New York with kids
New York at Christmas with Kids: Trees, Lights, Skating and a 2-Day Plan
December turns New York into one big holiday scene: a giant tree, glowing shop windows, skating rinks and whole streets covered in lights. It's also the busiest month of the year, so the trick with kids is timing: go early, go on weekdays, and book the few things that need tickets.
This guide has a 2-day plan, then everything else worth adding. Dates and hours change every year; check each official website before you go.
Day 1 · Midtown magic
Skating, windows, the tree and a holiday show, all within walking distance.
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Morning
Skating at Bryant Park (opens Google Maps)
The Winter Village rink has free admission (skate rental is paid) and opens early, when it's quietest. The holiday market stalls around it are good for a hot chocolate after.
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Late morning
Holiday windows on Fifth Avenue (opens Google Maps)
Walk up Fifth Avenue past the department stores' holiday windows. Weekday mornings are much calmer than evenings and weekends.
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Midday · Lunch
Lunch away from Fifth Avenue
Restaurants right by the tree are packed in December. Walk a few blocks west or east for an easier lunch.
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Afternoon
The Christmas Spectacular (opens Google Maps)
The Rockettes' 90-minute holiday show runs from early November to early January, with several shows a day. Matinees suit younger kids. Buy from the official site.
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Evening
The Rockefeller Center tree (opens Google Maps)
It's lit from the lighting ceremony (the Wednesday after Thanksgiving: December 2 in 2026) until early January, from early morning until late at night. Early evening is magical but packed; very early morning is the calm alternative. On busy nights there may be a queue to walk past it.
Day 2 · Trains and lights
A model-train wonderland in the Bronx, then the most famous Christmas lights in Brooklyn.
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Morning
Holiday Train Show (opens Google Maps)
Model trains wind through a miniature New York made of bark, leaves and seeds inside the glasshouse at the New York Botanical Garden. It runs from mid-November to early January with timed tickets that sell out on weekends, so book ahead.
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Midday · Lunch
Lunch at the Garden or on Arthur Avenue (opens Google Maps)
The Bronx's Little Italy is a short ride from the Garden, with bakeries and pizza.
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Afternoon
Rest at the hotel
Today ends late. An afternoon break keeps everyone happy for the lights.
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After dark
Dyker Heights Christmas lights (opens Google Maps)
Whole streets of houses in this Brooklyn neighbourhood are covered in lights, giant toy soldiers and inflatable snowmen. The lights come on at dusk and most go off around 10 p.m. Weekdays are calmer. There are no public restrooms, and it's about a 20-minute walk from the nearest subway.
More holiday favourites
- Holiday markets: Bryant Park, Union Square, Columbus Circle and the Grand Central Holiday Fair. They open between late October and early December.
- More skating: Wollman Rink in Central Park, and the rink under the tree at Rockefeller Center (paid; book ahead).
- The Nutcracker: New York City Ballet's production at Lincoln Center is a family classic.
- Hanukkah: giant menorahs are lit in Manhattan and Brooklyn during the holiday.
- Christmas Day: much of the city is quiet; the tree stays lit, and some museums and restaurants close, so check ahead.
Tips for December with kids
- Book the ticketed things first: the Christmas Spectacular, the Holiday Train Show, and any rink with reservations.
- Go early, go on weekdays. Fifth Avenue and the tree are packed on weekend evenings.
- Stay warm: hats, gloves, and a spare pair of socks. Indoor breaks help.
- Know your restrooms: museums, department stores and Bryant Park are your friends.
Plan the rest of the trip
Coming for Thanksgiving too? See Thanksgiving in New York with kids. For cold or wet days, try our rainy day ideas, or the free things to do to balance the holiday spending.
Questions
When is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lit?
The tree is lit at a ceremony on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving (December 2 in 2026) and stays up until early January, lit from early morning until late at night.
What is the best day to see Christmas in New York with kids?
A weekday in the first half of December: the windows, tree and lights are all up, and crowds are lighter than in the week before Christmas.
Is New York crowded at Christmas?
Very, especially around Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue on weekend evenings. Go early in the day, visit on weekdays, and book shows and timed tickets ahead.