NYC's Best Family-Friendly Holiday Events
By Deirdre Haggerty/Carly Petrone
There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays in NYC. From Christmas tree lightings to gingerbread house making, here are five of our favorites.
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The Plaza Hotel
Fifth Ave. at Central Park South
10019
212-759-3000
Come see the festive Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Plaza Hotel on November 29th at 5 p.m. For the first time, the tree will be adorned from top to bottom with white and gold ornaments and lights. You may also spot jolly Christmas carolers singing throughout the hotel from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Make a day of it and reserve at able at The Palm Court for a premium tea and champagne celebration (plus it's the best seat in the house for the ceremony). Can't make it on Tuesday? Make sure to stop by the hotel on Christmas Eve to wish Santa well on his night of gift giving. See website for more details.
Building Wonderlands At Children's Museum Of Manhattan
212 W. 83rd Street
New York, NY
http://cmom.org/
Let your children create a Winter wonderland of their own at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Using Tegu magnetic building blocks, kids can use their imaginations to build whatever their heart desires, while also learning about science, magnetics and construction. Exhibit runs from Dec. 10 through Jan. 8, 2017. Visit website for more details.
Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 817-8779
www.nybg.org
Date: Through Jan. 16, 2017
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is celebrating 25 years of "holiday magic." See model trains displayed throughout 150 landmarks, including several New York City favorites, like Grand Central Station and the Brooklyn Bridge. Advance reservations are recommended.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
4 Pennsylvania Plaza
New York, NY 10001
(212) 465-6741
www.rudolphthemusical.com
Dates: Dec. 1-18, 2016
The classic Christmas television special has been transformed into a musical this holiday season. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is flying into The Theater at Madison Square Garden for a limited engagement -- with beloved characters like Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. There are no losers with these reindeer games — children will cherish the Christmas special and parents will fall in love with the story all over again.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park
41 W. 40th St.
New York, NY 10018
(917) 438-5166
www.wintervillage.org
Dates: Through March 5, 2017
The holiday shops at Bryant Park are open until Jan. 2, 2017, and feature artisan boutiques, food from local vendors, and a whole lot of fun. There is something for everyone this holiday season at Bryant Park.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall
1260 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
(212) 247-4777
www.radiocity.com
Dates: Through Jan. 2, 2017, various show times
"The Radio City Christmas Spectacular" featuring the Rockettes has been entertaining New York and the world for nearly a century. Truly nothing is as magical as entering Radio City to witness this annual event. From the first moment the Rockettes appear during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and perform throughout, to the first and tenth time you see them onstage, you know you have witnessed something spectacular.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Rockefeller Center
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10111
(212) 332-6868
www.rockefellercenter.com
Date: Nov. 30, 2016
The Christmas Tree is first lit during a star-studded event on November 30. The annual Christmas Tree-lighting ceremony is free to all, and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. This year's Norway spruce comes from Oneonta, New York.
Gingerbread House Workshop
Davio's Manhattan
447 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10017
212-286-9819
Have you always wanted to put together a gingerbread masterpiece? Now's your chance, because Pastry Chef Luis Rojas will lead a demonstration and a one-of-a-kind workshop at Davio's Manhattan on December 10. Guests can decorate their winter wonderland with marshmallows and all kinds of candy while sipping house wine, beer, or select holiday cocktails. Help spread a little joy and arrive at the workshop with a piece of gently used or new winter clothing for infants or children to benefit the Good+ Foundation. Tickets are $55 and the workshop goes from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
The Story
144 10th Ave.
New York, NY
212-242-4853
Make sure to stop by the Home For The Holidays store every weekend this December to get your shopping and foodie fix. Their Snack 'n Shop series kicks off on December 3, with Wafels and Dinges setting up -- but make sure to check out their rotating list of vendors because Snow Day, Korilla BBQ, and Carpe Donut NYC will all be providing snacks during the busy holiday shopping season. his exciting retail space closes up shop on December 31, but keep your eyes peeled for what's to come. Learn more here.
Latke Festival
The Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Pkwy
11238
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Mark your calendars for December 19, because the Brooklyn Museum is hosting its annual Latke Festival. Come taste the best latkes (and other creative interpretations of a potato pancake) underneath the Museum's beautiful glass pavilion. There will be a panel of celebrity judges, plenty of amazing food, and festive cheer. Tickets range from $55-$120 and all net proceeds go toward The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing childhood obesity and food-related diseases through hands-on programs
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Carly Petrone is the founder of Petrone on the Rocks, a lifestyle site about food, drinks, beauty, travel, and more. She lives in New York City.
