Christmas & winter holiday events for kids in NYC

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

A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three

Nov 7–Dec 27 · evenings at 7pm plus Wednesday matinees

Theatre Three, Port Jefferson, Long Island (about 1.5 hr drive)

Adults $45; kids 5–12 $30; all November shows and Wed matinees $30

Ages 5+ (no children under 5)

This Long Island village theater stages Dickens' ghost story for the 42nd year running, packed with music, carols and Scrooge's big change of heart.

Checked Sep 28 · source: theatrethree.com

Nutcracker Sweets & The Steadfast Tin Soldier at Puppetworks

Sat–Sun, Nov 7–Dec 30 · 12:30pm and 2:30pm (55 minutes)

Puppetworks, 51 35th St (2nd floor), Industry City, Sunset Park

$11 kids, $12 adults (pay at the door; email to reserve)

Ages 2 and up

Hand-carved marionettes dance through Tchaikovsky's Land of Sweets, paired with Andersen's tale of a brave one-legged toy soldier.

Checked Oct 26 · source: puppetworks.org

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrival

Sat, Nov 7 · Meet the Tree Day 10am–1pm

Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown (between 5th & 6th Aves, 48th–51st Sts)

Free (first come, first served)

All ages

Greet this year's 76-foot Norway spruce from West Edmeston on arrival day, with a free Care Bears and FAO Schwarz holiday craft workshop and photos.

Checked Nov 4 · source: rockefellercenter.com

Grand Central Holiday Fair

Nov 9–Dec 16: Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 11am–6pm · Dec 17–23: 10am–8pm · Dec 24: 10am–6pm · closed Thanksgiving

Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, Midtown East

All ages

An indoor artisan market fills Vanderbilt Hall with handmade jewelry, pottery and art, a warm option on cold or rainy December days.

Checked Nov 2 · source: grandcentralterminal.com

LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival

Nov 11–Jan 3 · Sun–Thu 4:30–9:30pm, Fri–Sat 4:30–10pm · closed Mon–Tue until Dec 14, and on Thanksgiving, Dec 24 and Dec 25

Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, Long Island

Adults $29–$33, kids 4–12 $22–$26, 3 and under free

All ages

A walk-through winter light festival spread over 14 acres, with glowing animal figures, a 40-foot tree, a mini train ride and Santa visits.

Checked Oct 8 · source: luminocityfestival.com

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Nov 12–Dec 27 · see website for times

John W. Engeman Theater, Northport, Long Island (about 1 hr 15 min drive)

All ages

Max the dog narrates this Dr. Seuss stage musical, where the Grinch sneers through 'You're a Mean One' before Whoville wins him over.

Checked Sep 26 · source: engemantheater.com

Blue Man Group: A New Holiday Surprise

Nov 12–Jan 3 · see website for showtimes

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W 46th St, Theater District

3+

Blue Man Group brings a 90-minute holiday edition of its drumming, paint and wordless comedy show to Broadway for the season.

Checked Oct 11 · source: broadwaydirect.com

Union Square Holiday Market

Daily, Nov 12–Dec 24 · Sun–Wed 11am–8pm, Thu–Fri 11am–9pm, Sat 10am–9pm

Union Square Park, Manhattan (4/5/6, L, N/Q/R/W to 14 St–Union Sq)

All ages

Close to 200 red-and-white stalls fill Union Square with handmade gifts, toys and hot snacks, an easy family stroll after school.

Checked Nov 2 · source: urbanspacemarkets.com

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

Weekends: Nov 13–15, 20–22, 27–29; Dec 3–6, 10–13, 17–20 · see website for hours

SteelStacks, Bethlehem, PA (about 1.5–1.75 hr drive)

All ages

A huge German-style Christmas market beside old steel blast furnaces, with artisan stalls, holiday treats and family activities every weekend.

Checked Sep 26 · source: artsquest.org

New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show at Grand Central

Opens Fri, Nov 13 · Mon–Fri 10am–7:30pm, Sat–Sun 10am–6pm (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas)

Transit Museum Gallery & Store, Shuttle Passage off the Main Concourse, Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St, Midtown

A free miniature-train layout in Grand Central's Shuttle Passage, with model trains circling past tiny city landmarks on their way to the North Pole.

• Strollers: some areas
• Quietest Wed–Fri, 1–4pm

Checked Oct 16 · source: nytransitmuseum.org

Holiday Express: Toys and Trains at The New York Historical

Nov 13–Mar 14 · Tue–Thu & Sat–Sun 11am–5pm, Fri 11am–8pm (closed Mon)

The New York Historical, 170 Central Park West at 77th St, Upper West Side

With museum admission: adults $24, kids 5–13 $6, under 5 free; pay-as-you-wish Fri 5–8pm

All ages

The museum's yearly display of vintage model trains, toy stations and miniatures returns, with a family scavenger hunt and train storytimes on select dates.

Checked Oct 23 · source: nyhistory.org

NYBG Holiday Train Show

Nov 14–Jan 10 · daytime, plus evenings to 8pm (last entry 7:15pm) Nov 27–29; Dec 5, 11–12, 18–20, 26–30; Jan 2 · sensory-friendly mornings Nov 21 & Jan 9, 9–11am

Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, New York Botanical Garden, Bedford Park

All ages

Model trains rumble past miniature New York landmarks crafted from bark, seeds and leaves inside the Garden's glass Conservatory.

• Strollers: some areas
• Restrooms
• Changing tables

Checked Nov 2 · source: nybg.org

The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Purchase PAC

Sat, Nov 14 · 7pm (2 hr 20 min with intermission)

The Purchase PAC, SUNY Purchase, Westchester (about 45 min drive)

All ages

Tchaikovsky meets hip hop as a dozen dancers, a DJ and a violinist move the Nutcracker story to modern-day New York.

Checked Sep 26 · source: artscenter.org

The Elf Experience at Rockefeller Center

Daily timed entry · about 40 minutes

HERO, Rink Level, 19 W 49th St, Rockefeller Center

Timed tickets; ages 2 and under free

All ages

Walk through full-scale sets from the movie Elf, from the Candy Cane Forest to Santa's Workshop, ending with a stop at Gimbels.

Checked Oct 5 · source: elftheexperience.com

Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Daily, Nov 14–Jan 31 · session times on website

Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dumbo

All ages

A seasonal pop-up rink tucked right under the Brooklyn Bridge, with skate, helmet and skate-buddy rentals and big Manhattan skyline views.

• Restrooms

Checked Oct 8 · source: brooklynbridgepark.org

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

Select dates, Nov 14–Jan 1 · Santa's Grand Illumination Sat, Nov 14; Hanukkah celebration select dates Dec 4–12; Kwanzaa Dec 26–Jan 1; NYE fireworks Dec 31 · check park calendar for hours

Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA (about 1.5 hours' drive)

Included with park admission; see website

Best for ages 2–8

Sesame Street's theme park adds millions of lights, a holiday character parade, Christmas shows and a Santa workshop to its kid-sized rides.

Checked Oct 8 · source: sesameplace.com

The Hip Hop Nutcracker at State Theatre NJ

Sun, Nov 15 · 6:30pm

State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ (about 1 hr drive)

Ages 5+

Rap pioneer Kurtis Blow opens this street-dance Nutcracker, where Maria-Clara's adventure plays out amid digital graffiti and a live DJ.

Checked Sep 26 · source: stnj.org

Shine Bright at Hudson Yards

Nov 16–Jan 7 · Vessel lighting ceremony Mon, Nov 16 (doors 5pm, show 6pm) · free Santa photos Mon–Fri 5–8pm, Nov 27–Dec 23

Hudson Yards (Vessel and The Shops, Level 3 for Santa), West Side

Santa photos free; see website for lighting ceremony details

All ages

Over two million lights, 725 evergreens and a light-wrapped Vessel turn Hudson Yards festive, with free weekday Santa photos inside The Shops.

Checked Oct 8 · source: hudsonyardsnewyork.com

Harlem Holiday Lights

Tue, Nov 17 · kickoff 6pm (rain date Tue, Nov 24)

125th St from Fifth Ave to Marginal St (kickoff at 560 W 125th St), Harlem

All ages

More than 20 lighted floats roll along 125th Street to switch on Harlem's holiday lights, with music, singing trees and toy giveaways.

Checked Oct 8 · source: harlemlightitup.org

Mary Poppins at Paper Mill Playhouse

Nov 18–Jan 3 · matinees 1:30pm, evenings 7 or 7:30pm; see website for schedule

Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn, NJ (about 45 min drive)

All ages

Paper Mill's holiday-season family musical brings the flying nanny, dancing chimney sweeps and a spoonful of stage magic to suburban New Jersey.

Checked Sep 26 · source: my.papermill.org

Westchester's Winter Wonderland

NovemberFest walk-through Thu–Sun, Nov 19–22; drive-thru nightly Nov 27–Dec 31 · 5:30–9:45pm

Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Pkwy, Valhalla, NY

$44–$65 per car (drive-thru)

Glowing tunnels and festive light scenes at Kensico Dam, first as a November walk-through, then as a drive-through you can enjoy from the car.

Checked Oct 15 · source: wwinterwonderland.com

Macy's Herald Square Holiday Windows & Santaland

Windows on view Thu, Nov 19 – Mon, Jan 4 · Santaland opens in November (exact date and hours not yet posted); free reservations open Fri, Nov 20

Macy's Herald Square, 34th St & Broadway, Midtown

Windows free to view; Santaland free with reservation (paid premium package also offered)

All ages

Macy's flagship windows tell the Blue Hippopotamus story this year, and a redesigned Santaland takes kids on a North Star Express ride to meet Santa.

Checked Oct 28 · source: macysinc.com

Winter Lantern Festival at Snug Harbor

Opening night Thu, Nov 19 · 6:30–10pm; then nightly Nov 20–Jan 10 · 5–10pm (last entry 9pm)

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, St. George

From $18 (varies by date and ticket type)

Huge handmade LED lanterns glow across Snug Harbor's grounds each night, with an acrobatics show and local food vendors on site.

Checked Oct 28 · source: snug-harbor.org

A Christmas Carol at PAC NYC

Nov 20–Jan 3 · matinees and evenings; relaxed performance Wed, Dec 16 at 1pm

Perelman Performing Arts Center, World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan

Families (contains haze and loud noises)

Andy Karl stars as Scrooge in the Old Vic's joyful take on Dickens, with carols woven throughout and a relaxed performance Dec 16.

Checked Sep 26 · source: pacnyc.org

A Christmas Story: The Musical

Fri, Nov 20 7:30pm · Sat, Nov 21 2pm & 7:30pm · Sun, Nov 22 1pm

State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ (about 1 hr drive)

Ages 5+

Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun becomes a toe-tapping touring musical from the songwriters behind The Greatest Showman.

Checked Sep 26 · source: stnj.org

Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Select evenings, Nov 20–Jan 3 · timed entry; Dec 10 & 17 are 21+ nights; sensory-friendly early entry 4pm Dec 3 & 18

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Prospect Heights

Adults $29–$44, kids 3–11 $15–$28 depending on the night; 0–2 free

All ages

Follow an after-dark trail through the Garden past glowing tunnels, lit-up trees and light installations timed to music.

• Strollers: some areas
• Restrooms
• Midweek or early weekends

Checked Nov 2 · source: bbg.org

Magic of Lights at Jones Beach

Nightly · Sun–Thu 5–10pm, Fri–Sat 5–11pm

Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, Long Island

From $22 per car online in November ($30 at the gate); Santa Saver car ticket $29.98

A drive-through holiday light show along the Jones Beach parkway that families can enjoy from the warmth of the car.

Checked Oct 1 · source: magicoflights.com

Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo

Fri–Sun, Nov 20–22 & 27–29, then nightly Dec 4–31 · 5–9pm (closed Dec 24–25)

Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ

Free (no reservations; donations welcome)

The New Jersey zoo's paths glow with holiday light displays on late-November weekends and every December night, with Santa on hand.

Checked Oct 13 · source: turtlebackzoo.com

Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center

Nightly, Nov 20–Jan 3 · Sun–Thu 5–10pm, Fri–Sat 5–11pm

PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ (about 1 hr drive)

Per car: November visits $22 online ($30 at gate); Santa Saver $29.99 any day or $25.99 Mon–Thu if bought online by Nov 19; season pass $89.99

Families stay warm in the car while cruising past glowing holiday scenes at this drive-through light show at the Holmdel arts center.

Checked Oct 19 · source: magicoflights.com

Photos with Santa at Queens Center

Daily Nov 20–Dec 24 (closed Thanksgiving) · roughly 11am–7pm, later in mid-December; sensory-friendly session Sun, Dec 6 · 9–10:30am

Queens Center, Level 3, 90-15 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst

Free visit; photo packages sold separately

Santa sets up in Elmhurst's big mall for the season, with free visits, optional photo packages and a quiet sensory-friendly morning on December 6.

Checked Oct 28 · source: shopqueenscenter.com

Barnaby Saves Christmas

Nov 21–Dec 27 · see website for times; sensory-friendly show Sun, Nov 22 at 11am

Theatre Three, Port Jefferson, Long Island (about 1.5 hr drive)

Kids and families

The littlest elf and his reindeer pal race to rescue Christmas in this kids' musical that also celebrates Hanukkah and the whole season.

Checked Sep 26 · source: theatrethree.com

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Select nights: Nov 21–22, 27–29; Dec 3–6, 10–13, 17–23, 26–31; Jan 2–3 · zoo from 1pm, lights on 4:30pm, last entry 8pm

Bronx Zoo, Fordham / West Farms

Deal nights from $29.95 adults, $14.95 kids 3–12; any-night tickets $42.95 / $27.95; 2 and under free

All ages

Giant glowing animal lanterns line six themed trails, and this year the Children's Zoo farmyard with alpacas and goats stays open after dark.

• Strollers: some areas
• Restrooms
• Changing tables
• Plan 2–2.5 hrs
• Quieter in fall & winter

Checked Nov 2 · source: bronxzoo.com

White Christmas at CM Performing Arts Center

Several shows weekly; sensory-friendly show Sat, Nov 28 at 2pm

CM Performing Arts Center, Oakdale, Long Island

School age (about 2 hr 45 min)

A Long Island staging of the classic song-and-dance holiday musical about saving a Vermont inn, including a sensory-friendly matinee.

Checked Sep 27 · source: cmpac.com

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure

Select nights, Nov 21–Jan 3

Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ

Park admission (included with Gold Season Pass)

The returning holiday event turns the park into storybook winter villages with tree lightings, carolers, cookie decorating, Santa and rides.

Checked Oct 5 · source: sixflags.com

New York Theatre Ballet's The Nutcracker at Brookfield Place

Sat, Nov 21 · 1pm & 7pm; Sun, Nov 22 · 1pm

Winter Garden at Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St, Lower Manhattan

Free with advance Eventbrite registration (opens Wed, Nov 4, 10am); walk-ins if space allows

New York Theatre Ballet brings its kid-sized Nutcracker to the glass-domed Winter Garden for three free performances the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Checked Oct 30 · source: bfplny.com

Black Santa Sundays at Kings Plaza

Sundays Nov 22 & 29, Dec 6, 13 & 20 · 11am–7pm

Kings Plaza, Level 2, 5100 Kings Plaza, Mill Basin

Free visit; photo packages sold separately

On five Sundays this season, Kings Plaza's Santa photo set features a Black Santa, and booking a time slot ahead is recommended.

Checked Oct 28 · source: kingsplazaonline.com

AMNH Origami Holiday Tree

Opens Mon, Nov 23 · museum open daily 10am–5:30pm (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas)

American Museum of Natural History, Futter Gallery off the Grand Gallery (1st floor), Upper West Side

Included with museum admission

All ages

The natural history museum's holiday tree returns, decked out in hundreds of folded-paper animals and fossils made by origami volunteers.

• Strollers: some areas
• Restrooms

Checked Oct 20 · source: amnh.org

Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows & Light Show

Unveiled Mon, Nov 23 · evening light show (showtimes not yet posted)

Saks Fifth Avenue flagship, 611 Fifth Ave (across from Rockefeller Center)

Free to watch from the street

All ages

Saks lights up its Fifth Avenue facade again, while six center windows show an animated holiday adventure across New York City.

Checked Oct 28 · source: prnewswire.com

A Magical Cirque Christmas

Fri, Nov 27 · 4:30pm & 7:30pm

State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ (about 1 hr drive)

Ages 5+

Acrobats, strongmen, comedy and magic set to holiday tunes make a festive family outing on the day after Thanksgiving.

Checked Sep 26 · source: stnj.org

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker (NYC Ballet)

Nov 27–Jan 2 · see website for showtimes

David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, Upper West Side

Ages 5+ (every child needs a ticket, including lap kids)

Watch the Christmas tree grow and snowflakes swirl in NYC Ballet's classic Nutcracker, danced to Tchaikovsky's score with a live orchestra.

Checked Nov 2 · source: nycballet.com

Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND New York

Nov 27–Jan 2 on park operating days · check the park calendar for open dates

LEGOLAND New York Resort, Goshen, NY (about 1 hr 15 min drive)

Included with park admission

Best for ages 2–12

The LEGO theme park goes festive with holiday brick builds, a holiday dance party and a synthetic-ice skating rink for families.

Checked Sep 26 · source: legoland.com

Illuminate the Farm at Queens County Farm Museum

Nov 27 – Jan 7 · hours to be announced

Queens County Farm Museum, Glen Oaks

All ages

NYC's largest working farm glows with holiday lights from Thanksgiving weekend into early January; hours and tickets are still to be posted.

• Stroller-friendly
• Restrooms

Checked Sep 28 · source: queensfarm.org

The Polar Express Train Ride (Delaware River Railroad)

Fri–Sun, Nov 27–29 and Dec 4–6, 11–13, 18–20 · several departures daily · 90-minute round trip

Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg, NJ (day trip, about 1 hour 15 minutes)

All ages

Families ride a 90-minute round trip with cocoa, cookies, a reading of the classic story and a visit from Santa.

Checked Oct 4 · source: 877trainride.com

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage

Fri, Nov 27 · 2pm & 5pm

Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown, NJ

All ages

The Peanuts gang searches for the true meaning of Christmas in a stage version of the TV special, set to Vince Guaraldi's music.

Checked Oct 4 · source: mayoarts.org

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tours

Bus tours depart 4, 5, 6 & 7pm (about 4 hrs); walking tour about 90 min

Bus from 5th Ave & E 41st St; walking tour meets at 86th St & 12th Ave

Bus tour $75; walking tour $35

Guided tours stroll past Dyker Heights homes famous for giant toy soldiers, animatronic Santas and blocks of blazing holiday lights.

Checked Oct 5 · source: dykerheightschristmaslights.com

Big Apple Circus

Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 18, 2027 (showtimes not yet listed)

Big top at Marx Brothers Playground, East Harlem

Price not listed on the official page yet

All ages

New York's own one-ring circus puts up its big top again for the holidays, with acrobats, clowns and daring acts close to the audience.

Checked Oct 28 · source: bigapplecircus.com

Jolly Jamboree at Long Island Children's Museum

Sat, Nov 28 · 5:30–8:30pm

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

$16 ($14 members), adults and children

All ages

An evening holiday kickoff at the museum with festive art projects, holiday-themed performances and visits with Santa.

Checked Oct 8 · source: licm.org

A Christmas Carol the Musical at the Players Theatre

Evenings 7pm, Sat 3pm, Sun 11am & 2pm; no shows Dec 24–26

The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St, Greenwich Village

A cozy off-Broadway musical take on Scrooge's story, and its Sunday morning shows begin with a free hands-on family workshop at 10am.

Checked Sep 27 · source: scroogeinthevillage.com

NJ Ballet's The Nutcracker

Sensory-friendly show Sun, Nov 29 2pm (Rahway) · bergenPAC Dec 5–6 at 1pm & 4:30pm · Mayo PAC Dec 11–27

UCPAC Rahway, bergenPAC Englewood & Mayo PAC Morristown, NJ (30–60 min drive)

$8 sensory-friendly; $35–$65 Englewood; $45–$101 Morristown

All ages

New Jersey's long-running Nutcracker plays three stages, including live New Jersey Symphony music in Morristown and an $8 sensory-friendly matinee.

Checked Sep 28 · source: njballet.org

Santa Brunch at American Girl Place New York

Sun, Nov 29 and Dec 6, 13 & 20 · 8:45–10am

American Girl Place, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown

$55 per guest (reservations required for every adult and child; non-refundable)

3 and up

Families share an early brunch at the Rockefeller Plaza doll store, and Santa stops by partway through for visits and photos.

Checked Oct 28 · source: americangirl.com

A Very SW!NG OUT Holiday

Dec 1–6 · evenings 7:30pm; matinees Sat–Sun 2pm (family matinee Sat, Dec 5)

The Joyce Theater, Chelsea

All ages

Lindy hop dancers swing to holiday classics played live by a big band, and the audience is invited to join a dance jam.

Checked Sep 28 · source: joyce.org

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Daily, Dec 1–31 · Mon–Thu 11am–7pm, Fri–Sun 10am–8pm

Columbus Circle at the southwest corner of Central Park (1, A/B/C/D to 59 St–Columbus Circle)

All ages

A compact holiday market at the edge of Central Park, good for browsing gifts and grabbing a warm treat before a park walk.

Checked Nov 2 · source: urbanspacemarkets.com

Bryant Park Tree Lighting

Tue, Dec 1 · 5:30pm (seating from 3:30pm)

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, Midtown (6th Ave & 42nd St)

All ages

Bryant Park's Winter Village switches on its holiday tree with a free evening show; seating opens at 3:30pm and fills first come, first served.

Checked Nov 4 · source: bryantpark.org

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Wed, Dec 2, evening (time TBA) · tree arrives Sat, Nov 7

Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown (between 5th & 6th Aves, 48th–51st Sts)

All ages

Watch Midtown's famous giant tree switch on for the season at this televised ceremony, then admire the lights and skaters around the plaza.

Checked Sep 30 · source: rockefellercenter.com

Springfield Park Christmas Tree Lighting

Wed, Dec 2 · 6–7:30pm

Springfield Park, 184th St & 146th Rd entrance, Springfield Gardens

All ages

A neighborhood countdown lights the park's tree, with holiday music, warm drinks, early photos with Santa and a bike-and-helmet giveaway for some kids.

Checked Oct 24 · source: volunteersforspringfieldpark.org

Dumbo Holiday Tree Lighting

Thu, Dec 3 · 4–7pm (tree lit at 5:30pm)

Dumbo Archway & Plaza, Dumbo

Dumbo's tree switches on under the Manhattan Bridge archway with Santa and elves, student performers, holiday music, projections and donated cocoa.

Checked Oct 19 · source: dumbo.nyc

New York Theatre Ballet's Nutcracker at Kupferberg Center

Fri, Dec 4 · 7pm

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

Ages 3+

New York Theatre Ballet brings its short, kid-sized Nutcracker to Queens College for one evening, an ideal first ballet for little ones.

Checked Sep 28 · source: kupferbergcenter.org

Tree Lighting at Historic Richmond Town

Fri, Dec 4 · 5–6pm (tree lit at 6pm)

Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave, Richmondtown

All ages

Local groups sing, Santa stops by to say hello, and the village tree flickers on at 6pm in Staten Island's historic town.

• Strollers: some areas
• Restrooms

Checked Sep 26 · source: historicrichmondtown.org

Christmas in Historic Richmond Town

Sat–Sun, Dec 5–6 · 12–4pm

Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave, Richmondtown

All ages

Ride a horse-drawn carriage, visit Santa, shop handmade crafts and watch costumed interpreters demonstrate old-time skills across the historic village.

• Strollers: some areas
• Restrooms

Checked Sep 26 · source: historicrichmondtown.org

Tilt! An '80s Circus Thrill Ride

Dec 5–Jan 3 · see website for times; sensory-friendly show Sat, Dec 12 at 5pm

New Victory Theater, Times Square

Ages 5+

Acrobats turn retro amusement-park rides into circus acts, including a human-powered Ferris wheel, over the holidays and winter break.

Checked Sep 26 · source: newvictory.org

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Queens County Farm Museum

Sat, Dec 5 · times to be announced

Queens County Farm Museum, Glen Oaks

All ages

The city's largest working farm lights its holiday tree for the season; the program and times are still being finalized.

• Stroller-friendly
• Restrooms

Checked Sep 28 · source: queensfarm.org

Holiday in the Park at Bear Mountain

Sat, Dec 5 · 11am–3pm

Trailside Museums & Zoo, Bear Mountain State Park, NY

$10 per vehicle (parking)

Kids wrap enrichment gifts for the zoo's animals, learn how wildlife handles winter and make holiday crafts at stations around the park.

Checked Oct 13 · source: parks.ny.gov

Bronx Little Italy Christmas Tree Lighting

Sat, Dec 5 · 4–6pm

Ciccarone Park, 2426 Hughes Ave, Belmont (Bronx Little Italy)

No admission fee listed; all welcome

Belmont's neighborhood tree lighting brings Santa, carols, Italian cookies and hot chocolate, plus a first-come toy giveaway for kids who attend.

Checked Oct 20 · source: bronxlittleitaly.com

Holidaytopia at City Point

Sat–Sun, Dec 5–6 & Dec 12–13 · 11am–3pm

Prince Street Studio, City Point, 445 Albee Square W, Downtown Brooklyn

Over two December weekends, City Point and Brooklyn Bridge Parents host free Santa photos, Hanukkah crafts and other family holiday activities.

Checked Oct 28 · source: citypointbrooklyn.com

New York Theatre Ballet's Nutcracker at Tarrytown Music Hall

Sun, Dec 6 · see the box office for showtimes

Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY (about 45 minutes' drive)

$45.50 adults, $35.50 kids (fees included)

All ages

New York Theatre Ballet's compact, child-friendly Nutcracker comes to Tarrytown's historic Music Hall for a Sunday of Hudson Valley holiday ballet.

Checked Sep 28 · source: tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org

Winter Wonder at Queens Botanical Garden

Sun, Dec 6 · 2–5pm

Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St, Flushing

$6 non-members (garden admission); members free

All ages

A wintry afternoon of music, crafts and Santa photos wraps up with a lantern walk to Queens Botanical Garden's annual tree lighting.

• Restrooms

Checked Oct 7 · source: queensbotanical.org

Heights & Lights in Downtown Stamford

Sun, Dec 6 · times TBA

Landmark Square and Latham Park, Downtown Stamford, CT (about 1 hr drive)

All ages

Santa, Rudolph and the Grinch rappel 22 stories down a Stamford tower before fireworks, a march to Latham Park and the city tree lighting.

Checked Oct 8 · source: stamford-downtown.com

A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre

Matinees and evenings; relaxed performance Sat, Dec 26 at 3pm

McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton, NJ

See site (every child needs a ticket)

Princeton's long-running holiday staging of Dickens, with Victorian costumes, dancing and a detailed set, plus a relaxed performance for families.

Checked Sep 27 · source: mccarter.org

I'mPossible Holiday Wonders at BAM

Thu–Sun, Dec 10–13 · see website for times; 1 hr 15 min

Howard Gilman Opera House, BAM, Fort Greene

Adults from $35; kids from $17.50 (plus fees)

All ages

Omnium Circus's multi-abled performers fly, flip and balance to live music in a holiday show where every performance is sensory-friendly.

Checked Sep 26 · source: bam.org

Candlelight Tours at Historic Richmond Town

Fri–Sat, Dec 11–12 · tours 5–10pm, 90 minutes each

Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave, Richmondtown

Price on website (tickets coming soon)

All ages (lots of walking and standing in dim rooms)

Costumed guides lead candlelit walks through historic houses showing three centuries of holiday customs, finishing with warm wassail and refreshments.

• Strollers: some areas
• Restrooms

Checked Sep 26 · source: historicrichmondtown.org

The Magic Flute Holiday Presentation at the Met

Dec 11–Jan 2 · see website for performances

Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, Upper West Side

Kids and families

The Met's shortened, English-language Magic Flute is packed with giant puppets, and matinees add free face painting and kids' activity books.

Checked Sep 28 · source: metopera.org

The Christmas Show at St. George Theatre

Fri, Dec 11 · 7pm; Sat–Sun, Dec 12–13 · 2pm & 6pm

St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St, St. George

$15–$55 (Sunday-night special $15–$35)

A two-hour Staten Island holiday revue with a live orchestra, more than 100 local performers, a Nutcracker excerpt, Santa and a living nativity.

Checked Oct 13 · source: stgeorgetheatre.com

The Brooklyn Nutcracker

Sat, Dec 12 7pm · Sun, Dec 13 3pm · Sat, Dec 19 3pm · Sun, Dec 20 3pm

The Theater at City Tech, 275 Jay St, Downtown Brooklyn

All ages

Brooklyn Ballet gives Clara's holiday adventure a proudly local spin across four weekend performances in Downtown Brooklyn.

Checked Nov 2 · source: brooklynballet.org

Calpulli's Navidad at Flushing Town Hall

Sat, Dec 12 · 2:15pm

Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing

$15 adults, $12 members, $8 kids 12 and under

All ages

Mariachi brass meets Tchaikovsky as Calpulli's dancers blend Mexican folk dance and ballet in a bicultural Christmas story.

Checked Oct 4 · source: flushingtownhall.org

Connecticut Ballet's The Nutcracker

Sat, Dec 12 · 2pm & 6pm; Sun, Dec 13 · 1pm & 5pm

Palace Theatre, Stamford, CT

From $70; every child 1 and up needs a ticket

All ages

Connecticut Ballet's Nutcracker pairs guest stars from top New York companies with more than 150 local child dancers.

Checked Oct 4 · source: palacestamford.org

Holiday Tea Party at Philipsburg Manor

Sat, Dec 12 · 12–3pm

Philipsburg Manor Greenhouse, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY (about 45 minutes' drive)

$20 per person, advance tickets required (members 15% off)

All ages

Sip holiday tea and nibble sweets in a festively decorated greenhouse at a colonial farm site in Sleepy Hollow.

• Restrooms

Checked Oct 25 · source: hudsonvalley.org

Dickens's Christmas Carol at the Old Dutch Church

Sat–Sun, Dec 12–13 & 19–20 · times vary (about 60 minutes)

Old Dutch Church, Sleepy Hollow, NY (park at Philipsburg Manor, 381 N Broadway)

See website (tickets go on sale fall 2026)

10 and up

Storyteller Jonathan Kruk performs Dickens's ghostly holiday tale by himself inside a candlelit, unheated 1600s church, so bundle up.

• Restrooms

Checked Oct 25 · source: hudsonvalley.org

Two Nutcrackers: NJ Youth Symphony

Sun, Dec 13 · 2pm

UCPAC, Rahway, NJ (about 35 min drive)

Free (reserve tickets in advance)

All ages

Young musicians play Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite alongside Duke Ellington's jazzy version, a free and fun way to compare the two.

Checked Sep 26 · source: ucpac.org

The Nutcracker by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine at NJPAC

Sun, Dec 13 · 3pm

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

All ages

A touring Ukrainian company performs the full Tchaikovsky ballet in a single Sunday matinee, with hand-painted sets and more than 200 costumes.

Checked Oct 8 · source: njpac.org

Santa's Corner at Bryant Park

Mon–Fri 10am–noon

Behind Le Carrousel, Bryant Park

Snap a free photo with Santa behind Bryant Park's carousel on weekday mornings, first come, first served, props included.

Checked Nov 2 · source: bryantpark.org

American Repertory Ballet's The Nutcracker

Thu–Fri, Dec 17–18 7pm · Sat, Dec 19 2pm & 7pm · Sun, Dec 20 1pm & 5pm

State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ (about 1 hr drive)

Venue lists ages 12+; under 18 must sit with an adult

New Jersey's American Repertory Ballet brings snowy forests and the Land of Sweets to a grand old theater in downtown New Brunswick.

Checked Sep 26 · source: stnj.org

Santa's Circus

Fri, Dec 18 · 8pm (doors 7pm)

UCPAC Main Stage, Rahway, NJ (about 35 min drive)

Adults $59–$77; kids 14 and under $37–$55 (fees included)

All ages

A Christmas circus mixes stunts, magic and comedy, and kids can meet characters and write letters with Mrs. Claus.

Checked Sep 26 · source: ucpac.org

Staten Island Ballet's The Nutcracker

Fri, Dec 18 7:30pm · Sat, Dec 19 3pm · Sun, Dec 20 2pm & 5pm

Williamson Theater, College of Staten Island, Willowbrook

All ages

Staten Island's hometown Nutcracker returns for four performances the weekend before Christmas at the College of Staten Island.

Checked Sep 26 · source: siballet.org

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas: Popcorn & Pajamas

Sat, Dec 19 · 10am and 1pm screenings

Hamilton Stage, UCPAC, Rahway, NJ (about 35 min drive)

All ages

Come in pajamas for Jim Henson's cozy Christmas film on the big screen, with free popcorn and a take-home craft.

Checked Sep 26 · source: ucpac.org

The Great Holiday Rock Show for Kids

Sat, Dec 19 · 12pm

Studio Theater, Queens Theatre, Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Ages 1–7 (all welcome)

A live band plays rock favorites with a holiday twist while little ones dance, play games and make plenty of joyful noise.

Checked Sep 26 · source: queenstheatre.org

The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Kings Theatre

Wed, Dec 23 · 7pm (doors 6pm)

Kings Theatre, Flatbush

All ages

Catch the hip hop Nutcracker two days before Christmas inside Flatbush's restored movie palace, with a DJ spinning Tchaikovsky remixes.

Checked Sep 26 · source: us.atgtickets.com

The Polar Express in 35mm

Wed, Dec 23 · 7pm film; doors and holiday organ concert 6pm

UCPAC Main Stage, Rahway, NJ (about 35 min drive)

$17 in advance, $22 day of show

All ages (rated G)

See the Polar Express on real film in a grand old theater, with a pre-show organ concert and photos with Santa.

Checked Sep 26 · source: ucpac.org

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at NJPAC

Sat, Dec 26 · 4pm & 8pm

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

All ages

A reworked-for-2026 holiday circus revue mixing aerialists, jugglers and acrobats with singers, dancers and Christmas characters on the day after Christmas.

Checked Oct 8 · source: njpac.org

World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker in Stamford

Mon, Dec 28 · 7pm (1 hr 40 min)

Stamford Palace Theatre, Stamford, CT

2+

A touring full-length Nutcracker with 40 dancers and a live orchestra, short enough for a school-break evening out with young kids.

Checked Sep 27 · source: palacestamford.org

Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker at NYC Ballet

Sun, Jan 3 · 1pm (tickets on sale Sep 28)

David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, Upper West Side

Ages 5+

A relaxed Nutcracker with softer lights and sound, break areas and a come-and-go policy for kids with sensory needs.

Checked Sep 26 · source: nycballet.com