New York City Family and Kids Winter Bucket List 2023-2024
NYC is a magical place, no matter the time of year. But even the most seasoned New Yorkers can’t deny that the city is extra special come December. It’s not just the billions of twinkling lights, although we love those! It’s a feeling that there’s simply nowhere on earth that can match our energy and our spirit – or the absolutely endless list of things to do. Sure, we act like it’s just another season, as we begrudgingly drag out our warmest sweaters and coats, but deep down, we know there is nowhere in the world we would rather be than right here in New York City.
Whether you are visiting New York to experience its magic for the first time or you are a true New Yorker, we have a list for you to check off, get you out of the house (or hotel), and enjoy winter in the city!
1. Lace up your skates and go for a scenic glide under the Williamsburg Bridge at the Domino Park outdoor skating rink, now in its second year.
2. See the lighting of the world’s largest menorahs at Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and Midtown, Manhattan, every night of Hanukkah.
3. When the snow starts coming down, it’s time to bring out your winter boots, warmest coats, and go sledding. A few fun spots include Riverside Park (in Manhattan), Fort Greene Park (Brooklyn), and Astoria Park (Queens).
4. Check out Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden after dark to explore the beauty of nature in winter on an enchanting trail featuring over a million dazzling lights.
5. Visit the NYBG’s Holiday Train Show—a favorite holiday tradition—and see model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 190 replicas of New York landmarks.
6. Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo brings you immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns, festive entertainment, seasonal treats, classic holiday music, and more.
7. Visit the Bank of America Winter Village, where you can ice skate, shop, and even dine in a cozy igloo with your family!
8. Head to Hudson Yards for a breathtaking sight: two million twinkling lights, 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees, and a 32-foot hot air balloon suspended in The Shops.
9. Keep it classic: go skating under the famous Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center.
10. Satisfy your sweet tooth at a hot chocolate spot like Glace (1266 Madison Ave.; 30 Rockefeller Plaza), where they serve up their unique cocoa under a bed of mouthwatering toasted marshmallow fluff.
11. Admire the stunning views of the city all lit up for the holiday season from one of NYC’s observation decks, like The Edge (Hudson Yards) or the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center).
12. Visit the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) to see their famous 13-foot Origami Holiday Tree, featuring over 1,000 intricately designed origami models. ‘
13. Hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry (for free!) and catch a showing of the annual Christmas Show at the historic St. George Theater.
14. Visit The Oculus, the central epicenter of the World Trade Center, and a modern architectural of beauty that will have you oohing and aahh-ing
15. Check out the elaborate holiday window displays outside department stores like Macy’s, Saks, and Bloomingdales.
16. See the city in a whole new way – as an epic frosted creation at Gingerbread NYC at the Museum of the City of New York.
17. Head to Dyker Heights (between 11th to 13th Avenue or 83rd Avenue to 86th St.) for the famous grand holiday light displays.
18. Get your holiday book fix at one of New York’s many iconic book stores like Albertine (972 5th Ave, NY, NY) and Books of Wonder (42 West 17th Street, NY, NY.)
19. Enjoy Central Park, and visit the Central Park Carousel (located mid-park at 65th Street) and the Zoo (East Side between 63rd and 66th). Both are open during winter when the weather permits.
20. Tour the Grand Central Terminal. Check out the oak leaves and acorn architectural details, the zodiac ceiling in the main concourse, and the famed glass clock.
21. Take a break from the holiday shopping to catch a Broadway show. Stranger Things, which just opened in the spring, is a must-see!
22. Stay warm on a cold day and visit the iconic Flagship New York Public Library to check out books and the Beaux-Arts architecture building.
23. Make a day of it and head to Ellis Island to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. Take a ferry from either Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
24. The Nutcracker is a holiday pastime; this year, try a new version of it like the Brooklyn Nutcracker, a culturally inclusive version your family will love.
25. Snap a holiday selfie with your fave celeb at Madame Tussauds in Time Square.
