Here are the top holiday activities for kids in New York City, with details, costs, and things you’ll need:
1. Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
- Description: Experience over 400 wildlife-themed lanterns across six trails, along with interactive lights, ice carving demonstrations, and festive snacks.
- Cost: Tickets range from $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids.
- Things Needed: Warm clothing, tickets, camera for photos.
- More Info: Visit the Bronx Zoo for magical displays
2. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center or Wollman Rink
- Description: Glide under iconic holiday lights in these famous rinks.
- Cost: Entry fees vary from $11 to $73, depending on timing and skate rental.
- Things Needed: Warm clothes, skates (rentals available), gloves.
- More Info: Check details for rink-specific times and prices
3. Holiday Express: Toys and Trains at New-York Historical Society
- Description: Enjoy a historic train and toy display featuring items from the 1850s.
- Cost: Museum entry tickets range from $13 for kids to $25 for adults.
- Things Needed: Tickets, an interest in history and trains.
- More Info: Explore the exhibit at the New-York Historical Society
4. Gingerbread NYC: Great Borough Bake-Off
- Description: Marvel at gingerbread replicas of NYC landmarks.
- Cost: Museum admission: $10–$20.
- Things Needed: Tickets, festive spirit, a love for architecture and gingerbread.
- More Info: Held at the Museum of the City of New York
5. The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes
- Description: Watch a dazzling performance featuring Santa, wooden soldiers, and synchronized dancers.
- Cost: Tickets start at $49.
- Things Needed: Tickets, holiday attire.
- More Info: At Radio City Music Hall
6. Holiday Family Fair at the Morgan Library
- Description: Celebrate with crafts, snacks, and the display of Charles Dickens’ original A Christmas Carol manuscript.
- Cost: Included with museum admission ($20 adults, free for children under 12).
- Things Needed: Tickets, creative energy for crafts.
- More Info: Visit the Morgan Library and Museum
7. Santa Studio at City Point
- Description: Free portraits with Santa in a holiday-themed studio.
- Cost: Free.
- Things Needed: Festive attire, a cheerful smile.
- More Info: Held in Downtown Brooklyn
8. American Museum of Natural History Origami Tree
- Description: View a stunning 13-foot tree adorned with origami animals inspired by museum exhibits.
- Cost: Included with museum admission ($13–$28).
- Things Needed: Tickets, appreciation for art and science.
- More Info: On display in the museum’s main gallery
9. Annie at Madison Square Garden
- Description: Enjoy the timeless holiday story of a plucky orphan during the Great Depression.
- Cost: Tickets range from $39 to $159.
- Things Needed: Tickets, theater-loving kids.
- More Info: Catch the show during its holiday run
10. Elf The Musical
- Description: A festive Broadway show packed with humor and Christmas spirit.
- Cost: Tickets start at $49.
- Things Needed: Tickets, love for musicals and festive fun.
- More Info: Running through early January
Each activity offers a unique holiday experience for kids and families, ensuring a festive and memorable season in New York City!
