Must-Do Family Things in NYC During the 2024 Christmas 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 19 to January 5, featuring sensory-friendly nights on December 5 and January 3. 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 check out the discount codes available for military, veterans, and students.

• NYBG Holiday Train Nights: Experience the mesmerizing lights on select nights from November 23 to January 18 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.
• 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 22 through January 5.
• Tianyu Arts & Culture Lights Festival: Experience an enchanting winter evening at Koda’s Adventure to the Magical Forest at Citi Field in Flushing through January 19! Stroll through a whimsical wonderland and explore Koda’s dreams brought to life through luminous art installations.
• 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. If driving, parking is available at Dyker Beach Park & Golf Course on 86th Street.

• 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 Holiday Shops. 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 Wicked Good Holiday: 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 "Wicked Good Holiday" theme, inspired by the Wicked movie. Snap a photo with Santa on the 6th Floor, Trim Shop (Mondays - Saturdays: 10AM - 7PM,
  Sundays: 11AM - 6PM). The Holiday Countdown begins December 14 and extends 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, you'll want to set your alarm. A new reservation date becomes available each day at 6:30am local time and started November 24th! 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!
• Santa's Sandcastle at Brookfield Place - Strike a pose against a tropical holiday backdrop. And 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! The Grand Central Gallery & Store free to visit. 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!
• 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 15! 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. The NY Historical society has pay as you wish on Friday evenings from 5-8pm, but they also participate in NYC Culture Pass through the various NYC Public Library systems.
• 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 "Jumping for Joy," boasts garlands and 1000 origami models of leaping critters. 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 23, 2024, 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.
• 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 on December 7 & 8. 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 offered an Autism Friendly performance on November 17th 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.
• Elf the Musical: Elf is back in NYC this holiday season! Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming show follows Buddy the Elf as he discovers his true identity and saves Christmas with his infectious spirit. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it's a festive, feel-good way to celebrate the season. Don't miss it at the Broadway Theatre—tickets are on sale now!