Best Christmas Events for Kids |
In a lot of ways Christmas is for children, the gifts, the lights, the magic that comes with the belief in Santa. It’s a time where anything can happen and wishes really do come true. New York City, while known for it’s nightlife isn’t limited to holiday shopping deals and christmas happy hours, there are many events for families to enjoy together.
2. There are so many amazing lights in NY, it’s hard to find the time to see them all, but it’s even harder to justify missing some of these glowing peices of art. See them all in one go with the NYC Holiday Lights Tour. This tour won’t just drive you around, but let you hop off so you can really experience the beauty.
3. The Zoo isn’t what first comes to mind when thinking of holiday activities, but NYC Zoos have special events dedicated to the holiday season. The Central Park Zoo, is having a Wild Holiday Party and Presents to the Animals through Dec. 21st, and the Bronx Zoo has holiday lights, the Holiday Express Train, and the Bear Express Experience which includes music, story telling, and live reindeer!
4. Chanukah may be over, but the spirit never dies. Keep the Chanukah spirit going with Klez for Kids on December 26th, where you can sing, dance, listen to Clarinetist Greg wall’s band Klezmerfest, and even learn some yiddish!
5. New York City is known for it’s large stores, and with that comes amazing window displays. Put away a day to pass by all of the great ones with this walking tour.
6. Have Breakfast with Santa! Christmas Rock Center Cafe hosts this unique event every weekend till Christmas.
7. Ice Skating in NY during Christmas is a time honored tradition, and don’t feel tied to Rockefeller Center, you can escape the hustle and bustle of all the tourists by attending one of these great spots: The Pond at Bryant Park, Riverbank Ice Skating Rink, Wollman Rink in Central Park, Lasker Rink in Central Park, City Ice Pavilion, Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, and Kate Wollman Rink in Prospect Park.
8. Bring your kids to see a broadway show, it may be one of the larger budget activities, but it’s something your children will remember forever. And, to take some weight off your wallet, try getting discounted tickets from broadwaybox.com, or TKTS booth.
9. See a spectacular display of gardens around the city with the annual Holiday Train Shows.
“Called “one of New York City’s best holiday gifts to itself,” and a chance to “see the city anew,” by the New York Times, the Holiday Train Show is a winter wonderland full of twinkling lights, and the sights and sounds of New York City at its best.”
10. And of course, the must see kid event of NYC is the Macy’s Santa!
And Have A Very Merry Christmas! 
-by Sam Richman
photo by Axel Bührmann’s photos via Getty Images
