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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NYC Families

Artechhouse's holiday light installation is an immersive feast for the senses and one of our must-do holiday activities in NYC in 2022. Photo courtesy of Artechouse
12 Must-Do Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2022
Our 2022 holiday bucket list includes a mix of Christmas classics and brand new holiday events.
Guests at Macy's Santaland 2022 step into Santa's office to share wishlists with him.
Macy's Santaland NYC: When and How to See Santa at Herald Square in 2022
Santa arrives soon! Here's what you need to know to nab a reservation at Macy's.
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express train ride with the Whippany Railway. Photo courtesy of the Whippany Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2022
Hit the rails to see Santa, sip hot chocolate, sing carols, and start a new holiday tradition.
Take a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express in Whippany, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Morristown and Eerie Railway
15 Picture-Perfect Holiday Day Trips near NYC
Head over the river and through the woods to enjoy one of these seasonal day trip destinations.
Winter fun for kids in New York City: Building a snowman is just the start of fun things to do with kids in NYC during winter
Guide to Winter Activities for NYC Kids
There are lots of amazing things to do in NYC with kids during the winter—even if you have to...
GUIDE
Bethel Woods stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows near NYC in 2022
Cue the holiday music, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, and hit the road for a holiday lights show.
Many organizations are distributing free toys for kids in need this holiday season. Photo by by Joe Shlabotnik, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!
Here is a list of organizations distributing free toys for kids this holiday season.
The spectacular holiday lights in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, are an exercise in holiday excess.
Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in NYC: Dyker Lights and More Spectacular Houses
Here's where you can find NYC homes decked out in holiday lights.
The American Girl Store in Rockefeller Center offers tea on select dates this holiday season. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Places for High Tea in NYC to Enjoy a Cup with Kids
Enjoy a special high tea outing in NYC with your favorite kids, scones and cream included.
Enjoy plenty of sweet treats during Breakfast with Santa at Stella 34 Trattoria. Photo courtesy of Stella 34 Trattoria
Breakfast with Santa in NYC–Plus Cruises, Brunches, Cookies, and More
Enjoy a sit-down meal and some special time with Santa this season.
Christmas jokes for kids make the season a bit jollier all around!
25 Christmas Jokes for Kids and Holiday Riddles
Why was the Grinch such a great gardener?
PreviousNext

Top Holiday Sights

See the stunning Christmas window displays at Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman, and beyond.
  VIDEO
See the Stunning Christmas Window Displays in NYC: Bloomingdales, Macy's, and More
The decorations are up, and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Midtown Manhattan. READ MORE 
See model trains zooming through a botanical wonderland at the NYBG Holiday Train Show. Photo by Robert Benson Photography/courtesy of the NYBG
  VIDEO
NYBG Holiday Train Show 2022: What To Know Before You Go with Kids
The NYBG is luminous during the holidays thanks to these beautiful displays. READ MORE 
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is an iconic NYC holiday destination. Photo courtesy of Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center Tree in 2022: Tree Lighting and More Rockefeller Center Fun
The 82-foot spruce is the star of the season in NYC. Here's how to see it. READ MORE 
The American Museum of Natural History's annual origami tree overflows with buggy inhabitants in 2022. Photo by Jody Mercier
Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC in 2022: Rockefeller Center Tree and More
You don't have to brave the crowds at Rockefeller Center to see a glorious tree lighting in NYC. READ MORE 
It might be pure holiday madness inside FAO Schwarz, but you'll forget the chaos when it's your turn to twirl on the giant piano with the glittering Rockefeller Center tree in the background. Photo by author
Christmas in New York: 49 Holiday Activities To Do in NYC Before Your Kids Grow Up
Consider this your bucket list guide to only-in-New York holiday fun. READ MORE 
The most extravagant Christmas light displays in the country are located in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights, aka “Dyker Lights.” Photo courtesy Dyker Heights Lights
37 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids
Save your pocketbook and enjoy these FREE holiday events. READ MORE 

Brilliant Lights

The Dyker Heights Christmas lights attract throngs of visitors to the Brooklyn neighborhood each holiday season. Photo by the Rosalind Muggeridge
  VIDEO
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2022: How to See the Dyker Heights Lights with Kids
Brooklyn's holiday extravaganza is back for another season. READ MORE 
Winter Cathedral is but one of the stunning sights you'll encounter at Lightscape, the new installation at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Photo by Richard Haughton for Sony Music
  VIDEO
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Shines Brightly With Lightscape
Walk an enchanting one-mile path as the garden comes to life in a whole new light. READ MORE 
Walk past stunning lanterns and through tunnels of light at the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights.
  VIDEO
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Take Visitors on an After-Dark Safari This Season
The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights take visitors on a wonder-filled safari full of seasonal treats. READ MORE 
Strike a pose with the stunning decorations in Santa's Village at American Christmas in Mount Vernon.
  VIDEO
American Christmas in Mount Vernon Opens Santa's Village to Visitors
It's Christmas year round at this festive spot, and now you can go behind-the-scenes. READ MORE 
Billed the largest holiday lights display in the country, tons of twinkling displays await to be explored at the Amaze Light Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
Amaze Light Festival Brings Sprawling Holiday Lights Display to Citi Field
The largest holiday lights festival in the US brings twinkling display to NYC. READ MORE 
The spectacular holiday lights in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, are an exercise in holiday excess.
Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in NYC: Dyker Lights and More Spectacular Houses
Here's where you can find NYC homes decked out in holiday lights. READ MORE 

What To Do on the Holiday

The NYC Winter Lantern Festival transforms the Queens County Farm Museum's grounds into an immersive river of light. Photo courtesy of the museum
Best Things To Do on Christmas Eve in NYC: 12 Family-Friendly Christmas Eve Activities
Enjoy Christmas Eve on the town with these fun family activities. READ MORE 
Dig into delicious, Brazilian-style steakhouse fare at Fogo de Chão this Christmas.
Restaurants Open on Christmas in New York City
When it comes to holiday dining, the time to place orders and book reservation is now. READ MORE 

Santa Sightings

Guests at Macy's Santaland 2022 step into Santa's office to share wishlists with him.
Macy's Santaland NYC: When and How to See Santa at Herald Square in 2022
Santa arrives soon! Here's what you need to know to nab a reservation at Macy's. READ MORE 
Enjoy plenty of sweet treats during Breakfast with Santa at Stella 34 Trattoria. Photo courtesy of Stella 34 Trattoria
Breakfast with Santa in NYC–Plus Cruises, Brunches, Cookies, and More
Enjoy a sit-down meal and some special time with Santa this season. READ MORE 
Enjoy the spirit of the season with a visit and photo with Santa at Kings Plaza Shopping Center. Photo courtesy of the Kings Plaza
Pictures with Santa Claus in NYC in 2022
Cozy up to Santa for a seasonal photo session at these local NYC spots. READ MORE 
Take a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express in Whippany, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Morristown and Eerie Railway
15 Picture-Perfect Holiday Day Trips near NYC
Head over the river and through the woods to enjoy one of these seasonal day trip destinations. READ MORE 

Holiday Shows

The toe-tapping stars of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are the Radio City Rockettes, who have anchored the show since its 1933 debut. Photo courtesy of the production
Why Seeing the Radio City Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular is a Holiday Favorite
The show's high-kicking Rockettes and over-the-top Christmas magic appeals to all-ages. READ MORE 
Vital Theatre Company's Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas provides a joyous celebration of holiday excess courtesy of its namesake character.. Photo courtesy of Vital Theatre Company.
17 Best Christmas and Holiday Shows in NYC for Kids and Families in 2022
Here's a holiday treat: 17 family-friendly stage shows to celebrate the season. READ MORE 
The Yorkville Nutcracker stars talented local dancers in an NYC-centric version of the classic tale. Photos by Rosalie O'Connor
Where to See The Nutcracker in NYC in 2022
We've rounded up the best Nutcrackers playing in NYC this season for kids. READ MORE 
GUIDE
Guide to Children's Theater and Shows in New York City
Find top musicals and shows for families in NYC, from Broadway to indie theater. READ MORE 

Holiday Getaways and Day Trips

Take a trip to Cape May to see the beautifully decorated Congress Hall. Photo courtesy of the hotel
11 New Jersey Christmas Towns That Go All-Out for the Holidays
Visit one of these NJ towns to get into the holiday spirit. READ MORE 
Bethel Woods stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows near NYC in 2022
Cue the holiday music, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, and hit the road for a holiday lights show. READ MORE 
Drive by the whimsical Whoville installation at Wegmans Lights on the Lake in Liverpool, New York, this holiday season.
Christmas Towns and Festivals to Explore Near NYC
NYC isn't the only Christmas town in New York state. Find more holiday spirit here. READ MORE 
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express train ride with the Whippany Railway. Photo courtesy of the Whippany Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2022
Hit the rails to see Santa, sip hot chocolate, sing carols, and start a new holiday tradition. READ MORE 

Deck the Halls

Battenfeld's Christmas Tree Farm is pet- and kid-friendly! Photo courtesy of the farm
16 Best Christmas Tree Farms near NYC
Plan a visit to one of these farms where you can cut your own Christmas tree this year. READ MORE 
These Christmas tree delivery services make it easy to deck the halls in NYC.
5 Christmas Tree Delivery Services in NYC that Bring Trees for the Holidays—and Pick Them up After
These services will deliver your tree to your door—even on Christmas Eve! READ MORE 

Home for the Holidays

We’ve tested out dozens of Christmas cookie recipes over the years, and these are the very best.
10 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes To Bake with Kids
From a jolly Santa to a peanut butter Rudolph, these cookies are as tasty as they are cute.READ MORE 
From onesies for baby to a kerchief for your pup, the whole family can get in the holiday spirit with matching PJs.
15 Cutest Matching Family Christmas Pajamas for the Holidays
Cute, comfy, coordinated jammies for your whole family.READ MORE 
Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas movies filled with Santa, elves, and reindeer.
A Charlie Brown Christmas and More Kids' Holiday Movies to Watch This Holiday Season
These kid-friendly holiday and Christmas movies deliver laughs and plenty of cheer.READ MORE 
Armed with our giant list of Christmas crafts, you'll keep kids busy until the New Year!
101 Christmas Crafts for Kids, Plus Christmas Games and More At-Home Activities
Keep kids busy until it's time to tear into stockings!READ MORE 

Giving Back

Toys for Tots brings Christmas joy to children in need. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Toys for Tots Donation Spots in NYC and More Places to Donate Toys
If you have the means, consider giving back to one of these holiday toy drives in NYC. READ MORE 
Goodwill accepts clean, gently used adult and children's clothing and household items. Photo courtesy of the Goodwill
Where to Donate Clothes, Toys, and More in NYC
Get in the giving spirit by donating kids' clothes and gear at these NYC spots. READ MORE 

Archives

25 Christmas Jokes for Kids and Holiday Riddles
Why was the Grinch such a great gardener?READ MORE 
What's Open on Christmas Day in NYC: 15 Things To Do with Kids
Here are more than a dozen things to do in NYC with kids on December 25. READ MORE 
Holiday Break in NYC: 35 Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year's Eve
Start plotting your NYC winter break activities now. READ MORE 
DIY Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make: 25 DIY Ornaments for Kids of All Ages
These homemade ornaments will hang front and center on the Christmas tree for years to come. READ MORE 
Best Things To Do on Christmas Eve in NYC: 12 Family-Friendly Christmas Eve Activities
Enjoy Christmas Eve on the town with these fun family activities. READ MORE 
A Charlie Brown Christmas and More Kids' Holiday Movies to Watch This Holiday Season
These kid-friendly holiday and Christmas movies deliver laughs and plenty of cheer.READ MORE 
Christmas/HanukkahHolidays
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