 24
Enjoy a Sunday morning skate with Santa and friends. Snap a picture with skating Santa, but watch out for his grouchy green friend, who just might pop up on the ice. READ MORE

Holiday Caroling Under the Washington Square Arch

Greenwich Village – FREE
Sunday, 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

Family Concert: Nefesh Mountain

Upper East Side
Monday, December 25
Nefesh Mountain—singer Doni Zasloff and her multi-instrumentalist husband Eric Lindberg—present a blend of bluegrass, Celtic, and Appalachian melodies with a Jewish soul. They perform original melodies from their albums Songs from the Mountain and Beneath the Open Sky. READ MORE

Celebrate Hanukkah with Jazzukkah at Eldridge Street

Lower East Side
Monday, December 25
Eldridge's beloved annual Christmas Day concert coincides with the first night of Hanukkah! Stop by for a holiday jam the whole family can sing along with courtesy of The Jazzukah Project.  READ MORE

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas

Midtown West
Select dates through Friday, December 29
What could be fancier than Christmas? Nancy has enough money to buy a brand-new sparkly tree topper, and she can't wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don't turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? READ MORE

White Gold

Midtown West
Select dates through Saturday, December 30
Savor Cambodia’s artistic heritage with a circus celebrating healing, and joy…and rice, known throughout Southeast Asia as White Gold. Hypnotic dance, mesmerizing music, and dramatic live painting mix with juggling, tumbling, teeterboard, and other circus arts dating back 12,000 years. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol

Pelham, the Bronx
Select dates through Sunday, December 30
Red Monkey Theater Group’s Sean Coffey presents his one-man dramatic adaptation of Dickens’ classic story of love, compassion, and redemption. READ MORE

Cultures from Around the World

Upper West Side
Friday-Sunday through Sunday, December 31
Explore how countries from around the world celebrate the holidays through tradition and the act of gift-giving with this program at the Children's Museum of Manhattan.  READ MORE

The Paw Patrol Experience at CAMP Columbus Circle

Midtown West
Daily through Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Closed Christmas Day
No job is too big; no pup is too small! In CAMP’s immersive experience, kids train to become members of the PAW Patrol’s Junior Patrollers. They’ll run, jump, laugh, and play in a series of obstacle courses and activities, preparing them to assist the PAW Patrol in defending Adventure City. READ MORE

Astra Lumina

Flushing, Queens
Select dates through Sunday, February 11, 2024
Astra Lumina at Queens Botanical Garden is one-mile-long enchanted night walk through the garden that guides visitors on a journey to discover the wonder of visiting stars. Through the magic of projections, lighting, and music, astral energy transforms the garden into a celestial pathway, connecting visitors to the stars and the vast world around them. READ MORE

Trolls x CAMP

Flatiron District
Daily through Saturday, April 27, 2024
Closed Christmas Day
Step into the joyful, rainbow-colored world of Trolls for a one-of-a-kind musical adventure at Trolls x CAMP. Play and explore in Bergen Town, Vacay Island, and Pop Village —all your favorite locations from the Trolls movies brought to life! It all culminates with a wild, interactive car chase and a live Trollpop concert . READ MORE

Santa's Winter Wonderland

South Street Seaport
Daily through Saturday, December 30
Step into a winter wonderland filled with decorations, illuminated trees, games, and activities. Families can snack with Santa seven days a week, or settle in for a full meal, sit in Santa’s sleigh, write a letter to Santa, play in Rudolph's game room, visit Santa's s'mores-making station, steal a kiss under the mistletoe, and more.   READ MORE

Places featured in this article: