Can’t-Miss Holiday Fun

How to make this season extra-special for your family

It’s official: The coronavirus pandemic hasn’t canceled NYC’s holiday spirit. The city is bringing many of its holiday traditions to families this year—and we couldn’t be happier! Here’s how your family can celebrate the holidays in NYC to make this season extra-special.

Tell Santa your Christmas wishes.

There are plenty of places in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens that have safe ways to meet and take pictures with Santa! But if seeing Santa in person isn’t on your wish list, your child can video chat with Santa to share their Christmas wish lists.

Cut your own Christmas tree.

Rather than choosing from a pre-cut selection, take a drive out to Long Island, Westchester, or a little further north to a tree farm! Your family can wander the rows of evergreens to find the absolute perfect one!

Celebrate Hanukkah at Brooklyn’s largest menorah.

Manhattan may have a large menorah too, but at Brooklyn’s, located at Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope, each night of Hanukkah is celebrated with live music, hot latkes, and gifts for the children.

Browse the city’s holiday markets.

Holiday markets are a quintessential marker of the season! Stroll through the Holiday Shops at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park while the kids are ice-skating or take a peek at a handful of markets online. Whichever market you visit, you’ll be shopping small!

See thousands of origami cranes at American Museum of Natural History.

This year’s tree follows the theme of Cranes and Colors and features 1,000 origami cranes presented as symbols of peace and good wishes for New York, along with creations inspired by the museum itself.

See the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

Just be prepared to wait in line this year. Groups of up to four people will be given 5 minutes to view and snap pictures at the tree—fingers crossed the kids cooperate when it’s your turn!

Take in amazing holiday light displays.

Nothing says holidays quite like twinkling lights. Good news: There are plenty of opportunities to see and be wowed by amazing displays in the city!

Be awed by the holiday windows.

The largest department stores in Manhattan have unveiled lavish holiday window displays, and viewing them is part of the NYC holiday experience. Some displays are virtual this year, but the excitement and magic will still delight your family.