Holiday events for NYC kids

Diwali Lights Up Asia Society: Family Day

Sat, Nov 7 · 1–4pm

Asia Society, 725 Park Ave

Members $20, nonmembers $25; kids over 2 $15

Families try Kathak and Bhangra moves, watch a Ramayana puppet show and shape clay diyas during a festive afternoon.

Checked Oct 5 · source: asiasociety.org

Deepavali at the Hindu Temple Society (Ganesh Temple)

Sun, Nov 8 · See website for times

Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam, 45-57 Bowne St, Flushing

All ages

On Diwali itself, visit one of the oldest Hindu temples in the country to see the Deepavali puja, then grab dosas at the temple's canteen.

Checked Sep 26 · source: nyganeshtemple.org

Diwali Day at CMOM

Sun, Nov 8 · 10:30am–4pm

Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W 83rd St

Included with admission ($18; $17 online; under 1 free)

Kids make paper sky lamps and rangoli collages, dance with tea lights and catch a Ramleela puppet show.

• Leave the stroller
• Restrooms
• Changing tables

Checked Oct 5 · source: cmom.org

Diwali Festival at the Bhakti Center

Sun, Nov 8 · 4–9pm

Bhakti Center, 25 First Ave, East Village

Free (registration requested)

The East Village center's free Diwali night includes traditional Indian dance, face painting, henna, a photo booth, kirtan, a feast and a lamp offering.

Checked Nov 2 · source: bhakticenter.org

Diwali Celebration at the South Street Seaport Museum

Tue, Nov 10 · 4–6pm

South Street Seaport Museum, 213 Water St, Seaport

Free (preregistration encouraged)

All ages

Float a decorated candle lamp on Water Street, try henna, hear a Diwali puppet story and learn classical dance gestures at this free evening party.

• Strollers: some areas
• Restrooms

Checked Oct 17 · source: southstreetseaportmuseum.org

Celebrate Diwali at Brooklyn Children's Museum

Thu, Nov 12 · 2–5pm

Brooklyn Children's Museum, Crown Heights

Free (Community Access Thursday)

All ages

Brooklyn Children's Museum marks the Festival of Lights with hands-on Diwali activities during its free Thursday afternoon community hours.

• Stroller-friendly
• Restrooms

Checked Sep 28 · source: brooklynkids.org

Prospect Park November Weekend Nature Exploration

Sat–Sun, Nov 7–29, incl. Thanksgiving weekend · 10am–1pm

Prospect Park Audubon Center, Brooklyn

All ages

Drop in on any November weekend, including Thanksgiving weekend, for leaf art, leaf-litter bug hunts and easy citizen-science activities at the boathouse.

Checked Sep 26 · source: prospectpark.org

Riverside Church Turkey Trot & Youth Turkey Dash

Sat, Nov 7 · from 9am

Randall's Island Park, East Harlem

Youth dash from $27.50; 5K from $48.70

Youth dash ages 2–13; 5K all ages with guardian

Little runners get their own turkey dash, a 100-yard sprint for ages 2–5 or a half-mile for ages 6–13, while grown-ups do the 5K.

Checked Sep 28 · source: trcnyc.org

Native American Fall Festival at Garvies Point Museum

Sat–Sun, Nov 14–15 · 10am–4pm

Garvies Point Museum & Preserve, 50 Barry Dr, Glen Cove, NY

$15 adults, $8 kids 5–12, $10 seniors 62+; under 5 free

All ages

Kids grind corn, try a fire bow, shape clay pots and hear Montaukett stories at this two-day Long Island heritage festival with campfire cooking demos.

Checked Nov 3 · source: garviespointmuseum.com

NSRF Manhattan Turkey Trot & Free Kiddie Dash

Sun, Nov 15 · Kiddie Dash 9:30am, 5K 10am

Randall's Island Field #10

Kiddie Dash free; 5K from $38.98

All ages

An early turkey trot on Randall's Island where kids can run a free dash before parents set off on the 5K loop.

Checked Sep 26 · source: events.elitefeats.com

1863 Thanksgiving Day Celebration at Old Bethpage Village

Sat–Sun, Nov 21–22 · 10am–4pm (last entry 2:15pm)

Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Old Bethpage, Long Island (about 1 hr drive)

$15 adults, $12 kids 5–12, free 4 and under

All ages

Step into a Civil War-era Thanksgiving with hearth cooking demos, period customs and costumed reenactors across a whole 19th-century village.

Checked Sep 26 · source: ffobvr.ticketspice.com

Hearth & Harvest Festival at Historic Richmond Town

Sat, Nov 21 · 11am–4pm

Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave, Richmondtown

All ages

Watch Indigenous dance and storytelling, try crafts, and see 18th- and 19th-century dishes cooked over open hearths in the village kitchens.

• Strollers: some areas
• Restrooms

Checked Sep 26 · source: historicrichmondtown.org

Stamford Giant Balloon Inflation Party

Sat, Nov 21 · 3–6pm

Hoyt St at Summer St, Stamford, CT (about 1 hr drive)

All ages

The night before Stamford's parade, see giant character balloons get inflated up close, with live music, performers and a Santa visit.

Checked Sep 26 · source: stamford-downtown.com

Hoboken Turkey Trot & 1-Mile Fun Run

Sat, Nov 21 · 1-mile fun run 9am, 5K 10am

Pier A Park, Hoboken, NJ

Fun run $20 (rises after Oct 18); 5K from $35

All ages

A one-mile family fun run kicks off before the 5K along Hoboken's Hudson waterfront, with big Manhattan skyline views.

Checked Oct 4 · source: runsignup.com

Brooklyn's Largest Menorah Lighting

Nightly, Fri Dec 4 – Fri Dec 11 · exact times posted in late November

Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park entrance, Park Slope

All ages

Chabad of Park Slope lights its giant menorah each night with live music, hot latkes and small gifts for kids.

Checked Sep 26 · source: chabadparkslope.com

Riverdale Giant Menorah Lighting

Nightly, Fri Dec 4 – Fri Dec 11 · see website for times

Bell Tower Park (Riverdale Monument), W. 239th St & Riverdale Ave, Riverdale

All ages

Chabad of Riverdale lights a big public menorah at the neighborhood's bell tower monument every night of Hanukkah.

Checked Sep 26 · source: chabadbronx.org

World's Largest Menorah Lighting (Manhattan)

Nightly, Fri Dec 4 – Fri Dec 11 · exact times posted in late November (Fri lighting is before sundown, Sat after Shabbat)

Grand Army Plaza, Fifth Ave & 59th St, Midtown

All ages

Watch a crane lift the rabbi up to light the 36-foot Agam menorah by Central Park, a Hanukkah tradition since 1977.

Checked Sep 26 · source: chabad.org

Festival of Lights: Chanukah in Marine Park

Sun, Dec 6 · See website for times

Marine Park (held at the Carmine Carro Community Center, 3000 Fillmore Ave, in past years)

All ages

A free NYC Parks Hanukkah get-together in Marine Park, usually hosted by the Marine Park Alliance with a menorah lighting and treats.

Checked Sep 28 · source: nycgovparks.org

Chanukah Extravaganzukah at 92NY

Sun, Dec 13 · 10:30am

92NY, Geffen Stage at Kaufmann Concert Hall (enter on 92nd St between Lexington & 3rd Aves), Upper East Side

Israeli dance troupe Parparim leads an interactive Chanukah show with dancing dreidels and robots, followed by crafts, games, face painting and snacks.

Checked Oct 21 · source: 92ny.org

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Opens Sat, Oct 10 for the 2026–27 season · 60-minute sessions; hours and closing date TBA

Rockefeller Center, Midtown (enter on 49th St between 5th & 6th Aves)

General Skate from $22; VIP Skate from $131

All ages

Skate a one-hour session on the famous sunken rink, right below where the giant Christmas tree goes up each winter.

Checked Sep 26 · source: rockefellercenter.com

Wollman Rink in Central Park

Daily from Wed, Oct 28 through Mar 16 · Mon–Tue 10am–2:30pm; Wed, Thu, Sun 10am–9pm; Fri–Sat 10am–10pm

Wollman Rink, Central Park (near 59th St & 6th Ave)

Adults $16–$40 depending on time; kids 4–12 $12; under 3 free; skate rental $12

All ages

Glide around Central Park's classic outdoor rink with the Midtown skyline rising above the trees on every side.

Checked Nov 2 · source: wollmanrinknyc.com

Holiday Shops at Bryant Park

Daily, Oct 28–Jan 3 · Mon–Fri 11am–8pm, Sat–Sun 10am–8pm

Bank of America Winter Village, Bryant Park, Midtown

All ages

Wander rows of glass kiosks selling toys, gifts and warm snacks around the rink, an easy stop between Midtown holiday sights.

Checked Nov 2 · source: bryantpark.org

Winter Village Ice Rink at Bryant Park

Daily, Oct 28–Feb 28 · 8am–10pm (until midnight Nov 19–Jan 3)

Bryant Park, Midtown (6th Ave & 42nd St)

Free with your own skates (reserve a free ticket online); rentals $18.72–$64.48

All ages

Skating is free if you bring your own blades, so families can do laps under Midtown towers and grab cocoa nearby.

Checked Nov 2 · source: bryantpark.org

Ice Skating at LeFrak Center at Lakeside

Opens Sat, Oct 31 · open-air rink daily 9am–6pm, plus Fri–Sat 7–10pm; covered rink afternoons

LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park

$10 weekday daytime (Tue–Fri); $15 evenings, weekends & holidays; $5 Monday Special; skate rental $10 (cash prices, card slightly higher)

Prospect Park's two-rink skating center reopens for the winter, with an open-air rink, a covered rink and budget-friendly Monday sessions.

Checked Oct 26 · source: lakeside.prospectpark.org

The Polar Express Train Ride in Whippany

Select dates Nov 1–Dec 30 · several departures daily, late morning to evening (no trains Thanksgiving, Christmas Day or Dec 31)

Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany, NJ (about 1 hour drive)

Coach from $67 adults, $59 kids 2–11 (value dates); first class and sensory-friendly departures also offered

Families board a real vintage-style train bound for the North Pole as the beloved picture book comes to life with costumed chefs and holiday cheer.

Checked Oct 22 · source: whippanythepolarexpressride.com

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Nov 4–Jan 4 · several shows most days; 90 minutes, no intermission

Radio City Music Hall, Midtown

From $50 at the box office ($55 online)

All ages

The Rockettes kick through a record 230 performances of their 90-minute holiday revue, adding a brand-new scene and fresh stage technology this year.

Checked Nov 2 · source: rockettes.com

Gingerbread NYC at the Museum of the City of New York

Opens Fri, Nov 6 · Mon–Fri 10am–5pm (Wed to 9pm), Sat–Sun 10am–6pm

Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave, East Harlem

$23 adults; 18 and under free; NYC residents pay what you wish; free for all on Wednesdays

All ages

Bakers recreate scenes from all five boroughs in gingerbread, icing and candy for the Museum of the City of New York's annual holiday exhibition.

• Strollers: some areas
• Restrooms

Checked Sep 28 · source: mcny.org

Kwanzaa Celebration at Beczak (Yonkers)

Sat, Dec 26 · 2pm–4pm

Beczak Environmental Education Center, 35 Alexander St, Yonkers (about 30 min drive)

All ages

An afternoon Kwanzaa gathering by the Hudson River with music, food and a friendly community feel for families.

Checked Sep 26 · source: eventbrite.com

Kwanzaa Celebration at Brooklyn Children's Museum

Sat–Wed, Dec 26–30 · 10am–5pm

Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave, Crown Heights

All ages

NYC's biggest Kwanzaa festival returns for a 19th year with daily candle lightings, drumming, dance and art workshops.

• Stroller-friendly
• Restrooms

Checked Sep 26 · source: brooklynkids.org

Kwanzaa: Unity in the Community (Staten Island)

Sat, Dec 26 · 6:30pm–10:30pm

Central Family Life Center, 59 Wright St, Stapleton

All ages

A community Kwanzaa night with African drumming, dance, candle lighting, a small marketplace and a shared Karamu feast.

Checked Sep 26 · source: eventbrite.com

New Year's Eve Fireworks in Prospect Park

Thu, Dec 31 · fireworks at midnight (live music beforehand; 2026 times posted closer to date)

Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park

All ages

Brooklyn's 45-year tradition of live music and midnight fireworks over Grand Army Plaza; best for older kids who can stay up late.

Checked Sep 26 · source: prospectpark.org

Countdown to 12! Noon Year's Eve at Long Island Children's Museum

Thu, Dec 31 · 10am–5pm (extended hours; three ball drops)

Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Ave, Garden City, Long Island

$25 adults and children; $23 seniors 65+

All ages

Little ones ring in the year early with three ball drops, a confetti bag each, a dance party and New Year's crafts at LICM.

Checked Oct 8 · source: licm.org

NYRR Midnight Run in Central Park

Thu, Dec 31 · race starts at midnight with fireworks (pre-race party 6–10pm)

Central Park, Manhattan

Race entry up to $74 (one guest spectator wristband included)

Runners and their cheering families welcome 2027 with a four-mile Central Park loop that kicks off under midnight fireworks.

Checked Oct 9 · source: events.nyrr.org

Three Kings Day Parade and Community Celebration

Wed, Jan 6 · 9am–3pm (parade plus celebration; performers TBA)

El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave, and streets of East Harlem

Register on website (Eventbrite)

All ages

El Museo's 49th annual parade fills East Harlem with camels, floats and schoolchildren, followed by music, performances and art-making for families.

Checked Nov 2 · source: elmuseo.org

Lunar New Year at Long Island Children's Museum

Sat–Sun, Jan 30–31 · See website for times

Long Island Children's Museum, Garden City, NY (about 45 min drive)

All ages

A weekend of hands-on Lunar New Year traditions, stories and crafts for young kids at a big Long Island children's museum.

Checked Sep 26 · source: licm.org

New Jersey Symphony Lunar New Year Celebration

Sat, Jan 30 · 7:30pm

Prudential Hall, NJPAC, Newark, NJ (about 30 min by train or car)

All ages

The orchestra welcomes the Year of the Goat with symphonic pieces, choral music and dance, led by conductor Naomi Woo with pianist Sophia Liu.

Checked Oct 8 · source: njpac.org

Lunar New Year: Celebrating the Year of the Fire Goat

Sun, Jan 31 · 3pm (65 minutes)

Colden Auditorium, Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Queens College, Flushing

All ages

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company welcomes the Year of the Goat with dragons, lion dancers, acrobatics and swirling ribbons.

Checked Oct 4 · source: kupferbergcenter.org

Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony

Sat, Feb 6 · 11am–3:30pm

Sara D. Roosevelt Park at Grand St, Chinatown

All ages

Chinatown greets the new year with loud firecrackers, lion dancers and cultural performances; bring ear protection for little ones.

Checked Sep 26 · source: betterchinatown.com

Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown

Sun, Feb 21 · 1pm

Chinatown streets (see website for route)

All ages

Lion and dragon dancers, marching bands and colorful floats wind through Chinatown in one of the city's liveliest parades.

Checked Sep 26 · source: betterchinatown.com