Seasonal · Christmas · 2026
The best Christmas things to do in New York with kids.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 12 places.
Visiting New York City during the holidays with kids will leave you with a lifetime of cherished memories. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, Christmas in NYC with kids never gets old. But let’s get real, adequate planning is crucial because it’s no easy feat!
The expense, noise and crowds can turn the most beloved holidays tradition into a qualifier for Dante’s Inferno if you don’t know which landmines to avoid. That’s where I come in.
- Bronx Zoo Holiday Light ShowEvent · BronxThe interactive displays and animated light shows guarantee a great night, which is why many locals consider this one of the best Christmas activities in New York City for kids.
- Dyker HeightsStreet · Dyker HeightsWhen it comes to the best Christmas decorations in New York City, Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood takes the cake.
- FAO SchwarzStore · Midtown ManhattanAnyone visiting New York City during the holidays with kids should make this famous shop a priority.
- Ice Skating Rinks (various)Rink · New York CityI always recommend adding an ice skating rink to the itinerary when visiting New York City during Christmas with kids.
- Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic GardenEvent · BrooklynThe Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the best Christmas experiences in New York City for kids, my five-year-old niece has a blast every time.
- Macy’s SantalandEvent · Midtown ManhattanPro tip. most people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.
- New York Botanical GardenPark · BronxBilled as New York City’s largest outdoor holiday light experience, you’ll be privy to synchronized light shows and festive art installations throughout the evening.
- North Pole ExpressEvent · Midtown ManhattanShe still talks about it.
- Nutcracker Ballet (New York City Ballet)Theater · Lincoln CenterI consider The Nutcracker a must-see holiday performance while visiting New York City during Christmas with kids.
- Radio City Rockettes Christmas SpectacularTheater · Midtown ManhattanI highly recommend catching the performance if you’re visiting New York City during the holidays with kids.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Light ShowEvent · Midtown Manhattan
- SerendipityRestaurant · Midtown Manhattan
Bronx Zoo Holiday Light Show
Event · Bronx · 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY
The interactive displays and animated light shows guarantee a great night, which is why many locals consider this one of the best Christmas activities in New York City for kids.
Dyker Heights
Street · Dyker Heights
When it comes to the best Christmas decorations in New York City, Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood takes the cake.
FAO Schwarz
Store · Midtown Manhattan · Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Anyone visiting New York City during the holidays with kids should make this famous shop a priority.
Ice Skating Rinks (various)
Rink · New York City
I always recommend adding an ice skating rink to the itinerary when visiting New York City during Christmas with kids.
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Event · Brooklyn · 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the best Christmas experiences in New York City for kids, my five-year-old niece has a blast every time.
Macy’s Santaland
Event · Midtown Manhattan
Pro tip. most people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.
New York Botanical Garden
Park · Bronx · 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY
Billed as New York City’s largest outdoor holiday light experience, you’ll be privy to synchronized light shows and festive art installations throughout the evening.
Nutcracker Ballet (New York City Ballet)
Theater · Lincoln Center · 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY
I consider The Nutcracker a must-see holiday performance while visiting New York City during Christmas with kids.
Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
Theater · Midtown Manhattan
I highly recommend catching the performance if you’re visiting New York City during the holidays with kids.
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
Event · Midtown Manhattan
Of all the impressive lights you’re bound to see while celebrating the holidays in New York City with kids, nothing tops the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show where synchronized lights play in tandem with classic Christmas music, dazzling children and adults alike.
Best Christmas things to do in New York with kids, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 Festive New York City Christmas Activities for Kids.