Family Holiday Fun in NYC

New York City over the Holidays is one of my favorite times of the year. It is so gorgeous and magical plus there is so much to do and see! Rockefeller Center is probably the most iconic places to visit over the holidays. There is the famous giant tree (with over 50,000 or 5 miles of lights), ice skating but NOW a few famous store fronts have made there way into the heart of Rock Center. Like the iconic toy store FAO Schwarzand American Girl Doll. Both have closed up their original Flag Ships in NYC and have reopened in Rockefeller Center. FAO Schwarz has 3 levels of fun plus the famous lifesize piano! Which is fun for adults and kids. Then over at American Girl, they have collaborated with Swarovski crystal to make a stunning glittery holiday window display and a dolls dress that cost over $5000 in crystals is showcased taking over 40 hours to make. Then, don't forget to buy tickets in advance for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes one of my families holiday traditions. We go every year...

BUT if you want to try something off the beaten track I highly recommend coming downtown to visit the revived South Street Seaport. This area has come a long way over the past few years and has made a come back after being destroyed during hurricane sandy. Now this area has a vibrant nightlife and numerous fine dining venues. Such as 10 Corso Como and The Fulton by Jean Geoges. Plus WinterLand at Pier 17 which is rooftop ice skating. You can buy tickets in advance for this. There is also a beautiful Christmas tree every year in the Seaport and you may even see live Christmas carolers.

Now if you are downtown and want to do a little holiday shopping you will definitely want to head over to the Oculus which connects underground all the way to Brookfield Place. Which is key when it's this cold outside! You can be inside for hours! The Oculus has great shops like Apple, Sephora, and is the home to Eatily. Which is one of my favorite places to eat and visit. Then you can head over for luxury shopping at Brookfield with shops like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Here you can grab a hot cocoa from Le District and head out to their ice skating rink that over looks the Hudson River with views of the Statue of Liberty. They even offer skating lessons for you or your little ones! I recommend buying tickets in advance but they are also available to purchase on site. https://www.therinkatbrookfieldplace.net

Ok, if you are looking for something super unique, unlike anything you have ever done before I highly recommend getting tickets to Slava's Snow Show. This one of a kind show takes you inside a theatrical blizzard. Tickets are selling out fast for this as the show is only open from November 11- Jan 5th. This show is recommended for kids over 8 years.

But if you have little ones, then don't worry. One of our favorite childhood friends from across the pond is coming to NY just in time for the holiday season! Paddington Gets In a Jamshow opens Dec. 13th and is perfect for kids of all ages. I recommend buying tickets in advance.

Top 3 Santas Workshops

1. Macy's Herald Square Santaland - Tickets must be bought in advance but worth the wait!

2. ABC Carpet & Home (Some say this is the real Santa) Limited meet & greets Sundays Only, 11:00am-3:00pm11/27, 12/4, 12/11 & 12/18

3. Brookfield Place- I've been going for 11 years this Christmas and it's been the same Santa every year. We think this is the real Santa. Join the line, walk-ins welcome OR buy in advance.