Your Guide to the 2024 Christmas and Holiday Season in NYC

New York Family Christmas and Holiday Guide — Photo by Pexels

A Very Merry New York Family Holiday Guide

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 New York. We’ve got everything you need to make 2024 your family’s best holiday ever: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa events, tree lightings, holiday light shows, gift guide, holiday shopping ideas, books, movies, elf ideas and so much more!!

Click on a category to jump down to that section:

Holiday Shows, Tree Lightings and Events
Shopping and Dining
Where to See Santa
Hanukkah
Kwanzaa
Holiday Light Shows & Experiences
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms
Winter Fun
Holiday Crafts, Books, Movies, Recipes and Elf on the Shelf

Holiday Shows, Tree Lightings and Events

Does it seem like there are more holiday events and activities than ever before? We think so too! We’ll keep updating our holiday event roundups throughout the season, so stay tuned for more family fun!

Shopping and Dining

Feeling lost in the holiday shopping maze? Looking for dining out opportunities on Christmas Day? We’ve got your back!

Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Top Toys for Kids of All Ages

16 Festive Holiday Markets in NYC

Staten Island Holiday Markets and Fairs

Westchester Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs

7 Great Secondhand Marketplaces to Shop This Holiday Season

19 NYC Metro Area Toy Drives

17 Restaurants To Eat Christmas Dinner In NYC

13 Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Westchester

Where to See Santa

A visit to Santa is a holiday must-do for families with young children! Discover the best places to meet the Big Man in Red, both in NYC and beyond, from cozy photo ops to festive brunches.

16 Awesome Spots for Dining with Santa in New York City

28 Places to Take Photos with Santa in New York Area 2024

Santaland Returns to Macy’s at Herald Square

Where to See Santa in Westchester: Pictures, Breakfast with Santa, and More

14 Places for Dining With Santa on Long Island

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a time of joy, light, and togetherness. From spinning dreidels and frying up delicious latkes to the nightly candle lighting, Here are some ways to celebrate the festive season in NYC with family and friends.

27 Festive Hanukkah Events for Families in New York City

19 Great Family-Friendly Hanukkah Events on Long Island

Hanukkah Books for Children of All Ages

Menorah Lightings In Staten Island

2024 Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Events in Westchester

Kwanzaa

What Is Kwanzaa? Everything You Need to Know About the Seemingly Forgotten Holiday

Celebrate Kwanzaa Is Back at Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Where to Celebrate Kwanzaa in Westchester and Beyond

Holiday Light Shows & Experiences

New York City’s holiday magic is undeniable. From twinkling lights to iconic ice rinks, every moment is a memory in the making. NYC has a way of turning every tradition into a one-of-a-kind experience your family will remember year after year.

Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides in the NYC Area

10 Spectacular Holiday Light Drive-Thru Attractions in the NY Area

35 Fun Holiday Family Experiences Around New York 2024

Island of Warmth New Holiday Installation

Dazzling Light Show in Brooklyn Returns to BBG

Winter WonderLights Annual Holiday Light Show Drive Thru

2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in NYC – Sneak Peek at What Families Can Expect

8 Magical Holiday Window Displays in NYC

Family-Friendly Holiday Train Shows in Westchester

Neighborhood Holiday Light Displays in Westchester and Beyond

Holiday Light Shows In and Around Westchester

Santaland Returns to Macy’s at Herald Square

Iconic Saks Holiday Light Show Will Not Happen This Year

Winter Fun

The holidays are almost here, and the weather is cooling down! Before the winter chill sets in, make the most of the festive season. Bundle up, grab your favorite holiday drink, and enjoy the winter wonderland that is New York City!

11 Great Spots for Ice Skating in NYC

Where to Go Ice Skating in Westchester

17 Awesome Rinks for Ice Skating on Long Island

14 Great Hot Chocolate Spots in NYC

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.

16 Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms Near NYC

9 Cut-Your-Own Tree Farms in Long Island

Christmas Tree Farms In and Around Westchester

14 Christmas Tree Delivery Services in NYC

Top 14 Christmas Tree Farms in NJ: Cut Your Own Christmas Trees Near Staten Island

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.

18 Great Holiday Books for Kids of All Ages

15 Family-Friendly Holiday Movies to Stream This Year

12 Scrumptious Holiday Cookies to Make with Your Kids

12 Christmas Recipes From Around the Globe

Easy and Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Parents

11 Holiday Hacks for Busy Parents

Here’s Why Kids Are Begging Parents for Elf on the Shelf Pets this Holiday Season

Super Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps. At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace. Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week: Connecticut: <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> &nbsp; Westchester: <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> &nbsp; New York City: <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> &nbsp; Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;

Brooklyn Music School

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For over a century, we at The Brooklyn Music School have strived to make the joy of music, dance and performance accessible to everyone no matter their age, background, or financial status. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to offering affordable in-person and online private and group music lessons, dance classes, after-school programs, and community outreach, we also provide space for&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brooklyn and NYC artists to perform in our 250-seat Spanish-style theatre. Come by for a night of live music, or join us for a class! <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit BrooklynMusicSchool.org to learn more, register for classes, or view our calendar for upcoming events.&nbsp;

Child's Play NY Virtual Classes

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Child's Play NY is a Brooklyn-based company founded in 2009, committed to offering a diverse array of theater arts classes for children. They believe studying the art of acting encourages kids to be even more creative, collaborative and compassionate human beings. Since its inception, Child's Play NY has touched the lives of hundreds of students, worked inside dozens of schools and is consistently ranked as among the top theater arts programs. It is the 2019 winner of Brooklyn Family's Choice award for Best Performing Arts Class. &nbsp; <span style="color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fall/Winter 2020-21 Virtual Class Guide<span style="color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-skip: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make a Movie Class <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Experience creative fulfillment and movie magic with Child&rsquo;s Play NY! Kids get to make and star in their own film, with professional actors, directors and designers. From development to design to editing choices too, kids can take ownership over the creative process. Their friends and family get to celebrate their accomplishments at a final watch party premiere! Deep project-based learning and peer-connection is at the heart of this 9-week experience which can be done remotely or in-person. &nbsp; <span style="color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-skip: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fall and Winter Virtual Classes &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hogwarts School (grades 1-3): Come get sorted into your favorite house, jump on your Firebolt and let&rsquo;s make some magic! Class culminates in a movie montage featuring our original scripted work from the session. &nbsp; &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-skip: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Create Your Own Class <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make your own custom group to support social-emotional growth and play. Child&rsquo;s Play NY provides a dynamic teacher and their lauded curriculum that puts peer-interaction at the front and center. Custom classes are a special way to nurture what your child loves most and share that excitement with their friends, in-person or online. &nbsp; <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playwriting (Grades 4-6)</div> <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Students will use their creativity, compassion and confidence to build a story they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. Individually, each student will craft a play, and together they will workshop their scenes, exercising their acting, directing, and most importantly, imagination skills. Over the course of the sessions, students will learn the basics of playwriting and be able to present any and all parts of their theatrical story. All classes will include individual assignments and collaborative opportunities. Each day will be structured so that all participants have the chance to learn and study other writers&rsquo; work, write for 10-15 minutes and share their words with each other. By the end of the semester they will have used their bodies, intellect and imagination to come up with an original play. By being confident, vulnerable and creative with each other and actively supporting and encouraging each other&rsquo;s work, students will emerge with meaningful connections to each other and a strong sense of their writing and collaborative abilities. Class culminates in a montage and packet of students&rsquo; original work. </div> <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Musical Theater Lab (Grades 4-6)</div> <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learn how to be a triple threat in this dynamic class for budding performers with Child&rsquo;s Play NY. Students focus on songs, dances and characters from Broadway&rsquo;s most celebrated and kid-friendly shows. They work alongside professional performers with years of experience bringing their passion to children. Class culminates in a movie showcase of scenes and songs. Join for the full session, or enroll as a drop-in! </div> <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shakespeare Scene Study (Grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12)</div> <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Young people become confident with Shakespeare&rsquo;s world, language and characters as they learn how to interpret a role with technique and courage. Classically trained professional actors assist the players in their physical, vocal and emotional transformations. All Shakespeare teaching artists are classically trained professional actors and have performed Shakespeare both on and off Broadway and in regional theaters across the country.</div> <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Students jump into the worlds of Shakespeare in this robust mash-up of improvisation and classic text scene study class. After learning the plot and characters from several plays, they rehearse and memorize scenes from the original text. New material, devised by the cast, adds a contemporary through-line to their show and highlights the universality of Shakespeare&rsquo;s themes. Class culminates in a movie showcasing their work.</div> <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Big Twist: A New Musical (Grade 1-4)</div> &nbsp; <div style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In this acting class, students get to perform a brand new musical based on The Wizard of Oz. The Wicked Witch of the South wants to return Oz to a time when WITCHES reigned supreme, and all was evil. Summoning a dark magic Tornado, the Wicked Witch of the South sends Oz hurtling into an alternate Oz. With the Yellow Brick road destroyed, the Wizard left powerless, and the citizens of Oz scattered to the Wind, our heroes are forced into unlikely partnerships to stop the Witch and restore the world to order. The Wizard of Oz meets The Tempest. &nbsp;Class culminates in a premiere of a movie starring the students, filmed over the last few days of the session.</div> &nbsp; &nbsp;

A Very Merry New York Family Holiday Guide

A Very Merry New York Family Holiday Guide

Holiday Shows, Tree Lightings and Events

NYC

Long Island

Westchester

Staten Island

Shopping and Dining

Where to See Santa

Hanukkah

Kwanzaa

Holiday Light Shows & Experiences

Winter Fun

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms

Holiday Books, Movies, Recipes and Elf on the Shelf

About the Author

Danielle Ramos

Relevant Directory Listings

Super Soccer Stars

Brooklyn Music School

Child's Play NY Virtual Classes

Things to do with kids in NYC

Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden

Character Breakfast
Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC

Camps ’R‘ Us Winter Reunion
Camps ‘R’ Us Farmingdale

Brooklyn Family Ultimate Camp Fair & Activity Expo – Industry City
Industry City Building 5, 2A

New York Family Ultimate Camp Fair & Activity Expo- Upper West Side
Trevor Day School – Lower School

New York Family January 2025

A Very Merry New York Family Holiday Guide

A Very Merry New York Family Holiday Guide

Discover Family Fun

Holiday Shows, Tree Lightings and Events

NYC

Long Island

Westchester

Staten Island

Shopping and Dining

Where to See Santa

Hanukkah

Kwanzaa

Holiday Light Shows & Experiences

Winter Fun

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms

Holiday Books, Movies, Recipes and Elf on the Shelf

About the Author

Related Articles

Relevant Directory Listings

Super Soccer Stars

Brooklyn Music School

Child's Play NY Virtual Classes