Unwrapping the Magic: Must-Do Family Things in NYC During the 2023 Holiday Season

• Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights: Embark on a luminous journey through the Bronx Zoo, where the dazzling light displays will leave your family in awe. Immerse yourselves in the celebration of beloved wildlife, featuring captivating animal lantern trails, interactive light shows, talented performers, ice carving demonstrations, and a delightful holiday train ride. This magical event takes place on select nights from November 17 to January 7, featuring sensory-friendly nights on December 7 and January 5. To maximize your zoo experience before exhibits close at 4 pm, consider securing the 3 pm entrance. For added flexibility, opt for the "any-night" tickets, available for an additional $10 per person. Don't miss the chance to bask in the awe-inspiring glow of the Bronx Zoo during this festive season!

💰WCS and IDNYC Members get 40% off or FREE admission (Conservation Level) to Holiday Lights events or non-members can use BESTNYCLIGHTS promo code for 15% off.

• NYBG Glow: Experience the mesmerizing lights on select nights from November 17 to January 13 at the New York Botanical Garden. Marvel at the transformation of the garden's iconic sights, from the Haupt Conservatory to the LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building, into dramatic, glittering canvases. This is a perfect way to close out a visit to the NYBG Holiday Train Show, creating an unmissable holiday experience for all.
• Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm: Immerse yourself in the glow of over 1,000 Chinese lanterns, skillfully crafted by experienced artisans and be captivated by interactive light swings, see-saws, and tunnels at the 3rd year of this annual festive event. Check it out Friday-Sunday evenings November 17 through January 7.
• Astra Lumina at Queens Botanical Garden: Take an enchanting night walk through a 1-mile long otherworldly light adventure at the Queens Botanical Garden starting the day after Thanksgiving.
• Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Immerse yourself in the enchanting lights of Brooklyn Botanic Garden winter spectacular. This event runs on select nights starting November 17 through January 1.
• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: Venture to Brooklyn's Dyker Heights for a neighborhood-wide holiday lights extravaganza throughout the month of December that's nothing short of magical. Join the spectators ambling through the neighborhood between 11th to 13th Avenues (aka Dyker Heights Blvd.) from 83rd to 86th St, or consider a guided walking tour or even a bus tour that picks up from Union Square in Manhattan.

• Rockefeller Center: Delight and marvel at the iconic Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. Experience the joy of an early Christmas as you explore the flagship FAO Schwarz, creating cherished memories with your family. Glide across the ice at the Rink, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the delectable Candy Cottage. As dusk settles in, stroll on over to 5th Avenue and be captivated by the mesmerizing window displays at Saks 5th Avenue, illuminated by its dazzling 10-story holiday light show starting November 21st.
• Winter Wonderland at Bryant Park: Gear up for a winter wonderland adventure at Bryant Park! Strap on your skates and twirl your way across the ice before diving into the festive stalls at Bryant Park's Winter Village. Rumor has it that even Santa will make a special appearance on select mornings starting mid-December. And here's the best part – this is NYC's largest FREE admission outdoor skating rink! No skates? No problem! Rentals are available for a small fee. Just remember to snag your skate time in advance, and get ready to create magical memories with your little ones!
• Shine Bright at Hudson Yards: Dive into the holiday magic at Hudson Yards, where festive events and free photo ops with Santa await! Witness the mesmerizing Shine Bright displays, adorned with 2 million twinkling lights and an incredible 115 miles of string lights. Elevate your experience by taking in the breathtaking NYC skyline from the 100th floor at the Edge NYC. Here's a pro-tip for an extra special treat – secure a lunch or dinner reservation at The Peak Restaurant and enjoy complimentary access to the Edge viewing platforms. It's the perfect recipe for a joyous and unforgettable holiday outing with your family!

• Bloomingdale's Santaland: Step into the enchanting world of Bloomingdale's Santaland at their iconic 59th street flagship! The unmissable window displays will usher in this season's "Best Holiday Ever" theme, inspired by Wonka, with a star-studded event on November 16th. Treat yourself to the sweetest holiday ever at Santa's Candy Shop. Santaland welcomes visitors from November 24 through the 26, and every Saturday and Sunday until December 16, extending its festive charm until Christmas Eve. Don't miss out on the magic of this whimsical holiday experience!
• Macy's Santaland: Embark on a time-honored tradition at Macy's Santaland, a winter wonderland that weaves its magic for visitors of all ages. This isn't your run-of-the-mill mall Santa experience; it's a full-blown production that's well worth the planning. To secure a spot to see Santa at his bustling workshop inside Macy's Santaland, mark your calendars – reservations open up 5 days in advance, starting November 19th. While your reservation grants you entry into the line, it's a good idea to come prepared with snacks and distractions to keep your little ones entertained, as there might still be a wait of 60-90 minutes before meeting the jolly man himself! It's free to visit Santa, but if you want the professional printed photos, packages are available after your visit starting at $39.99.
• Paleyland Santa at Paley Center for Media: Uncover a hidden gem at Paleyland Santa in the Paley Center for Media! Here, Santa and a cast of festive friends await for one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, classic holiday programs, arts and crafts, and a whimsical holiday train display. It's a lesser-known delight that can still provide a memorable experience for the whole family!
• Winter Wanderland at Brookfield Place - Strike a pose in the life-size snow globe, take a seat on the majestic gift throne, navigate through an Arctic tunnel, and share a punny holiday message with your loved ones. The magical lanterns of Luminaries dance in a symphony of colors and intensity, creating a breathtaking spectacle above the Winter Garden with a special light show at the top of every hour. Finally, don't forget your selfies with Santa in the Winter Garden, available on select mornings and afternoons starting December 7. It's a holiday experience filled with joy and photo-worthy moments!

• NYBG Holiday Train Show: Get ready for a magical journey at the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show – it's back and better than ever! This year, the show boasts more trains and introduces an all-new outdoor train display. As you step inside the Conservatory, prepare to be mesmerized by trains zooming past nearly 200 iconic New York landmarks meticulously crafted from bark, leaves, and other natural materials. And when night falls on select evenings, don't miss out on NYBG GLOW, illuminating the botanical garden grounds in a breathtaking display of lights. Here's a pro-tip for our fellow NYC locals: plan your visit to the Train Show in late December or the first week of January and apply the cost of your tickets towards an annual membership. Not only will you get to enjoy the free admission to the gardens all year, but you can return to the holiday train show again for free as well! It's a holiday experience that keeps on giving. All aboard for family fun and festive wonders!
• NY Transit Museum's Holiday Train Show: Take your family on a journey to Grand Central Station and immerse yourselves in this cherished holiday exhibit, making a triumphant return since the Museum's pandemic closure. It's a captivating experience for both kids and kids at heart! While the Grand Central Gallery & Store is usually free to visit, this year you'll want to snag your $5 tickets per person in advance for a seamless entry into the holiday wonderland. Don't miss out on the joyous return of this beloved train show – it's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with your little conductors in tow!

UPDATE from NY Transit Museum: "Due a generous donation, effective Friday, November 24^th the New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show will be free for all visitors. Happy Holidays, New York!"

• New York Historical Society Holiday Express: Embark on a delightful journey at the NY Historical Society Holiday Express – a wintertime tradition that's back to captivate kids of all ages on November 24! Immerse yourself in a festive display of toys and trains from the Jerni Collection, featuring unique, handcrafted, and hand-painted pieces dating from approximately 1850 to 1940. It's a nostalgic celebration showcasing prime examples from the Golden Age of Toy Trains.
  
  Here's a bonus for Bank of America cardholders – the first weekend of the month grants you FREE entry to NY Historical Society! Just remember to bring your debit or credit card along with a photo ID for a festive and wallet-friendly experience.
  
  Afterward, hop on over to the American Museum of Natural History, to marvel at the Origami Holiday Tree. This year's 13-foot tree, themed "Proboscideans on Parade," boasts garlands and origami models inspired by the new exhibition, "The Secret World of Elephants." It's a magical day filled with history, whimsy, and holiday wonders that's sure to delight the entire family!

• Frost Fest at Coney Island - Be among the first to experience Coney Island as it opens its doors for the first time during the colder months! Starting on Saturday, November 18, 2023, and continuing on select dates (mainly Friday-Sundays), Luna Park will transform into a magical destination featuring a skating rink, up to 20 rides and attractions (including the Cyclone!), holiday lights, Santa photo ops, holiday shopping, and festive treats. Frost Fest promises to become a new go-to winter destination for family fun and holiday cheer!
• North Pole Express: Hop aboard the North Pole Express by TopView and give your feet a well-deserved break from pounding the pavement. Breeze on by the bustling crowds of New York's winter wonderland atop a double-decker bus, where your personal Christmas elf awaits with festive caroling and enchanting storytelling. Indulge in chocolate treats and sip on hot cocoa as you journey to meet the one and only Saint Nick. Share your deepest wishes with Santa and receive a special good luck sleigh bell, creating a holiday experience that will be cherished forever.
• ElfCon: Have small children? Consider keeping them away from the adult shenanigans of SantaCon on December 9th. If you've ever shielded your innocent children from questions like, "Mommy, why is that Santa barfing on the sidewalk?" then you know what I'm talking about. ElfCon offers a delightful, family-friendly alternative the very next day. It's an annual event where people of all ages, dressed as adorable elves, embark on a hot cocoa crawl through the city to benefit a good cause.
• Christmas in Historic Richmond Town: Drive on across the Verrazano Bridge and step into the enchanting past this December in NYC's only living history village. Enjoy festive holiday performances, a special visit from Santa and his helpers, and experience the charm of an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage. Delight in a variety of gifts, crafts, and commemorative items crafted by skilled historic tradespeople. Savor sweets, treats, and local eats, making it a memorable holiday celebration filled with yesteryear's magic!

• Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Experience the enchantment of the holiday season with the world-renowned Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland as the Rockettes take the stage, captivating audiences with their breathtaking dance routines, dazzling costumes, and show-stopping performances. From the iconic "Here Comes Santa Claus" to the magical "White Christmas," every moment is a spectacle of holiday magic. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has become a cherished celebration that truly captures the spirit of Christmas in the heart of New York City. Whether it's your first time or a family tradition, this show promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a heart full of holiday cheer. For those with sensory sensitivities, TDF offers an Autism Friendly performance on November 19th at 9am.
• Nutcracker at New York City Ballet: With Tschaikovsky's timeless melodies, Balanchine's mesmerizing choreography, Karinska's opulent costumes, and Ter-Arutunian's magical sets, The Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet stands as a quintessential NYC holiday masterpiece.
• The Magic Flute at Met Opera: The Met's family-friendly rendition of Mozart's dazzling fairy tale is back, sung in English and clocking in under two hours – an ideal introduction to opera for children. The captivating tale follows the courageous Prince Tamino on his quest to win the heart of the clever Princess Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night. Immerse yourself in this spellbinding production that promises to kindle a love for opera, making it a delightful experience for audiences of all ages.
• Twas the Night Before - Cirque Du Soleil: Get ready to be spellbound by Cirque du Soleil's holiday spectacle, 'Twas the Night Before. Cirque weaves a captivating story about a disillusioned young girl rediscovering the enchantment of the holidays. Crafted with festive love and cheer, 'Twas the Night Before... delivers thrilling acrobatics, endearing characters, and a soundtrack that breathes new life into holiday classics. It's a magical experience, promising a heartwarming celebration of the season.