3 Delightful Days to Enjoy the Best of Christmas in New York

Updated for 2023

From Miracle on 34th Street to one of my personal holiday faves, Elf, Christmas in New York lives large in our cultural imagination. It’s a classic for a reason. There’s just something about the decorations, the department store windows, the hustle and bustle of shoppers. Want to plan your own family-friendly visit to NYC for the holidays? Read on!

Kick-off Your Christmas in New York: Friday

For your holiday in NYC, I recommend staying somewhere central with good subway access but away from the hellscape that is Times Square. We opted for The Iroquois New York at 44th and 6th on our most recent holiday stay. The rooms were stylish, comfortable, and relatively small. We also love the suites at The Benjamin (50th and Lex) for a larger room that fits four.

Christmas in New York wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Rockefeller Center tree. The enormous tree is really something to behold, and it will be lit as of December 1. Nearby is the famed FAO Schwartz toy store. The line wrapped around the building when we tried to visit, so it was a hard pass for us. If you can get in just be prepared for your kids to go gaga over things like life-size stuffed bears. The Rockefeller location of Jacques Torres is a perfect pit stop for incredibly rich hot chocolate and a heavenly chocolate chip cookie.

If the crowds aren’t too crazy, you can check out some of the nearby store windows. Saks is close by and offers light and music shows to go with their windows. Beware, though, it can get so crowded around this area that it can be a little overwhelming.

Later, keep dinner quick because you’ve got lots to pack in tonight. Los Tacos is one of the most popular taco spots in the city. The 43rd and 7th location will put you in reasonable proximity to Radio City Music Hall. I cannot overstate how incredible the food is here. It was worth the hype!

The Rockettes are the epitome of Christmas in New York, and my daughter (aged 6 at the time) adored the show. It’s a true spectacle with amazing costumes, beautiful leggy dancers, and a visit from Santa. It’s impossible not to get into the holiday spirit watching these dazzling performers give it their all. My daughter is still talking about the famed toy soldiers dance years later.

Christmas in New York Holiday Shopping – Saturday

Start your morning with a chocolate-filled brunch at Max Brenner’s. It gets insanely busy, so don’t even consider going without a reservation. It’s a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s a fun and reasonably classy one that will blow your kid’s mind. They have savory dishes, but who are we kidding? You’re there for the myriad of super sweet waffle options. Looking for a more authentic experience? Grab a bagel at Bagel Bob’s near your next stop, Union Square Holiday Market. It’s filled with art, gifts, and food and offers a European-style Christmas market experience. The last time we visited, we picked up an adorable hot pink nutcracker for my daughter and a gorgeous butterfly gift.

Union Square Holiday Market

November 16, 2023 – December 24, 2023
Monday – Saturday 11am-8pm
Sunday 11am – 7pm

Now, head south to the Sloomoo Institute. Yes, folks, this is a slime museum. Nonetheless, my kids haven’t stopped talking about it since we visited in 2021.

Get ready to dive hands-first into a mesmerizing array of slime varieties. As you stroll through the museum, revel in the unique experience of walking on slime and squishies and plunging your hands into a variety of different types of slime. The excitement doesn’t end there – unleash your creativity at the DIY slime station, where you can craft your own slime masterpiece complete with custom scents and mix-ins. Granted it’s ridiculous and a high price to pay for exposing yourself to screaming kids and their cooties, it will quickly become your kid’s favorite place on earth.

Plan in advance and snag a reservation at Rubirosa for family-friendly pizza and pasta. Or, venture east and grab some stellar dumplings at Mimi Cheng’s on Broome St. In addition, there’s plenty of name-brand shopping in the hood, including Bloomigndale’s and J Crew, so you get some additional holiday shopping done while you’re there.

Then hop onto the subway and head uptown for more Christmas shopping at Winter Village at Bryant Park. Like Union Square, there are crafts and gifts galore, but there’s also ice skating and a large concession where you can get food and drinks. It was over-priced but still a great spot to pick up hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Winter Village at Bryant Park

October 27, 2023 – January 2, 2023
Monday – Friday: 11am-8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am-8pm

You’re probably wiped by this point, so head back to midtown to relax at your hotel for a bit. Afterward, walk to Urban Space Vanderbilt food hall. Since no trip to NYC is complete without pizza, grab slices at Roberta’s. Looking for something different? My dumpling-obsessed kid also loved the bao at Kuro-Obig.

Museums and More Markets in NYC- Sunday

First, grab some chocolate babka and coffee at Breads Bakery at Lincoln Center, or you can head straight to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market and grab a waffle at Wafels and Dinges.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

November 28, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Monday – Saturday 11am-8pm
Sunday 11am – 7pm

This market is a little smaller feeling than the others but still offers many options and is a perfect stop before a stroll through Central Park. If your kids need to burn off some energy, Heckscher Playground is a quick walk inside the park with a huge slide and nearby bathrooms.

Next head to my kids’ favorite museum, the American History of Natural History. It is an excellent opportunity to escape chilly winter weather and has unique animal, space, and dinosaur exhibits. 

For lunch, head to the adorable red sauce Italian spot, Parm, from Michelin-Starred chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi. My kids gobbled up their meatball sandwiches, while eggplant parmesan was just what I needed to warm up.

Adventurous Tastes Christmas in New York with Kids Map

Find all of these recommendations as well as other family-friendly options on the Adventurous Tastes Holidays in NYC map.

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