There's no play like home — except maybe New York City during the holiday season. In fact, there's so much festive fun happening between now and the New Year, it's worth slipping out of your cozy loungewear and bringing the family in for a day (and night) of lights and laughter.
Head over the bridge or through the tunnel to experience NYC: Holiday-Style. You'll find indoor and outdoor activities all month long, from the Bronx to Brooklyn, at museums, the zoo, ice rinks, and more. Plus, we found delicious (and kid-friendly) restaurants nearby to round out your day, each with their own unique appeal. So pick a day and pack up the crew for our winter holiday guide to New York City.
South Street Seaport Museum
What to See: Every weekend during December, the South Street Seaport Museum offers hands-on activities for kids and adults during its Family Activity Weekends from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. December's theme is Holiday Collages, inspired by artist Rober Warner. Choose from letterpress stamps, materials from Bowne & Co., and even more craft supplies to create a seasonal collage that will deck your own halls with festive and bright decorations.
Where to Dine: The Lawn Club in NYC is a must-visit if you're with older kids who want to enjoy some fun and games. Think: cornhole, lawn pong, putting pool, and recently opened, curling. Sip on one of their winter cocktails like the Overtime! with Grey Goose, Espresso Liqueur, Coffee, and Vanilla. For the whole family, feast on (kid-friendly) shared bites like fried mac 'n cheese and soft pretzel nuggets, plus handheld options including lobster roll sliders and cheesesteak egg rolls.
Bryant Park Winter Village
What to See: What would winter be without a little ice skating? Kick it up a notch as you head to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, which not only has an outdoor rink, but holiday shops for finding gifts, clothing, home decor, kids games, beauty, and so much more. Plus, book a time at the Curling Cafe, which gives you access to an ice-free curling lane for 90 minutes.
Where to Dine: Along with the Curling Cafe, Bryant Park brought back its heated Cozy Igloos to reserve for up to eight people, where you'll be surrounded by the Christmas Tree, ice rink, and NYC skyscrapers. Igloos offer a menu of sharable food and drinks including hot chocolate and apple cider, chicken fingers, a hummus dip plate, crispy fries, and more comfort foods.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
What to See: Back for the 2024, holiday season, The Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights display has glowing lanterns and so much more. The holiday festival has it lantern trails filled with millions of lights and animal-inspired displays from every continent, but the fun continues through the new Play with Light interactive area, Enchanted Sea Hall, holiday train rides, ice carving, and seasonal treats throughout November and December. Also nearby is the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show.
Where to Dine: If you want to step away from the zoo for dinner, head to The Bronx's Little Italy, and specifically, Zero Otto Nove Trattoria, which is serving up authentic Italian dishes in its charming space. Snack on wood-burning pizzas like the quattro formaggi or la riccardo with butternut squash puree, enjoy a fresh pasta dish like linguini con vongole (with Mediterraean clams), or fill up on meat or fish brought in from Arthur Avenue.
Museum of the City of New York: Gingerbread NYC
What to See: It's time to experience The Great Borough Bake-Off of 2024, where you can take in iconic New York City landmarks — gingerbread style. Bakers from the five boroughs created NYC-inspired gingerbread displays of department store windows, famous buildings, graffiti walls, communities, and more. And during your visit, you'll get to vote for the "People's Choice" winner.
Where to Dine: Take a drive down the east side to the infamous Rolf's German Restaurant near Gramercy Park, which is NYC's most festive holiday restaurant thanks to its truly unique (and very vibrant) dining experience. The space is adorned with thousands of lights, ornaments, and icicles, along with porcelain dolls, wreaths, garlands, and faux trees to take in as you feast on authentic German cuisine like wiener schnitzel, pork chop, and a sausage sampler.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
What to See: Prepare to be dazzled at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens' totally lit winding trail featuring thousands of light installations set to festive music. Walk along landscapes filled with colorful and luminous displays on sculptures, the Garden's trees, and water features. On the way, stop and grab seasonal treats and drinks to stay cozy and warm.
Where to Dine: For a casual meal with your crew, head to nearby Cheryl's Global Soul, a popular neighborhood café with menu items for all. Satisfy your cravings with Cheryl's soups, global bowls, and unique sauces on wings, plus a kids' menu that has crowd-pleasing pics (think: burgers and grilled cheese.)
