Christmas in New York with kids.
Christmas in New York is the classic holiday trip. The Rockefeller Center tree, the Macy's windows, and the markets at Bryant Park and Grand Central are all free. Add the Holiday Train Show, the Bronx Zoo lights, or the Rockettes, and kids will talk about it for years.
It's also the most crowded time of year in Midtown. Go early in the day, book the ticketed shows ahead, and plan breaks indoors.
Before you go
- See the Rockefeller tree on a weekday morning. Evenings and weekends are packed.
- Macy's Santaland is free, but you need a time slot. Slots open 7 days before each date, starting November 20.
- Book the Holiday Train Show, Bronx Zoo lights, and Radio City early for weekend dates.
- Midtown sidewalks get very crowded. A carrier is easier than a stroller there.
- Use the subway to hop between areas instead of walking across Midtown in the cold.
Family Christmas events in New York
34 events
Some ticket links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects which events we list. Learn more.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- Dates
- Dec 2 - Jan 2 · Lighting ceremony Wed, Dec 2, 7-10pm. Lit daily after that into January. Daily viewing hours not posted yet.
- Where
- Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown Manhattan
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets needed to see the tree
The famous tree arrives in early November and is lit on Dec 2. After that you can see it any day for free, with the rink below it.
Parent tip: Skip ceremony night with little kids. A weekday morning visit is usually much calmer.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (100th)
- Dates
- Nov 26 · Thu, Nov 26, from 8:30am to about noon
- Where
- Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square, Upper West Side to Midtown
- Price
- Free to watch from the street
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets for street viewing. Grandstand seats are not sold to the public.
This year is the 100th parade, with a record 100 balloons and other inflatables. It runs about 2.5 miles from the Upper West Side to 34th Street.
Parent tip: Arrive very early and dress for a long, cold wait. Some stretches near the start and the TV area are closed to viewers.
- Holiday trains Good for toddlers
Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Jan 10 · Daytime, most days. Select evenings open until 8pm.
- Where
- Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx
- Price
- Paid, prices vary by day. Under 2 free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy timed tickets online ahead, especially for weekends
Model trains run past small copies of New York buildings made from plant parts. It all sits inside a big glass greenhouse, so it stays warm.
Parent tip: Sensory-friendly mornings run Sat, Nov 21 and Sat, Jan 9, 9-11am, with the music and videos off.
- Christmas marketsIce skatingFree Good for toddlers
Winter Village at Bryant Park
- Dates
- Oct 28 - Jan 3 · Holiday shops daily to Jan 3: weekdays 11am-8pm, weekends 10am-8pm. Rink open to Feb 28.
- Where
- Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan
- Price
- Free entry. Free skating with your own skates. Skate rental from about $19.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up for the shops. Reserve a skate slot online; free slots open one week ahead.
An outdoor holiday market of small shops sits around a free ice rink. It is easy to pair with the library or a walk to Rockefeller Center.
Parent tip: Skate sessions last about 50 minutes. Weekday mornings are usually the quietest.
- Zoo lightsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Jan 3 · Select nights: Nov 21-22, Nov 27-29, Dec 3-6, Dec 10-13, Dec 17-23, Dec 26-31, Jan 2-3. Lights on at 4:30pm; last entry 8pm.
- Where
- Bronx Zoo
- Price
- Paid, prices vary by date and age
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Tickets must be bought ahead for a set date
Hundreds of animal lanterns light up walking trails, with a kids' train ride and a light tunnel. New this year, the farm area and two indoor animal houses stay open at night.
Parent tip: Your ticket lets you in from 1pm. See the animals in daylight, then stay for the lights.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
- Dates
- Nov 4 - Jan 4 · Several shows most days, Nov 4 to Jan 4
- Where
- Radio City Music Hall, Midtown Manhattan
- Price
- Paid, prices vary a lot by date and seat
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets ahead
The Rockettes dance in a big holiday stage show with lots of effects. It lasts about 90 minutes with no break.
Parent tip: Check the lap-seat rule for babies when you book. Morning shows suit nap schedules best.
- Santa visitsFree Good for toddlers
Santaland at Macy's Herald Square
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 24 · Late November to Christmas Eve, during store hours
- Where
- Macy's Herald Square, Midtown Manhattan (34th Street)
- Price
- Free with a reservation. Paid premium package and photos.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Free time slots open Nov 20, released 7 days before each date
Santaland is new this year. Families ride a pretend train through North Pole scenes and finish with a short visit with Santa.
Parent tip: Weekday slots are calmer than weekends. Ask about the sensory-friendly hours if your child dislikes crowds and noise.
- Shows and Nutcracker
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker (New York City Ballet)
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Jan 2 · Afternoon and evening shows, Nov 27 to Jan 2
- Where
- David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, Upper West Side
- Price
- Paid, prices vary by date and seat
- Ages and booking
- Ages 5+ · Buy tickets ahead. Every child needs a ticket, even on a lap.
New York City Ballet's version of the holiday classic. The show runs about 2 hours.
Parent tip: Pick a matinee for kids on their first ballet. The company suggests it for ages 5 and up.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Evenings, Nov 20 to Jan 3. Some nights are adults-only (Dec 10 and 17).
- Where
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
- Price
- Adults from $29, kids 3-11 from $15, under 3 free. Higher on peak nights.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed evening entry. Buy online ahead.
A lit-up walking trail winds through the garden after dark. The paths are wheelchair friendly, which also helps with strollers.
Parent tip: Sensory-friendly early entry runs Thu, Dec 3 and Fri, Dec 18 at 4pm. Free earplugs are at the box office.
- Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Macy's Holiday Windows
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Jan 4 · On view day and night, Nov 19 to Jan 4
- Where
- Macy's Herald Square, 34th Street side, Midtown Manhattan
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Macy's big store windows tell a holiday story you can follow from window to window. This year's story stars the Blue Hippopotamus.
Parent tip: Pair the windows with Santaland on the same trip. Evenings are prettier but busier.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
The Polar Express Train Ride (Delaware River Railroad)
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 20 · Fri-Sun: Nov 27-29, Dec 4-6, Dec 11-13, Dec 18-20. Departures 2pm to 8pm.
- Where
- Lehigh Junction station, Phillipsburg, NJ (day trip)
- Price
- About $48 adults, $38 kids (subject to change)
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets ahead for a set departure
A 90-minute round-trip train ride based on the picture book. Kids get hot chocolate, a cookie and a visit from Santa on board.
Parent tip: Pick a 2pm or 4pm weekend train for toddlers. Pajamas are part of the fun.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Grand Central Holiday Fair
- Dates
- Nov 9 - Dec 24 · Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Until 8pm Dec 17-23. Closed Thanksgiving.
- Where
- Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, Midtown East
- Price
- Free entry
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An indoor holiday market of local makers inside the train station. It is warm and dry, which helps on a cold or rainy day.
Parent tip: Look up at the main hall's ceiling on your way in. Weekday mornings are the calmest time to browse.
- Holiday trainsFree Good for toddlers
Holiday Train Show at Grand Central (New York Transit Museum)
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Feb 28 · Opens Fri, Nov 13. Weekdays 10am-7:30pm, weekends 10am-6pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Check the museum site for the last day.
- Where
- New York Transit Museum Gallery, Grand Central Terminal, Midtown East
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Toy trains run on a big two-level track, from a tiny Grand Central to the North Pole. Small models of New York buildings line the way.
Parent tip: It is a short stop, so pair it with the Holiday Fair in the same station.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Magic of Lights at Jones Beach
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Nightly. Sun-Thu 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm.
- Where
- Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, Long Island (day trip)
- Price
- Priced per car. From $22 online for November visits. Gate prices are higher.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy a car ticket online ahead to save money
A drive-through light show that you see from your own car. Kids can stay warm and buckled in the whole time.
Parent tip: Pack snacks and pajamas. A November visit costs less than a December one.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
The Polar Express Train Ride (Whippany)
- Dates
- Nov 1 - Dec 30 · Most days, Nov 1 to Dec 30. Several departures a day. No rides on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.
- Where
- Whippany Station, 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ (day trip)
- Price
- Kids 2-11: $59-$82 in coach, by departure. Under 2 free on a lap. Parking $12. See the site for adult prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead for a set train. Tickets can't be refunded.
A train ride based on the picture book, with hot chocolate, a cookie and a reading of the story. Santa boards and gives each child a sleigh bell.
Parent tip: Plan for about two hours in all. Arrive early, because no one boards after the box office closes.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visitsParades and tree lightings Good for toddlers
Christmas in Historic Richmond Town
- Dates
- Dec 4-6 · Tree lighting Fri, Dec 4, 5-6pm (free). Christmas weekend Sat, Dec 5 from noon to Sun, Dec 6 at 4pm.
- Where
- Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave, Richmondtown, Staten Island
- Price
- Tree lighting free. Weekend tickets are paid; see the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy weekend tickets online
An old village museum dresses up for one Christmas weekend. Families can watch old-time crafts, ride a horse-drawn carriage and visit Santa.
Parent tip: Come Friday evening for the free tree lighting if a full weekend day is too much.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Blue Man Group: A New Holiday Surprise
- Dates
- Nov 12 - Jan 3 · Most days, Nov 12 to Jan 3. Morning, afternoon and evening shows.
- Where
- Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W 46th St, Times Square / Theater District
- Price
- From about $48, by date and seat
- Ages and booking
- Ages 3+ · Buy tickets ahead
The Blue Men play holiday songs on their own homemade instruments, with jokes and audience fun. The show is about 90 minutes with no break.
Parent tip: The show uses flashing, strobe-like lights. The 11am weekend shows are often the cheapest.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
I'mPossible Holiday Wonders (Omnium Circus at BAM)
- Dates
- Dec 10-13 · Thu, Dec 10 to Sun, Dec 13
- Where
- Howard Gilman Opera House, BAM, 30 Lafayette Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn
- Price
- Adults from $35, kids from $17.50, plus fees
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets ahead
A holiday circus show with aerial acts, live music and a story about courage. It runs 1 hour 15 minutes.
Parent tip: Every show is sensory-friendly, with sign language, captions and audio description.
- Shows and Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol at PAC NYC
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Most days, Nov 20 to Jan 3
- Where
- Perelman Performing Arts Center, 251 Fulton St, Financial District
- Price
- Paid, see the official site
- Ages and booking
- School-age kids · Buy tickets ahead
The Dickens story about Scrooge and four ghosts, told with lots of Christmas carols. The audience sits close around the action.
Parent tip: Pick a matinee for younger kids. Read or watch the story at home first so they know what's coming.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
My First Nutcracker (New York City Children's Theater)
- Dates
- Dec 5-22 · Dec 5-22. Weekends at 11am and 2:30pm, some weekdays at 5:30pm.
- Where
- Theatre 3, Theatre Row, 410 W 42nd St, Midtown West
- Price
- Paid, see the official site. Lap seats for under-2s are $5 cash at the box office.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 3-8 · Buy tickets ahead. Every child needs a ticket except lap babies.
A 50-minute Nutcracker made for young kids, with music, storytelling and ballet. Kids are invited to dance along.
Parent tip: Sensory-friendly shows are Dec 13 at 2:30pm and Dec 19 at 11am. There is stroller parking.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Nutcracker Sweets & The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Puppetworks)
- Dates
- Nov 7 - Dec 30 · Saturdays and Sundays, Nov 7 to Dec 30, at 12:30pm and 2:30pm
- Where
- Puppetworks, 51 35th St, 2nd floor, Industry City, Sunset Park, Brooklyn
- Price
- Kids $11, adults $12. Pay when you arrive.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 2+ · Reserve ahead by email or phone. Walk-ins are not guaranteed.
A 55-minute marionette show with two holiday stories. It is a small, low-cost first show for little kids.
Parent tip: Park strollers in the gallery next door at 33 35th St, which has an elevator.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Brooklyn Nutcracker (Brooklyn Ballet)
- Dates
- Dec 12-20 · Sat, Dec 12, 7pm. Sun, Dec 13, 3pm. Sat, Dec 19, 3pm. Sun, Dec 20, 3pm.
- Where
- The Theater at City Tech, 275 Jay St, Downtown Brooklyn
- Price
- Paid, see the official site
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit for about 2 hours · Buy tickets ahead
A Brooklyn take on the Nutcracker that mixes ballet, hip-hop and dance styles from around the world. It runs about 2 hours with a 15-minute break.
Parent tip: The 3pm weekend shows are the easiest pick with kids.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Yorkville Nutcracker (Dances Patrelle)
- Dates
- Dec 10-13 · Thu, Dec 10 to Sun, Dec 13
- Where
- Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, E 68th St, Upper East Side
- Price
- Paid, see the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets ahead
A Nutcracker set in old New York in 1895, danced by a local company. It is a smaller theater than the big Lincoln Center show.
Parent tip: Choose a weekend afternoon show for younger kids.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Nutcracker (Staten Island Ballet)
- Dates
- Dec 18-20 · Fri, Dec 18, 7:30pm. Sat, Dec 19, 3pm. Sun, Dec 20, 2pm and 5pm.
- Where
- Williamson Theater, College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd
- Price
- $70-$90
- Ages and booking
- School-age kids · Buy tickets online ahead
Staten Island's own Nutcracker, with four shows the weekend before Christmas.
Parent tip: The Sunday 2pm show works best around naps and school nights.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Nutcracker InsideOut Concert (Park Avenue Chamber Symphony)
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat, Dec 12, 2-4pm
- Where
- DiMenna Center for Classical Music, 450 W 37th St, Midtown West (Hudson Yards)
- Price
- Paid, see the ticket page
- Ages and booking
- All ages welcome · Buy tickets ahead. No refunds.
You sit right inside a full orchestra as it plays music from the Nutcracker. After the concert, kids can try the instruments.
Parent tip: It runs about two hours, so it suits kids who can sit through a concert.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Dumbo Holiday Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Dec 3 · Thu, Dec 3, 4-7pm. Tree lit at 5:30pm.
- Where
- Dumbo Archway and Plaza, Dumbo, Brooklyn
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets needed
A neighborhood tree lighting with live music, school choirs, free hot cocoa and treats. Santa comes with his elves, and there is a photo booth.
Parent tip: Bring an unwrapped toy for the toy drive. Kids can drop a letter in Santa's mailbox from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Madison Square Park Holiday Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Dec 3 · Thu, Dec 3, 4:30-5:30pm. Tree lit at about 5pm.
- Where
- Madison Square Park, 23rd St and Madison Ave, Flatiron
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets needed. Optional sign-up for updates.
A short, one-hour tree lighting with live music, warm drinks and photo spots. It is a long-running city tradition.
Parent tip: There is no stroller parking, so a baby carrier is easier.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Union Square Holiday Market
- Dates
- Nov 12 - Dec 24 · Daily, Nov 12-Dec 24. Sun-Wed 11am-8pm, Thu-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm.
- Where
- Union Square Park (University Pl and E 14th St)
- Price
- No entry fee listed. Shopping costs extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Nearly 200 stalls from local makers, artists and small businesses fill Union Square Park. It's one of the city's biggest holiday markets.
Parent tip: The 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R and W trains all stop at Union Square. Weekday mornings are the calmest time with a stroller.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
NYSE Christmas Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Dec 3 · Thu, Dec 3, 3:30-6:30pm
- Where
- New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall St, Financial District
- Price
- Free, open to the public
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets needed
The Stock Exchange lights its big tree on Wall Street, with live music, snacks and a small holiday market.
Parent tip: Come before dark to walk around, then stay for the lighting.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Parade on Rockaway
- Dates
- Dec 4-6 · Tree lighting Fri, Dec 4, 6pm. Parade of lights Sat, Dec 5, 5pm. Free toy giveaway Sun, Dec 6, 2pm.
- Where
- Rockaway Blvd, 130th St to 143rd St, Jamaica, Queens
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets needed
Three days of holiday events in Queens. There is a big tree lighting, a lit-up parade and a toy giveaway for kids.
Parent tip: The Saturday parade is the main event. Pick a spot near the start to leave early with little ones.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Bronx Little Italy Christmas Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat, Dec 5, 4-6pm
- Where
- Ciccarone Park, E 188th St and Arthur Ave, Belmont (Arthur Avenue), Bronx
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets needed
A neighborhood tree lighting with Santa, carols, Italian cookies and hot chocolate from local shops.
Parent tip: Arthur Avenue's bakeries are steps away, so plan an early dinner nearby.
- Santa visitsFree Good for toddlers
Santa in the Park (Marine Park)
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat, Dec 5, 11am-2pm
- Where
- Carmine Carro Community Center, 3000 Fillmore Ave, Marine Park, Brooklyn
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No sign-up needed
A free city parks event with holiday crafts and a family photo with Santa.
Parent tip: Bring your own phone or camera for the photo.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Carl Schurz Park Holiday Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Dec 6 · Sun, Dec 6, 5pm. Held in any weather.
- Where
- Carl Schurz Park, E 86th St and East End Ave, Upper East Side
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets needed
A small park tree lighting with a choir and brass band singing carols. Free hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes are handed out.
Parent tip: It goes ahead in rain or snow, so pack a rain cover for the stroller.
- Santa visitsFree Good for toddlers
Santa's Corner at Bryant Park
- Dates
- Dec 14-18 · Mon-Fri, Dec 14-18, 10am-noon. Check the park calendar before you go.
- Where
- By the carousel, Bryant Park (enter from 40th St), Midtown Manhattan
- Price
- Free. A paid Club Santa package is also offered.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets. First come, first served.
Santa visits Bryant Park for five weekday mornings for free photos. It is right by the Winter Village shops and rink.
Parent tip: Lines can form, so arrive before 10am.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in New York, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in New York, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in New York, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in New York, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Planning the whole trip? See our full guide to New York with kids.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in New York for Christmas with kids?
See the Rockefeller Center tree, visit Santa at Macy's Santaland, and look at the Macy's holiday windows. Skate or shop at Bryant Park Winter Village.
Kids also love the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx Zoo holiday lights, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
When is the Rockefeller Center tree lighting in 2026?
The tree lighting is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. After that, the tree is lit every day into January.
Ceremony night is very crowded. With little kids, a weekday morning visit is much calmer.
Is Macy's Santaland free?
Yes. Visiting Santa is free, but you need a reserved time slot. Free slots open on November 20 and are released 7 days before each date. Paid premium packages are also offered.
What are the free Christmas things to do in NYC?
The Rockefeller Center tree, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Macy's windows, Santaland, Bryant Park Winter Village, and the Grand Central Holiday Fair are all free.
Tap "Free" above to see them together.
Christmas in other cities
- Christmas in Chicago
- Christmas in Boston
- Christmas in Washington, DC
- Christmas in Nashville
- Christmas in Seattle
- Christmas in Denver
- Christmas in San Diego
- Christmas in San Francisco
- Christmas in Los Angeles
- Christmas in Atlanta
- Christmas in Houston
- Christmas in San Antonio
- Christmas in Gatlinburg
- Christmas in Philadelphia
- Christmas in Pittsburgh
- Christmas in Las Vegas
- Christmas in Orlando
- Christmas in Miami
- Christmas in New Orleans
- Christmas in Charlotte
- Christmas in Kansas City
- Christmas in Dallas
- Christmas in Austin
- Christmas in Phoenix
- Christmas in St. Louis
- Christmas in Tampa
- Christmas in Cincinnati