How To Conquer Christmas in New York
🦋 New York City at Christmas time- it’s like stepping into a movie scene, and I couldn’t wait to share that magic with my kids. My daughter had always dreamed of visiting the city during the holiday season so I made it happen for her birthday gift. Despite being from a warmer climate, she was determined to experience everything Christmas in New York had to offer.
I’m not always the best planner, but when it comes to travel with my kids, I make it a point to pack it all in. One of the best tips I can offer is to plan areas based on what’s in close proximity to each other. That way, you’re not wasting time zigzagging across the city. Two key things I booked well in advance were a visit to The Crown at the Statue of Liberty (be careful of scam sites) and Rolf's German Restaurant both require 6 months ahead. Three months in advance we booked The Rockettes, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and an igloo experience at Bryant Park, which, as it turns out, became the kids' absolute favorite part of the trip.
We left on Christmas morning at 5 AM- it was actually cheaper for us to ride share than park at the airport. I only allowed each family member one hand luggage bag because I didn’t want to waste time at the luggage carousel. We packed our exact outfits for the next five days so we could keep things organized and even wore our heaviest shoes on the plane to save space.
Day 1: Christmas in New York
We landed and dropped luggage at our hotel near Times Square, located on West 40th Street between 8th and 9th. Quick tip: The hotel was a block further away from the action than I expected- there was a bit of a sketchy area at night with fights and other shady activities, but during the day, it felt totally fine. That said, if you're not comfortable navigating those types of situations at night, maybe look for a hotel closer to the action.
After dropping off our luggage, we walked straight to The Peking Duck House in Midtown for a delicious meal of peking duck and pancakes. I’d heard the service was better here than in Chinatown, and it didn’t disappoint.
We then navigated our way down to the Brooklyn Bridge via subway. Packing layers was key- we were bundled up for the cold outside but able to peel off a layer or two when we went indoors. The Brooklyn Bridge was absolutely stunning, though cold. We kept warm by walking and exploring, and the kids had fun climbing parts of the bridge for great photos.
Next stop was DUMBO (no, not the elephant!). It’s an area under the Brooklyn Bridge with incredible views of Manhattan. We then hopped on the subway for a 45-minute ride to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see the Christmas lights. The houses were beautifully decorated, but being from a neighborhood that also goes all out for Christmas, we weren’t blown away. Still, it was worth the trip.
Day 2: PopUp Bagels, Ice Skating & Central Park
Our day started with a trip to PopUp Bagels, a local favorite recommended by my nephew, who is always in the know about cool food spots. We ordered bagels with their toffee butter and lox, everything was fresh and delicious. The shop only had one table, so don’t plan on sitting if it’s busy, but we managed to snag a spot and enjoyed watching them make fresh bagels while we ate. The combination of buttery bagels and salmon was perfect!
In the afternoon, we decided to head up to the Botanical Gardens in the Bronx to visit the Holiday Train Show. Navigating public transportation wasn’t easy, though- we ended up in a slightly sketchy area of the Bronx, but we just stuck together and powered through. We hopped on a tram to get to the main entrance, and while the journey was part of the experience, I’d recommend researching your subway route carefully if you're going this way.
The Holiday Train Show was adorable, with miniature trains weaving through beautifully recreated NYC landmarks. Afterward, we headed to Arthur Avenue, the Bronx’s Little Italy, for a hearty meal. Be warned, though- most places are cash only, but there’s an ATM right outside. We couldn’t leave without trying a cannoli before calling it a day and heading back to the hotel.
Day 3: Statue of Liberty & More Holiday Adventures
We woke up early and made our way to Battery Park to catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. It was a special experience- seeing Lady Liberty up close was incredible, and the kids were thrilled. We opted to go up to The Crown, which requires booking in advance (be careful of scams!). It was tight and cramped in the stairs leading up, and for someone like me with a bit of claustrophobia, it was a challenge. But the views at the top were absolutely worth it. There’s really nothing like standing at the top of Lady Liberty and looking out over the harbor.
Afterward, we visited the Seaglass Carousel right outside the Liberty Island ferry terminal—it was a beautiful, magical experience and a great way to wrap up our time at the statue.
We then took the subway to One World Trade Center and Oculus, both stunning architectural landmarks. Afterward, we stopped at Stage Door Deli for lunch, which we really enjoyed.
We then hopped on the subway to head toward Rockefeller Center, where we had a blast taking photos by the iconic Christmas tree and ice rink.
Right nearby, we stumbled upon a food truck called Glace- they served the best hot chocolate with marshmallows I’ve ever tasted. It was the perfect treat to warm up after walking around in the cold.
Then, it was time for the main event of the day- the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. The show was a true highlight and an absolute must-see during the holidays. The energy, the performances, and the holiday spirit were unmatched.
After the show, we headed to Chinatown for a delicious Chinese meal before going back to Rockefeller Center for a visit to FAO Schwarz to visit the Jelly Cat cafe and play on the giant piano and then ended at the M&M Store—both of which were fun but crowded.
Day 4: Exploring Iconic NYC Spots
We kicked off the day at Russ & Daughters for a bagel. It was disappointing, too much cream cheese not enough salmon on the bagel. From there, we walked through Hudson Yards, past the famous Vessel, and made our way over to The High Line, an elevated park built on a former railway track. It was lightly raining, so the crowds were smaller than usual, we basically had it to ourselves, which was amazing. We then walked down to Little Island, a floating park on the Hudson River, where we found peace and beauty despite the weather.
Afterward, we made our way to Chelsea Market for a warm snack—Doughnuttery’s mini donuts were a big hit, and we stumbled upon a free light show at Genesis House next door.
Then, we took the subway to Grand Central Station to see the adorable train display inside the New York Transit Store and stopped for a chocolate mousse dessert at the Grand Brasserie inside the station- super cute and should visit. It was right below our next activity, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt experience. If you book around sunset they charge extra per ticket. Though foggy at first, the views eventually cleared enough for some amazing photos. Patience and angles are key. The balloon room was our favorite, but be warned: Once you leave a room, there’s no going back inside.
Day 5: Sweet Treats, Union Square & Annie
We started our day with a visit to the Hershey's Store and Krispy Kreme in Times Square. It was the perfect way to satisfy our sweet tooth with Hershey’s treats and some fresh donuts. The kids loved it, and it was a fun way to kick off the morning.
After that, we headed to Union Square to explore. First, we checked out Lille’s Victorian, another beautifully decorated restaurant for Christmas. I had imagined we’d be able to have a full meal, but I didn’t realize the only menu available was brunch, and since we’d already eaten breakfast, we decided to leave.
We stumbled upon Tsuru Ton Tan, an incredible ramen spot that turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip. We highly recommend sharing some dishes here- everything was delicious and comforting, the perfect fuel for a day of exploring.
After lunch, we walked around the area, checking out The Strand Bookstore, which is a must for any book lover. We also popped into some consignment stores nearby, picking up a few unique finds.
In the evening, we hadn't booked tickets to a Broadway show in advance because I wanted some flexibility with our schedule. Plus, the shows we were looking at would have cost over $800! Instead, we found tickets to Annie last minute. It was a fantastic experience, and the kids loved the performance. It was the perfect way to end a fun-filled day in the city.
Day 6: The Plaza, Today Show & Joe's Pizza
Metro Tip: We paid for the subway using credit card or Apple Pay each time we rode. One important thing to note: if you spend over $34 on the metro within 7 days, that’s the maximum you’ll pay, so it’s a great deal if you're using public transit frequently during your trip. Just stay alert and keep to yourself!
Final Thoughts
Christmas in New York was everything I hoped for and more. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the trip was filled with magical moments that my kids will remember forever. While this itinerary estimated 25,000 steps per day, it was well worth it to us.
If you’re thinking about visiting New York during the holiday season, do it—there’s no place like it. 🍎🚖🗽
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