Christmas Vacation in NYC: 35 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do with Kids
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Stave off holiday break boredom with these fun things to do.
When asked to illustrate her dream job as a first grader, Jody drew a picture of a mom with one kid on each hip and another clinging to her leg. All these years later, that is her reality, raising three kids in New York City. Since that gig only pays in hugs and kisses, she has spent her professional career as a journalist covering health, fitness, sports, and parenting topics. She's currently the regional editor overseeing the Mommy Poppins NYC, New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester sites and can be reached at jody@mommypoppins.com.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Stave off holiday break boredom with these fun things to do.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
When it comes to family travel, a comfortable crash pad is a must in my book! And the fact that my family of five doesn't fit in your standard hotel room always complicates our vacation planning. But a recent trip to Branson, Missouri, came with a pleasant, super-sized surprise. My visit landed me in one of the most lovely, family-friendly Branson, Mo. hotels: the Branson Westgate Woods Resort. It was the perfect place for us to stay in one of our favorite Christmas towns in the US.
The rustic, mountain lodge-themed property sprawls out over 145 beautiful, wooded acres and packs in plenty of family-friendly activities. But when you've had enough fun, the spacious, suite-style accommodations wait to welcome you back like a warm hug—cozy fireplace included!
Read on for more of what you can expect from this Branson, Mo. hotel and the town it calls home, then bookmark our Midwest Family Vacation Guide to start planning a trip of your own.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Christmas in NYC is the most magical time of the year. It's no accident the Big Apple takes the top spot on our list of the best Christmas towns and Santa Villages in the US. During the holidays, New York City absolutely sparkles.
Whether you're a lifelong New Yorker, you live nearby and are planning a holiday day trip, or you're coming from afar to cross a few items off our NYC holiday bucket list, read on for all the best things to do during Christmas in NYC. We've pulled our can't-miss Christmas and holiday must-do's into a holiday magic-filled three-day itinerary, and if this tinsel and cheer-filled plan leaves you craving more Christmas in NYC, be sure to check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Families.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
There are few places to take pictures with Santa in New York City that compare with Macy's Santaland. It's a magical experience for tourists and natives alike during the Christmas season.
Macy's opens its 13,000-square-foot winter wonderland on Friday, November 24, 2023. Overflowing with holiday cheer from its live elves to an enchanted forest, animatronic toys, and a train display, Macy's Santaland 2023 is open daily through Christmas Eve—Sunday, December 24.
As in previous years, visitors must book a FREE reservation to take pictures with Santa at Macy's Santaland, which requires some planning. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Macy's Santaland 2023, and find more top picks for holiday fun in our Guide to Christmas and the Holidays in NYC, including the season's can't-miss Christmas activities for families.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Trains are a way of life for most New Yorkers, but come Christmastime these holiday train shows in NYC add a little sparkle to New Yorker's favorite form of transportation as little engines and cabooses take center stage during the holiday season.
The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show is always one of our must-do Christmas events in NYC, with electric model trains whizzing by nearly 200 NYC landmarks made out of acorns, twigs, bark, berries, leaves, and other botanical bits and pieces. My family and I make it a point to go every year—it's truly a quintessential New York holiday experience. There's a reason it's No. 43 on our list of the top 100 things to do with kids in NYC.
But, the big NYBG holiday train show isn't the only holiday train show in town. Read on for more details on all the Christmas train shows the city has to offer this season, including the return of the beloved New York Transit Museum's Holiday Train Show for the first time since 2019. And, for an extra special holiday treat, take the kids on a full-size Christmas train ride with these nearby Polar Express and Santa trains.
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Step into The Secret World of Elephants courtesy of a brand-new exhibit now open at the American Museum of Natural History.
The sprawling exhibition dedicated to the world's largest land mammal is filled with life-sized models—some surprisingly pint-sized—interactive displays, and touchpoints aimed at teaching the public about these incredible animals and their evolutionary relatives.
Read on for a sneak peek at this exhibition and find more fun museum exhibits to explore with kids in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums and Galleries.
Submitted by Jody Mercier on
Thanksgiving in New York City wouldn’t be what it is without the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you're eager to take your kids to glimpse those giant balloons and don’t want to rise before dawn, visit the area near the American Museum of Natural History on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, to watch the giants come to life during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation.
While the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is far from crowd-free, it’s an only-in-New York event all its own—and one of our must-do holiday events for families. Read on for tips on when to go and where to eat. In need of more holiday inspiration? Visit our NYC Kids Thanksgiving Fun Guide.