*This is a collaborative post.
New York is a destination which attracts millions of visitors every year. It's the city that never sleeps and in my opinion, is most beautiful at Christmas time - but is it a family-friendly destination?
When I think of big cities I don't necessarily think as ideal family-friendly places to visit, however, at Christmas time, New York is a place that's not only inviting for adults and keen shoppers looking to grab a bargain or two, but is transformed into a magical place for children to visit and enjoy too.
From the magical shop window displays, the tree lighting ceremonies and Christmas lights, Santaland, ice skating and the sometimes dusting of snow, New York is a destination with a lot to offer families who are in search of a bit of magic around Christmas time.
In New York at Christmas time, all major attractions will be full of festive cheer and Christmas illuminations, making them all the more spectacular for families to visit. You can get tickets for attractions in New York before visiting to make sure you beat the crowds, get the best price and have the most hassle-free sight-seeing experiences with the kids.
Here are some magical things to do in New York at Christmas with kids:
Ice skating at Bryant Park
I'm yet to meet a child who doesn't like ice skating and what better time and place to partake in it than in Bryant Park in New York at Christmas time.
Bryant Park is the perfect place to visit if you'd like to ice skate with your kids in a square surrounded by iconic New York skyscrapers - what a setting!
At Christmas time Bryant Park is host to a winter village boasting an ice skating rink, delicious food kiosks and a giant Christmas tree which is sure to have the kids in awe. In the evenings they also have a live band playing music just to add to the wonderful atmosphere of it all.
If you bring your own skates, it's free to skate at Bryant Park - which is worth considering if you have skates handy and want to save some dollars on your trip, otherwise, it's $20 to hire the skates for as long as you like, which is still quite reasonable.
Visit Santaland at Macy's
Nothing is more magical for kids at Christmas than a trip to see Santa and Santaland at Macy's Herald Square is definitely a must-visit, being a tradition in New York since 1902 - historic!
It's best to visit Santaland mid-week if you can as it's much quieter than at the weekends. Santaland is a magical experience that takes you on a little journey before you actually get to go a visit Santa Claus. You'll feel like you're in the North Pole with all the fabulous Christmas decorations and twinkling lights. This is a classic Christmas experience that is well worth visiting if you're in New York with the kids in the build up to Christmas.
Go Christmas shopping and look at the window displays
Christmas shopping is one of the most magical things for children. From the beautiful and lit up window displays, to the excitement of choosing gifts for loved ones and trips to toy stores to pick out things for their Santa lists, there's no better time of year to take the kids for a spot of shopping - especially in New York!
If you're travelling to New York from the likes of Europe the kids will be in awe of all the amazing toys and products that we can't get over here. They'll be sure to enjoy a visit to the largest toy store in NYC - FAO Schwartz, which, even if you're not purchasing anything has the most amazing of displays to entertain the kids.
Embrace the snowy city
Of course, the weather is one of the only things we have no control over in life, but if you're lucky enough to witness the snow during your visit to New York at Christmas, then you're really in for a treat!
The city transforms into a magical winter wonderland and if you can get to the likes of Central Park on a snowy day then you'll really be able to embrace it in all it's beauty. The kids will have great fun making snowmen and throwing snowballs in the city and will sure to remember how magical it all was for years to come.
Enjoy winter-themed activities in Central Park
Central Park is such a beautiful part of New York and has lots to offer for families. In the winter, however, it offers lots of opportunities for winter-themed activities such as ice skating on Wollman Rink and sledding on Pilgrim Hill and Cedar Hill. I know my boys would go wild for the sledding! How amazing is it to be able to take part in these traditional winter activities - usually associated with the countryside, right in the heart of New York?! Magical for sure!
When it snows, Central Park is such a beautiful sight and walking over Gapstow Bridge over the frozen pond gives an absolutely stunning and iconic view of the city that the kids are sure to remember for a lifetime.
Would you or have you ever visited New York as a family at Christmas? Was it as magical as you hoped it would be?
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