Things to Do With the Kids This Weekend in NYC
With Thanksgiving next week, it’s definitely not too early to take in all the holiday fun that New York City has to offer! So many Christmas and holiday family events are already in full swing. Check out what you can do with the kids this weekend in NYC!
Holiday Train Show
The Holiday Train Show is back with holiday fun at the New York Botanical Garden. Model trains ride past nearly 200 handmade landmark replicas that have been built from pinecones, palm fronds, and cinnamon sticks.
New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
Through Jan. 11, 2026, Tuesdays – Sundays 10 am – 6 pm
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Mario the Maker Magician 2.0
Upgrading his inventions for the New Victory stage, it’s Mario Marchese, the world’s loudest kid whisperer. He mixes mad-scientist energy, big-kid humor, and magic into a show that pulls kids right into the fun.
Through Nov. 30, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am – noon; Nov. 28, 3 – 4 pm & 11 am – noon
The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd St.
Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes at this year’s Christmas Spectacular! Whether it’s your first time or your family’s annual tradition, this show never disappoints and is always a great holiday memory in the making.
Through Jan. 4, 2026
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards brings the neighborhood to life with 115 miles of glittering holiday strings (over 2 million lights in total), 725 evergreen trees, and a 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece suspended in the Great Room. Plus, the Vessel will be fully lit in holiday lights.
Nov. 17 – Jan. 7, 2026, all day
The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, 20 Hudson Yards
Sleepover
This original musical that dives into the chaos and comedy of being a teen, told through a teen’s eyes. Suitable for kids as young as three, this one-hour show is a nice, first theater experience with upbeat performances, kid-friendly themes, and budget-friendly tickets.
Nov. 22- Dec. 14
TADA! Youth Theater, 15 West 28th St.
Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center
The Big Apple Circus is back in NYC with a new, high-energy show the whole family can get into. You’ll see Johnny Rico’s comedy, the Flying Maluendas on the trapeze, Ukraine’s Bingo Troupe stacking into wild human pyramids, and the Kung Fu Boys mixing martial arts with dance.
Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, Amsterdam Ave & W 62nd St.
Through Jan. 4, 2026
Lightscape
Lightscape is back at Brooklyn Botanic Garden with a refreshed after-dark trail, new light installations, and a seasonal soundtrack. Along the way, you can grab festive treats, warm drinks, specialty cocktails, and kid-friendly snacks from pop-ups or enjoy sit-down dining.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn
Nov. 21 – Jan. 4, 2026, 10 am – 6 pm
The Three Little Pigs- Storyacting
In this story, three little pigs, Gordy, Perkey, and Snoozy, set out to build their own homes, but only one puts in the work to create a house strong enough to withstand a very determined wolf. This interactive story-acting performance has one actor bringing every character to life while kids join in on stage, making the story part of the fun.
November 23, 2 pm – 2:45 pm
Galli Theater, 74 Warren St.
LuminoCity: Fantasy Winter Fairyland
Themed “Fantasy Winter Fairyland,” this year’s original light art designs turn frosty magic into reality. Journey with Lumi and be amazed as towering sculptures illuminate the park, transforming it into an immersive, dazzling fairytale world and a starry holiday dream. Make sure to check out the Snow Dream Slide, where you’ll journey through the Castle in the Sky, pass through glowing clouds of snow, and glide into a snow-white fairytale of ice and magic. New this year, the Lumi Express.
Through Jan. 1, 2026, various times
Eisenhower Park, 1899 Park Blvd, East Meadow
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to The Joyce with a high-energy program marking its 31st season. The show will feature new works by Dwight Rhoden, Houston Thomas, and Joe Gonzalez, plus the company premiere of Midnight Riff and the fan-favorite Retro Suite. Kids get their own KidsBill, a word search, and the chance to meet the dancers for autographs and photos after the show.
November 23, 2 pm – 3:30 pm
The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Ave.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Interactive Holiday Show
Kids experience the stories and characters of author and artist Eric Carle in a whole new way. This stage brings to life four Eric Carle stories, through 45 magical, handcrafted puppets, world-class puppeteering, and lively original music.
Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, 248 West 60th St.
Through Dec. 28, various times
POP MART’s SKULLPANDA You Found Me Pop-Up Experience
Step into the mysterious world of SKULLPANDA: You Found Me, an immersive pop-up that brings the series to life. Discover exclusive photo moments, special SP surprises, and limited edition collectibles, including POPOP jewelry and the SKULLPANDA x Wednesday plush collaboration.
Through Jan. 6, 2026, Sundays – Wednesdays, 10 am – 7 pm
Thursdays – Saturdays, 10 am – 9 pm
SKULLPANDA You Found Me Pop-Up, 430 7th Ave.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park transforms into the Bank of America Winter Village. Returning in style with its signature mix of skating, shopping, and festive cheer, this year’s Bank of America Winter Village will dazzle with a host of events and activities for visitors of all ages.
Through March 1, 2026, 8 am – 10 pm
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, 41st St. and 6th Ave.
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero for a frightfully fun frolic through the world of the beloved film, now featuring even more of your favorite characters, scenes, and songs. Marvel as the classic film comes to life against the botanical beauty of New York’s most treasured garden. Back by popular demand with new refreshment and merchandise BOOths, the must-see New York event is certain to become a favorite fall tradition for spirits of all ages.
Wednesdays – Sundays through Nov. 30
New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
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