There is a reason over 6.5 million visitors come to New York City during the holidays. New York City is one of the best places to be in the U.S. during this time of year, as the city gets into the holiday spirit. From the windows at Bergdorfs to the tree at Rockefeller Center, there are traditions that make New York so special. These are some of the highlights for family holiday events in NYC this 2023.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
The Rockettes kick off (pun intended) another season of the legendary Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. You can treat yourselves to one or several VIP, add-on experiences, which include a private dance workshop and pre-show reception. Families will love the Roxy Suite Reception package. It’s a pre-show reception in the exclusive Roxy Suite at Radio City which includes a private entrance, food and beverage, and an escort to your premium seats for the show.
FAO Schwarz
NYC’s most iconic toy store, FAO Schwarz, is back. As always, you can dance the famous piano keyboard, which as Tom Hanks proved, doesn’t matter how “Big” you are. This year there’s the new Jellycat Diner in store to grab a bite. Families will love the VIP Experiences at FAO Schwarz including personal shopping. You get treated like the VIP that you are by skipping the lines and getting private access to FAO’s new VIP Suite. There’s also the Toy Soldier Experience and Dinner with a Toy Soldier. The Toy Soldier Experience gives families a behind-the-scenes look to learn about the history of FAO Schwarz. They then let you raid the FAO Schweetz Candy Bar, and you receive a special souvenir.
Dinner with a Toy Soldier is a two hour dinner experience. Families are welcomed into the world of wonder with a tour by a Toy Soldier along with a personal shopper who will help you with all your shopping needs. At the end of your tour, you will have time to play on our famous piano before being escorted to the clocktower where you will enjoy dinner.
If you’re looking for the ultimate and unique and over-the-top experience for your next special occasion, you can take over FAO’s entire 20,000 sq ft store. Stepping into this magical world of toys at FAO Schwarz makes shopping for the holidays something to remember for both kids and kids-at-heart.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
New York City Ballet’s annual season of the holiday classic, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, is a must-do this holiday season. Kids of all ages will be engaged by the ballerinas, costumes and orchestra playing the famous score. Prepare to be transported to the Land of Sweets with a Sweet Seat VIP Package. This includes premium seating and a complimentary souvenir book. For every two Sweet Seat tickets purchased you receive a complimentary keepsake photo taken onsite at the theater.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is the epicenter of the holidays for families. The VIP Rock Pass – Holiday Edition gets you a guided tour of Rockefeller Center culminating with the views from Top of the Rock. Then, you get access to one of Rockefeller Center’s hidden rooftop gardens, expedited entry and private elevator access to the observation deck, the Photo Pass and more.
The fan favorite is the exclusive, unobscured viewing of the tree, plus the Santa Photo Experience and the Christmas Tree Photo. Bonus: the new and interactive “The Beam” just opened, where you can recreate the historic photo with your family.
The Plaza
There is something about The Plaza that puts you into the holiday spirit. They take it next level with the Home Alone 2: Escape to New York package to experience one of the most iconic holiday movies and hotels firsthand. There’s also the Suitest Season of All where families will enjoy a 7-ft tall Balsam Hill decorative tree in their room.
Whether or not you stay overnight, you can add to the experience with the famous Holiday Afternoon Tea that is always a favorite. During the holidays Santa stops by The Palm Court to visit. Kids may also spot Santa in the lobby and the dining outlets. He gives a special story time in the Rose Club on select Fridays and Saturdays.
Holiday Lights and Sights Rides
The holiday North Pole Express is a holiday lights tour on a specially wrapped double-decker bus. There’s even an onboard entertainment with Santa, Elves and carol singing with NYC holiday highlights as your backdrop.
On the river during the holiday season, there’s a Santa Fun Cruise. This 1.5 hour cruise with Santa and his Elves has Christmas carols, cocoa, sweet treats and live holiday storytelling. Kids will love creating their own paper gingerbread house and Christmas tree with stickers while soaking in New York City holiday sights along the way. There’s also a complimentary glass of sparkling wine for parents to help everyone to relax and enjoy. Families can also enjoy Polar Express and other holiday light tours and more across the city.
South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport is home to holiday cheer with the sweet-smelling gingerbread metropolis exhibition, The Gingerbread City. Here, as its name implies, visitors can explore delicious gingerbread buildings up close. You won’t want to miss the workshop to make your own Balthazar gingerbread house to take home.
You can also visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark on Pier 15. The expansive holiday installation welcomes guests through a candy-cane-filled hallway. You can explore Mrs. Claus’ Candy Bar, and Santa’s Game Room in heated glasshouses along the water. There’s even a life-size sleigh set against the panoramic views of the Brooklyn skyline. VIP tickets are available with Express Entry on Santa’s VIP Line and a complimentary Santa hat.
Christmas House
You can get your VIP pass to ensure express entry with your family to Christmas House, an indoor, fully immersive Christmas experience. Then it’s time to stroll through some of the best things about Christmas and explore over 12 rooms filled with pure Christmas cheer. Highlights include The Light Show,The North Pole, and a Christmas Carnival. There is also a movie theater playing Elf. The fan fav Snowball Fight Room will provide endless entertainment.
Industry City
Industry City is hosting a winter wonderland with The Lodge, an après ski-themed outdoor heated tent in Courtyard ½. Here you can visit the Après Ski VIP Lounge featuring concierge service and hot drinks by Frying Pan Brooklyn. The Yurt is outfitted for winter cozy drinks and bites by Carreau Club. There’s also a brand new Kids Skate Hour: Winter Celebration featuring Silly Snowman and Ice Princess.
Ice Skating Al Fresco
Ice skating outdoors at the holidays is a rite of passage. Families can lace up their skates to whirl and twirl outdoors this winter while enjoying views of the city from the ice. Here’s a list of the top skate rinks that you can add to your family holiday events in NYC list this season.
- Wollman Rink NYC in Central Park
- The Rink at Rock Center
- Rudolph’s Rink in Luna Park
- Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park.
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