New York Family Holiday Guide
Welcome, to Christmas in NYC, the MOST wonderful time of the year! Here at New York Family, we could not love the holidays more. The twinkling lights, the glittery decorations, the joy in the air… It’s truly a magical time, especially here in NY. That’s why we are here to help you and your family get in the holiday spirit! We’ve got everything you need to make it your family’s best holiday ever.
Click on a category to jump down to that section
- Holiday Shows and Events
- Gift Guide & Holiday Shopping
- Where to See Santa
- Hanukkah
- Holiday Light Shows & Experiences
- Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms
- Winter Fun
- Holiday Crafts, Books, Movies, Recipes and Elf on the Shelf
Holiday Shows and Events
Is it just us, or is this holiday season even more jam-packed with family-friendly holiday events and activities than ever before? We will keep updating our holiday event roundups throughout the season, so keep checking back for more holiday family fun!
NYC
Christmas Events Around New York City
NYC Christmas Tree and Holiday Tree Lightings 2024
Nutcracker Performances Around New York
Christmas and Holiday Performances 2023
Long Island
Long Island Holiday Tree Lightings
Westchester
Holiday and Christmas Tree Lighting Celebrations in Westchester
Illuminated Holiday Experiences In and Around Westchester
Holiday Shows and Musical Performances in Westchester
Gingerbread House Decorating Events in Westchester and Beyond
Holiday Train Shows in Westchester
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Historic Hudson Valley
Where to See The Nutcracker In and Around Westchester
Holiday Ornament Workshops in Westchester and Beyond
Staten Island
Christmas Tree Lightings In Staten Island
Gift Guide & Holiday Shopping
Not sure where to start when it comes to holiday shopping? We can help! Check out this year’s Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide featuring the hottest toys for all ages, plus gift ideas for Mom and Dad too, carefully curated by New York Family editors.
Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
The Best Gifts and Toys for Babies 0-18 months
The Best Toys for Preschoolers/Little Kids 18 months to 3 years
The Best Toys for 4-8 Years-Olds
The Best Toys for 8+ Year Olds
The Best Gifts for Tweens to Teens
10 Best Holiday Gifts for Moms
Gifts That Honor New York City
Westchester Holiday Gift Guide
Last Minute Toys for Every Budget Gift Guide
Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Best Holiday Markets in NYC
Staten Island Holiday Markets and Fairs
Westchester Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs
Where to See Santa
If you have young children, the Christmas season is not complete without a visit to see the Big Man in Red! From photo ops to holiday brunches, here’s where your family can see Santa in NYC and beyond.
Where to Take Santa Photos in NYC
Where to See Santa in Westchester: Pictures, Breakfast with Santa, and More
Dining with Santa on Long Island 2023
15 Spots To See Santa On Staten Island
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is from Thursday, December 7 through Thursday, December 14 this year. Grab your dreidels, fry up some tasty latkes and celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights at a Menorah lighting or other Hanukkah event.
Chanukah Events and Menorah Lightings in New York 2023
Long Island Chanukah Events 2023
2023 Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Events in Westchester
Hanukkah Books for Children of All Ages
Menorah Lightings In Staten Island
Holiday Light Shows & Experiences
One of the best parts of the holiday season is the overwhelming sense of tradition. Every year, families celebrate old traditions and create new ones as well. These can’t-miss holiday experiences are sure to be ones your family will return to year after year.
Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides in the NYC Area
Spectacular Holiday Light Drive-Thru Attractions in NYC and Nearby
The Best Holiday Family Experiences Around New York 2024
Holiday Light Shows Around New York 2023
Best Holiday Window Displays in NYC
Family-Friendly Holiday Train Shows in Westchester
Best Neighborhood Holiday Light Displays in Westchester and Beyond
Illuminated Holiday Experiences In and Around Westchester
Christmas Lights In Staten Island, NJ, And NYC
Macy’s Santaland
Iconic Saks Holiday Light Show Will Not Happen This Year
Winter Fun
With the holiday season comes the cooler temperatures and the start of winter. There’ll be plenty of time to curl up by the fireplace when the blustery January weather begins, so you should take advantage of the cold-weather fun now while you’re surrounded by twinkling lights and holiday magic.
Best Hot Chocolate Spots in NYC
Where to Get The Best Hot Chocolate In Staten Island
The 17 Best Places to Go Snow Tubing Near NYC for Families
Winter Bucket Lists
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms
Sure, you can head down to Home Depot to buy a real tree. But why not make a day of it? Take your family to a cut-your-own tree farm where you can pick your tree right from the ground, then sip some hot chocolate and listen to holiday music on the trip home. Some farms offer special Christmas experiences, too.
The Best 16 Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms Near NYC
Christmas Tree Farms In and Around Westchester
Best Christmas Tree Delivery Services in NYC
2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in NYC – Sneak Peek at What Families Can Expect
Holiday Books, Movies, Recipes and Elf on the Shelf
What is Christmas without an abundance of delicious food and classic movies? Check out some yummy holiday recipes, our favorite holiday movies, plus some hacks and traditions we just had to share. And of course, for those running out of ideas for their magical little North Pole visitor, we’ve got a TON of must-try Elf on the Shelf ideas for you.
12 Best Holiday Books for Kids of All Ages
Top Holiday Movies to Stream This Year
Best Holiday Cookies to Make with Your Kids
International Christmas Recipes
Easy and Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Parents
Holiday Hacks for Busy Parents
Elf on the Shelf Pets Are Taking Over This Holiday Season—Here’s Why!
