Family fun abounds in NYC during the holidays

New York City during the holidays is really the most magical time of the year for the family!

Make sure to take a “MTO” Mommy Time Out and see some of the beautiful holiday windows at Barneys New York and Bergdorf Goodman. The kids will love the windows at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Don’t forget to take a “selfie” with the kids in front of the beautiful Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, or a spin around the ice-skating rink there.

Bryant Park also transforms into a winter village every year, complete with a centrally located outdoor ice skating rink. Shop from local vendors selling food and drinks and shop all the little pop-up shops that are filled with treasures.

The Union Square Market is one of my favorites during the holiday season. Warm up with hot cocoa or cider as you navigate this market. I love supporting local businesses. There’s also lots of food to taste while you shop.

“Spongebob Squarepants” is a new Broadway musical for everyone! It’s a FabULyssfun show for the entire family. It’s based on the popular Nickelodeon cartoon series. If your children are SpongeBob fans, they are going to love this. I took my boys, and we all agreed the last scene, “Best Day Ever,” is one of our favorites. You will leave the show singing and dancing, with a smile from ear to ear. www.spongebobbroadway.com

Did you know there is a hip-hop Nutcracker? “The Hip-Hop Nutcracker with Kurtis Blow.” A holiday mash-up for the whole family, the “Hip Hop Nutcracker” re-imagines Tchaikovsky’s classic score through explosive choreography, a dozen all-star dancers, on-stage DJ, an electric violinist, and digital scenery. This evening-length show celebrates love, community, and the magic of the holiday season. www.unitedpalace.org/upca-calendar/eventdetail/4730/56/the-hip-hop-nutcracker-with-kurtis-blow.

Looking for something really #FabULyss to do this holiday season? Take your little divas to breakfast at Tiffany’s! Get your pearls and sunglasses on! Re-watch the original movie with your family before having breakfast or lunch at the new Blue Box Cafe inside Tiffany’s on the fourth floor of their Fifth Avenue flagship shop.

Be prepared to wait on line for a long time, and make sure your iPhone is charged. http://www.tiffany.com/Locations/EventDetail.aspx?eventid=1063

Have a wonderful holiday season with your family, and don’t forget to unplug and spend some off-the-grid, quality time with your loved ones.

Lyss Stern is the founder of DivaLysscious Moms (www.divamoms.com).

DeLysscious Holiday Baking Recipe For All

Classic Sugar Cookies

Beat 2 sticks of butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar until fluffy. Beat in 2 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Whisk 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; stir into the butter mixture, then chill 30 minutes. Roll tablespoonfuls into balls and flatten; sprinkle with coarse sugar and bake 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/holiday-treats-50-cookies/50-holiday-cookies