Things to Do With the Kids This Weekend in NYC
If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids busy over the long weekend, not to mention release some of the pent-up energy leftover from holiday gatherings, there is a lot going on around the city. Check out what you can do with the kids this weekend in NYC!
Macy’s Santaland
Macy’s Santaland is back. Kids can choose to sit next to him or on a red gift box nearby. Young children who are not able to sit up on their own will require an adult or older child to sit with them to hold them up. Registration required 6 days in advance.
Nov. 28 – Dec. 24, various times
Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W 34th St.
Stella 34 Trattoria’s Breakfast with Santa
Take the kids to a breakfast that overlooks the Empire State Building at the very store where Miracle on 34th Street came to life. You’ll see holiday carolers, and there will be plenty of kid-friendly activities (plus a complimentary mimosa for mom and dad!) Then, you can visit Santa and his merry elves.
Nov. 28 – Dec. 24 10 – 11 am (except Dec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 11)
Stella 34 Trattoria, 151 W 34th St.
Psst… Check Out 32 Fun Holiday Family Experiences In and Around New York 2025
Thank-FULL for You
Kids can get creative with family-friendly art projects, crocheted placemats, DIY Thanksgiving plates, and more. Then enjoy GratitudeFest with lively music, dance, and interactive performances.
Nov. 25 – 30, 10 am – 5 pm, except Nov. 27
Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd St.
Watson Adventures’ Grand Central Scramble Family Scavenger Hunt
Join Watson Adventures on a unique scavenger hunt for adults and kids 7 and up. Kids and adults work together to uncover the secrets of this amazing train station. To win, you’ll have to go nuts in the Whispering Gallery, learn a secret about the stars in the “sky”, find TV celebs in the food court, stand on fish under an upside-down tree in the Grand Central Market, and learn the arrival time of a “ghost” train.
Nov. 28 & 29, Dec. 29, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St.
Juggling Classes
The Bryant Park Jugglers offer free classes in the park throughout the year. In this one, you can grab a quick lesson or just enjoy watching them put their skills to the test.
Saturdays 11 am – 1 pm Tuesdays 5:30 – 7:30 pm through Dec. 30
Bryant Park, 6th Ave. between 40th and 42nd St.
Meet Santa and Other Beloved Holiday Characters at PaleyLand
Meet Santa and beloved characters, enjoy themed weekend events, giveaways, crafts, classic holiday screenings, a festive train display, hot chocolate stations, and more.
Wednesdays – Sundays noon – 6 pm through Jan. 4, 2026
The Paley Museum, 25 W 52nd St.
Santa Snow Show and Elf-ies with Santa
Families are invited to participate in Nordstrom’s daily Santa Snow Shows, featuring an appearance by the jolly old elf himself, complete with a magical indoor snowfall, at 2 pm and 6 pm along the store’s escalators. Santa will be joined by a cast of performers and characters throughout the store. After the performance, you can get a photo with Santa.
Nov. 28 – Dec. 24, 2 pm 6 pm
Nordstrom NYC Flagship, 225 W 57th St.
Instant Yiddish: Thanksgiving Edition
What are you thankful for? Learn how to express being thankful for 30 minutes of holiday vocabulary with Kolya Borodulin, the Workers Circle’s Director of Yiddish Programming. Enjoy a lively community gathering filled with games, songs, prizes, and festive fun!
November 30, 1 pm – 1:30 pm
The Workers Circle, 247 West 37th St.
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.
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
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
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
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.
Through Jan. 7, 2026, all day
The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, 20 Hudson Yards
Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center
The Big Apple Circus is back in NYC with a new, high-energy show for the whole family. 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
Through Jan. 4, 2026, 10 am – 6 pm
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
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.
Through Dec. 14
TADA! Youth Theater, 15 West 28th St.
Psst… Check Out Visit the NYC (First-Ever) Christmas Carousel at Herald Square
