Get us in your inbox

Search
 LuminoCity Festival
Courtesy: LuminoCity Festival

The best Christmas events for kids in NYC that families will love

Enjoy festive family fun with these Christmas events for kids and families in NYC

Written by
Time Out editors
&
Danielle Valente
Advertising

There’s a jingle in the air, meaning it’s that holly jolly time of year full of magic and wonder. Christmas in NYC is a festive time like no other, bringing joy to all, especially the little ones. Once you’ve picked out the perfect Christmas tree and set up holiday decorations, you can check out holiday markets and holiday lights, go ice skating, or — on a good snow day — go sledding. But be sure to leave room in your schedule for these must-do Christmas events for kids in NYC. From Macy’s Santaland to spectacular holiday light shows, these festive family events are sure to make everyone merry and bright. Celebrate the spirit of the season with these Christmas events for kids, then snuggle up at home with some hot chocolate and a beloved Christmas movie.

Christmas events for kids in NYC

  • Things to do
  • Festivals

The immersive, outdoor holiday spectacular of light sculptures and art installations spans more than 17 acres at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on Long Island. Visitors to the festival will take a 45-minute walking, narrative journey, with twinkling and towering LED sculptures along the way that will play to this year's theme of "Pure Magic." The light art displays are inspired by the power and warmth of light overcoming the darkness and are a celebration of cultures and the world around us.

  • Things to do
  • Festivals

The Bronx Zoo shines with holiday cheer with immersive light displays, animal lanterns and animated light shows. The celebration includes entertainment, treats, the Holiday Train and classic holiday music. This beloved tradition is fun for all ages. More than 360 lanterns representing almost 90 animal and plant species are on display, including 70 new lanterns representing 30 new species.

Advertising
  • Things to do

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights display has definitely earned its stripes as one of the best New York attractions. What’s not to love about all that razzle-dazzle to get you in the Christmas spirit? The Brooklyn neighborhood is home to the most over-the-top Christmas light decorations with life-sized Santas, sleighs, snowmen and some houses even bump Christmas carols from loudspeakers. Crowds of all ages flock to the Kings County neighborhood to wander down the multiple blocks and avenues and experience one of the top things to do in NYC in the winter.

Advertising
  • Things to do

The beloved New York holiday train tradition at the New York Botanical Garden is back! The garden will become a mini-train depot with its collection of 25 G-scale model trains that'll chug along a nearly half-mile track (which is also overhead) by 175 miniature NYC landmarks like the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Rockefeller Center—all made of natural materials such as leaves, cinnamon sticks, twigs, bark and berries.

  • Things to do
  • City Life

Since 1861, families have flocked to Macy's in Herald Square to venture through the whimsical, festive Santaland, and of course, snag some one-on-one time with the man in the red suit. Kids (with their adults) can visit in-person or virtually from home.

Advertising

The Woodstock site is getting a yuletide makeover. From Nov 25–Jan 1, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts will host the drive-thru Peace, Love & Lights Festival, a one mile-long display of holiday lights with homage to the grounds' iconic past. Naturally, there are eye-catching Christmas displays—a 120-foot Twinkle Tunnel, an Enchanted Forest—but where else will you find Groovy Way, a lights attraction takin' you all the way back to 1969? It's a must for music lovers and the whole family! 

Advertising
  • Things to do

The Paley Center for Media is reopening in a festive way—with its classic holiday extravaganza, PaleyLand, beginning November 16. At PaleyLand, visitors can watch exclusive holiday screenings and meet beloved characters from notable holiday classics, see a live holiday-themed LEGO demo from LEGOMasters, take photos with Santa and a stunning 7-foot menorah, play their favorite video games, and enjoy the newest centerpiece, The Paley Express holiday train display, and more.

  • Attractions

NYC Christmas trees deliver those holly jolly vibes in spades. From the traditional attractions (we're lookin' at you, Rockefeller Center) to the more unique setups (wait until you see what's happening at Queens County Farm), these beauties will definitely give you a sentimental feeling. 

Advertising

Christmas activities for kids in NYC

Advertising
Recommended

    More on Christmas

      You may also like
      You may also like
      Advertising