This winter, there are so many things to do to get your family out and about in Manhattan despite the chill—whether you’re a local or looking for a day trip to NYC. Enjoy a re-imagined version of The Nutcracker on the Upper East Side or marvel at the Transit Museum’s 17th Annual Holiday Train Show. Want to see the snow fall from a whole new perspective? Visit One World Observatory’s Winter Onederland series through Jan. 7. Whatever you end up doing, each of these venues are sure to make it worth braving the cold. The best part? They’re all accessible via Metro North, LIRR, and the subway.
Get Crackin’ this Christmas
From a luminous owl that flies above the audience to mice dressed in polka dots and dancers with huge chopsticks, this re-imagined version of The Nutcracker bursts with energy and excitement. This production is danced to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score and set in Art Nouveau style circa 1907 with choreography by Keith Michael, set design by Gillian Bradshaw-Smith, and costumes by Resident Costume Designer of the Metropolitan Opera, Sylvia Taalsohn Nolan. Dec. 14-16: Friday, 6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm. Age: ALL. $27; $15 children. Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., Upper East Side. nytb.org.
Choo Choo!
Dazzling children and adults alike, the Transit Museum’s 17th Annual Holiday Train Show display will feature Lionel trains traveling along a 34-foot long, two-level, “O” gauge model train layout in the Shuttle Passage of Grand Central Terminal. Departing from a miniature replica of Grand Central on their way to the North Pole, the model trains featured in this year’s exhibit will be set against a backdrop designed by artist Ebony Bolt. Through Feb. 3: Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm. Age: ALL. FREE. New York Transit Museum Gallery and Store, Grand Central Terminal, Midtown. grandcentralterminal.com.
American Girl Place
For a day filled with fun and imagination for every little girl, head over to American Girl Place to dine with your doll at the American Girl Café for brunch, afternoon tea, lunch, or dinner. Then, visit the salon for a spa treatment, ear piercing for both you and your doll, or get your hair done. It’s way more than just a store; it’s a whole day filled with activities.
Visit it: American Girl Place Rockefeller Plaza, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown; americangirl.com; 877-247-5223
Can’t-miss event: Holiday Cookie Decorating: Fridays, Dec. 7-14 at 11am
One World Observatory
See the city from a whole new perspective at One World Observatory, where you’ll climb 102 stories in 47 seconds in a SkyPod elevator. Step onto the Sky Portal and see the streets 100 floors below. And, of course, experience 360 views of the greatest city in the world from the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Visit it: One World Observatory, 285 Fulton St., Financial District; 844-595-1776; oneworldobservatory.com
Can’t-miss event: Winter Onederland, Through-Jan. 7, 2019
