New York City

Family Activities Guide

SKATING · SANTA · WORKSHOPS · LIGHTS

All Family Activities (29)

Ice rinks, Santa visits, holiday lights, cookie decorating and craft workshops around New York City. Workshops and Santa visits often need booking ahead.

Neighborhood: Midtown
Bryant Park Ice Skating & Lodge

Skate outdoors on the Winter Village rink in Bryant Park, then visit the rinkside food hall at the Lodge. Rink admission is free with your own skates and a reservation.
- Dates: Oct 28, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
- Price: Free with own skates; rentals $18.72–$64.48 plus tax; reservation required
- Ages: All ages
Confirmed for 2026–27
- Free with own skates
- Outdoor rink
Official site for Bryant Park Ice Skating & Lodge (opens in a new tab)On the map for Bryant Park Ice Skating & Lodge
Neighborhood: Midtown
The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Skate at Rockefeller Center, under the holiday tree while it’s up.
- Dates: Oct 10, 2026 – Mar 27, 2027; closed Dec 1–2
- Price: From $22; ages 5 and under from $12; skate rental $12
- Ages: All ages
Confirmed for 2026
- Under the tree
- Paid entry
Tip Children under 6 need an adult on the ice. Every entrant needs a ticket; children cannot be carried.

Official site for The Rink at Rockefeller Center (opens in a new tab)On the map for The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Neighborhood: Central Park
Wollman Rink

Outdoor ice skating in Central Park.
- Dates: Oct 28, 2026 – Mar 16, 2027
- Price: $16–$40 adults; ages 4–12 $12; 3 and under free; skate rental $12
- Ages: All ages
Confirmed for 2026
- Outdoor rink
- Central Park
Official site for Wollman Rink (opens in a new tab)On the map for Wollman Rink
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Skate at Domino Park

Ice skating on the Williamsburg waterfront at Domino Park.
- Dates: Nov 9, 2026 – Feb 21, 2027
- Price: About $20–$24; NYC residents $13–$17; skate rental $13
- Ages: All ages
Confirmed for 2026
- Waterfront
- Paid entry
Tip Enter Domino Square from South 3rd Street between Kent Avenue and River Street.

Official site for Skate at Domino Park (opens in a new tab)On the map for Skate at Domino Park
Neighborhood: Prospect Park
LeFrak Center at Lakeside

Outdoor ice skating at Lakeside in Prospect Park.
- Dates: From Oct 31, 2026; open-air rink from Nov 15; closing date pending
- Price: From $5 cash ($10–$15 most days); rental $10; card prices slightly higher
- Ages: All ages
2026 opening confirmed
- Outdoor rink
- Prospect Park
Official site for LeFrak Center at Lakeside (opens in a new tab)On the map for LeFrak Center at Lakeside
Neighborhood: Midtown
Bumper Cars on Ice

Drive bumper cars on the ice at Bryant Park.
- Dates: Winter 2026–27 (dates pending)
- Price: About $23–$30 per 10-minute ride (last season)
- Ages: Height and age limits apply
Not yet confirmed for 2026–27
- On the ice
- Height limits
Official site for Bumper Cars on Ice (opens in a new tab)Bryant Park on the map for Bumper Cars on Ice
Neighborhood: Herald Square
Macy’s Santaland

Walk through North Pole scenes and meet Santa at Macy’s Herald Square.
- Dates: Nov 27 – Dec 24, 2026 (reported)
- Price: Free entry; reservation required; optional photos extra
- Ages: All ages
Reported for 2026
- Meet Santa
- Free with reservation
Official site for Macy’s Santaland (opens in a new tab)On the map for Macy’s Santaland
Neighborhood: Midtown
PaleyLand

In past years, this holiday event at The Paley Museum offered Santa visits and hands-on seasonal activities.
- Dates: 2026 dates pending
- Price: About $21.50 adults; ages 12 and under free; photos extra (2025 prices)
- Ages: Families
Not yet confirmed for 2026
- Museum
- Meet Santa
Official site for PaleyLand (opens in a new tab)On the map for PaleyLand
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Passport to Santa

An interactive holiday experience in Tribeca with snowball play, cookie decorating and a visit with Santa.
- Dates: Nov – Dec 2026 (reported)
- Price: From $45 adults; children $65; under 2 free; plus fees; meals extra
- Ages: All ages
Reported for 2026
- Meet Santa
- Cookie decorating
Official site for Passport to Santa (opens in a new tab)On the map for Passport to Santa
Neighborhood: Midtown
The Elf Experience

Walk through Elf-themed worlds at HERO at Rockefeller Center.
- Dates: Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 18, 2027 (reported)
- Price: About $45 adults; ages 3–12 $35; 2 and under free; plus fees
- Ages: Families
Reported for 2026
- Walk-through
- Paid tickets
Tip Expect more exploring than hands-on making, and check the age guidance when you book.

Official site for The Elf Experience (opens in a new tab)On the map for The Elf Experience
Neighborhood: Midtown
American Girl Holiday Cookie Decorating

Decorate holiday cookies at American Girl New York.
- Dates: Dec 11, 2026
- Price: $13 per participant; observing adults free; reservation required
- Ages: Ages 3+
Confirmed for 2026
- Cookie decorating
- Ages 3+
- About $13
Official site for American Girl Holiday Cookie Decorating (opens in a new tab)American Girl New York on the map for American Girl Holiday Cookie Decorating
Neighborhood: Midtown
American Girl Sugar Plum Fairy Ballet Party

Learn Nutcracker-inspired ballet steps at a Sugar Plum Fairy party at American Girl New York.
- Dates: Nov 21, 2026
- Price: $40 per child; observing parents free; reservation required
- Ages: Ages 6+
Confirmed for 2026
- Ballet steps
- Ages 6+
- About $40
Official site for American Girl Sugar Plum Fairy Ballet Party (opens in a new tab)American Girl New York on the map for American Girl Sugar Plum Fairy Ballet Party
Neighborhood: Midtown
American Girl Thanksgiving Sweet Treat Decorating

Decorate Thanksgiving treats at American Girl New York.
- Dates: Nov 20, 2026
- Price: $16 per participant; observing adults free; reservation required
- Ages: Ages 6+
Confirmed for 2026
- Treat decorating
- Thanksgiving
- Ages 6+
Official site for American Girl Thanksgiving Sweet Treat Decorating (opens in a new tab)American Girl New York on the map for American Girl Thanksgiving Sweet Treat Decorating
Neighborhood: Midtown
American Girl Holiday Painting Party

Make a holiday painting at American Girl New York.
- Dates: Dec 19, 2026
- Price: $72 per participant with lunch; observing adults pay separately for lunch
- Ages: Ages 6+
Confirmed for 2026
- Painting party
- Ages 6+
- About $72
Official site for American Girl Holiday Painting Party (opens in a new tab)American Girl New York on the map for American Girl Holiday Painting Party
Neighborhood: Brooklyn
Hudson Table Gingerbread & Hot Cocoa Workshop

Decorate a gingerbread house and have hot cocoa at a Hudson Table workshop in Brooklyn.
- Dates: Dec 13, 2026, 11am–12:30pm
- Price: $115 per kit for 2 people; up to 2 extra guests $20 each
- Ages: All ages
Confirmed for 2026
- Gingerbread house
- Hot cocoa
- Family-friendly
Tip Buy another kit ticket if each child wants a separate house.

Official site for Hudson Table Gingerbread & Hot Cocoa Workshop (opens in a new tab)On the map for Hudson Table Gingerbread & Hot Cocoa Workshop
Neighborhood: Corona
NYSCI GingerBread Lane Workshop

Build an edible gingerbread house at the New York Hall of Science.
- Dates: 2026 dates pending
- Price: About $15/project (2018) + entry: $22 adults, $19 ages 2–17; 2026 unconfirmed
- Ages: Ages 4+
Not yet confirmed for 2026
- Edible gingerbread
- Ages 4+
- Hall of Science
Official site for NYSCI GingerBread Lane Workshop (opens in a new tab)New York Hall of Science on the map for NYSCI GingerBread Lane Workshop
Neighborhood: East Harlem
Museum of the City of New York Gingerbread Community Day

A holiday crafts day with cookies, ornaments and snow globes to decorate.
- Dates: Dec 5, 2026 (reported)
- Price: About $23 adults; ages 18 and under free; NYC residents pay what you can
- Ages: All ages
Reported for 2026
- Cookies & ornaments
- Snow globes
Official site for Museum of the City of New York Gingerbread Community Day (opens in a new tab)Museum of the City of New York on the map for Museum of the City of New York Gingerbread Community Day
Neighborhood: East Harlem
Museum of the City of New York Gingerbread House Lantern Workshop

Make a paper lantern shaped like a gingerbread house.
- Dates: Dec 20, 2026 (reported)
- Price: About $23 museum entry; ages 18 and under free; workshop fee unconfirmed
- Ages: Families
Reported for 2026
- Paper craft
- Lantern
Official site for Museum of the City of New York Gingerbread House Lantern Workshop (opens in a new tab)Museum of the City of New York on the map for Museum of the City of New York Gingerbread House Lantern Workshop
Neighborhood: East Harlem
Museum of the City of New York Cookie Decorating

Decorate cookies with a pastry chef.
- Dates: Dec 27, 2026 (reported)
- Price: About $23 museum entry; ages 18 and under free; workshop fee unconfirmed
- Ages: Families
Reported for 2026
- Cookie decorating
- With a pastry chef
Official site for Museum of the City of New York Cookie Decorating (opens in a new tab)Museum of the City of New York on the map for Museum of the City of New York Cookie Decorating
Neighborhood: East Harlem
Museum of the City of New York Winter Recess Crafts

Over winter recess, make snowflakes and other crafts.
- Dates: Dec 29–30, 2026 (reported)
- Price: About $23 adults; ages 18 and under free; NYC residents pay what you can
- Ages: Families
Reported for 2026
- Snowflakes
- Winter crafts
Official site for Museum of the City of New York Winter Recess Crafts (opens in a new tab)Museum of the City of New York on the map for Museum of the City of New York Winter Recess Crafts
Neighborhood: Herald Square
Macy’s Holiday Terrarium Workshop

Build a take-home mini garden at a holiday terrarium workshop at Macy’s Herald Square, on select December dates.
- Dates: Select dates Dec 1–22, 2026 (reported)
- Price: $50 per child; accompanying adult required
- Ages: Check age minimum
Reported for 2026
- Take-home terrarium
- About $50
Official site for Macy’s Holiday Terrarium Workshop (opens in a new tab)Macy’s Herald Square on the map for Macy’s Holiday Terrarium Workshop
Neighborhood: Herald Square
Macy’s Air Plant Ornament Workshop

Craft a holiday ornament with an air plant and moss at Macy’s Herald Square.
- Dates: Dec 7, 14 & 21, 2026 (reported)
- Price: $40 per person; reservation required
- Ages: Check age minimum
Reported for 2026
- Ornament craft
- About $40
Official site for Macy’s Air Plant Ornament Workshop (opens in a new tab)Macy’s Herald Square on the map for Macy’s Air Plant Ornament Workshop
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Children’s Museum of Manhattan Winter Metropolis

Build and decorate a miniature winter city at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan.
- Dates: Dec 8–13, 15–20, 22–24 & 26–30, 2026, 2–4:15pm
- Price: About $17 per adult or child online ($18 at door); under 1 free
- Ages: All ages
Confirmed for 2026
- Build a mini city
- Ages 6 & under
- Museum admission
Official site for Children’s Museum of Manhattan Winter Metropolis (opens in a new tab)On the map for Children’s Museum of Manhattan Winter Metropolis
Neighborhood: Subway ride
Holiday Nostalgia Train

Ride historic 1930s subway cars with rattan seats, ceiling fans and vintage advertisements.
- Dates: Sundays in December 2026 (expected)
- Price: About $3 subway fare; up to 3 children under 44 inches free per paying adult
- Ages: All ages; children accompanied by adults
2026 dates, stops and fare to be confirmed
- Vintage subway cars
- Subway fare
Tip The expected route runs from 2 Av–Houston St (F) to 96 St–2 Av (Q).

Official site for Holiday Nostalgia Train (opens in a new tab)On the map for Holiday Nostalgia Train
Neighborhood: Bedford Park
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Model trains wind through miniature New York City architecture at the New York Botanical Garden.
- Dates: Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027
- Price: About $39 adults; ages 2–12 $27; under 2 free; prices vary by date
- Ages: All ages
Confirmed for 2026–27
- Model trains
- Miniature NYC
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Neighborhood: Bronx Park
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Stroll past glowing animal lanterns and light displays at the Bronx Zoo, with seasonal activities along the way.
- Dates: Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
- Price: From $29.95 adults; ages 3–12 from $14.95; 2 and under free
- Ages: All ages
Confirmed for 2026–27
- Animal lanterns
- Light displays
Official site for Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights (opens in a new tab)On the map for Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Neighborhood: Glen Oaks
Illuminate the Farm at Queens County Farm

Walk among light installations at Queens County Farm.
- Dates: From Nov 19, 2026; selected evenings; closing date to be confirmed
- Price: From $24.99 adult; ages 4–12 $17.99; under 3 free; fees extra
- Ages: All ages
2026 opening confirmed
- Farm lights
- Ticketed
Tip Choose a dated ticket and check the child ticket rules; the operator and ticket seller use different age bands.

Official site for Illuminate the Farm at Queens County Farm (opens in a new tab)On the map for Illuminate the Farm at Queens County Farm
Neighborhood: East Harlem
Gingerbread NYC Exhibition

New York City landmarks made from gingerbread, on display at the Museum of the City of New York.
- Dates: Opens Nov 6, 2026; closing date pending
- Price: About $23 adults; ages 18 and under free; NYC residents pay what you can
- Ages: All ages
Confirmed for 2026
- Gingerbread landmarks
- Museum exhibit
Official site for Gingerbread NYC Exhibition (opens in a new tab)On the map for Gingerbread NYC Exhibition
Neighborhood: Harlem Meer, Central Park
Gottesman Rink at Harlem Meer

Public skating beside Harlem Meer at Central Park’s north end. The opening is delayed; check the Davis Center’s update before setting out.
- Dates: Opening delayed; Nov 3, 2026 listed, subject to updates
- Price: $5–$10 adults; ages 4–16 $5; 3 and under free; skate rental $10
- Ages: All ages; check skate fit and readiness
Opening delayed · check for updates
- Ice skating
- Harlem Meer
Tip The operator lists 80-minute community sessions. Ask about small rental sizes before bringing a first-time skater.

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