9-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in New York City - Holiday Season 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

New York City, USA on December 24, 2024

3:00PM

Check-in at Holiday Inn Lower East Side

After arriving at JFK, check into your comfortable accommodation at the Holiday Inn Lower East Side, ideally located for your city exploration.
Taxi or Uber from JFK to hotel takes about 40 minutes.
USD200, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Lower East Side

Stroll around the vibrant Lower East Side neighborhood, filled with art stores, boutiques, and local cafes.
Walking distance from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Katz's Delicatessen

Experience the iconic deli and savor their famous pastrami sandwiches.
15-minute walk from the hotel.
USD40, 1 hour
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Day 2: Christmas Day in NYC

New York City, USA on December 25, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Russ & Daughters Cafe

Start your holiday morning with a classic breakfast bagel accompanied by delectable lox.
10-minute walk.
USD50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Central Park

Spend the morning wandering through the magical winter wonderland of Central Park, possibly enjoying a snowy landscape.
Take Subway Line Q from Delancey St to 59th St (30 mins).
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Loeb Boathouse

Enjoy lunch overlooking the serene lake with a seasonal holiday menu.
Walking in Central Park.
USD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ice Skating at Wollman Rink

Have fun ice skating in this beautiful rink surrounded by the skyline of the city.
Walk to Wollman Rink in Central Park.
USD20 (skate rental extra), 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Rockefeller Center

Admire the famous Christmas tree and festive decorations at this iconic spot.
Subway from 59th St to 47-50 Sts (15 mins).
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Serafina

Enjoy a cozy Italian dinner with options that will delight every family member.
10-minute walk.
USD80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Museums and Discovery

New York City, USA on December 26, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the hotel to prepare for a day of exploration.
In-house dining.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the American Museum of Natural History

Explore the fascinating exhibits, including the dinosaur fossils and the planetarium.
Take Subway Line B from Grand St to 81st St (30 mins).
USD28 per adult, USD16 per child, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Grab quick and delicious burgers at the popular fast-casual chain.
Subway back to the hotel (30 mins) then 20-minute walk.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore The High Line

Take a leisurely walk along this elevated park with beautiful views and gardens.
Take Subway Line C from 14th St to 23rd St (10 mins).
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Chelsea Market

Shop for unique gifts and gourmet food at this bustling market.
Walking distance from the High Line.
Free to enter, varies for shopping., 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Los Tacos No. 1

Relish authentic Mexican tacos, perfect for a casual dining experience.
10-minute walk.
USD30, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cultural Exploration

New York City, USA on December 27, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a comfortable breakfast at the hotel restaurant to kickstart your day.
In-house dining.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Immerse yourself in a world of art from around the globe at this iconic museum.
Take Subway Line 4 from Grand St to 86th St (30 mins).
USD25 per adult, USD12 per child, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Met's Cafeteria

Relax and refuel with a light meal surrounded by inspiring art.
Inside the museum.
USD50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Central Park Zoo

After lunch, check out the delightful animals at this small, family-friendly zoo.
10-minute walk.
USD15 per adult, USD10 per child, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Museum of Ice Cream

Delight your family with a unique and interactive experience filled with sweet surprises.
Subway from 5th Ave to Spring St (20 mins).
USD40 per person, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Balthazar

End the day with a charming French dinner in a beautifully designed space.
10-minute walk.
USD100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nature and Views

New York City, USA on December 28, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Recharge with breakfast at the hotel before another busy day.
In-house dining.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Enjoy the tranquility of nature’s beauty in this extensive garden, especially lovely even in winter.
Subway Line 2 from Grand St to Eastern Pkwy (40 mins).
USD18 per adult, USD8 per child, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Prospect Park Picnic House

Pack a picnic or grab something light to eat in this charming locale in Prospect Park.
Walk around Prospect Park (15 mins).
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Prospect Park

Spend the afternoon exploring this large urban park with playgrounds and open fields perfect for family fun.
Walking.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Brooklyn Bridge

Take a scenic walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge for breathtaking views of the skyline.
Subway back to Manhattan and then walk (40 mins).
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The River Café

Enjoy dinner with stunning views of Manhattan from this romantic riverside restaurant.
10-minute walk from the Brooklyn Bridge.
USD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Arts and Entertainment

New York City, USA on December 29, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your morning with breakfast at the hotel to prepare for an exciting day ahead.
In-house dining.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Guggenheim Museum

Experience art in a unique architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Subway Line 4 to 86th St, then walk (30 mins).
USD25 per adult, USD18 per child, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Sabarsky

Enjoy Austrian cuisine in a grand cafe setting located within the Neue Galerie.
After the museum visit, walk to the nearby cafe (15 mins).
USD70, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the New York Public Library

Visit this iconic building and admire its grandeur and historical significance.
Subway back to 42nd St (15 mins).
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Times Square

Experience the dazzling lights and vibrant energy of NYC's famous square.
Walking distance from the library.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Carmine's

Savor family-style Italian dishes in the heart of Times Square.
Just around the corner.
USD90, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Shopping and Relaxation

New York City, USA on December 30, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Indulge in another breakfast at the hotel to align your family for a day of relaxation.
In-house dining.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Macy's Herald Square

Enjoy shopping at one of the largest department stores in the world, perfect for holiday sales.
Subway Line E from Grand St to 34th St (20 mins).
Variable, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Smith

Take a break from shopping to fill up on classic American fare.
Short walk from Macy’s (10 mins).
USD70, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll on Fifth Avenue

Spend time walking along Fifth Avenue, admiring storefront displays and festive decorations.
Walking distance from The Smith.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Engage with modern and contemporary art in this world-renowned museum.
Subway from 5th Ave to 53rd St (10 mins).
USD25 per adult, USD14 per child, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar

Savor your last night in NYC with beautiful skyline views and delightful international cuisine.
Subway back to 34th St (10 mins).
USD100, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: New Year’s Eve Celebration

New York City, USA on December 31, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have your last breakfast in NYC at the hotel to set you up for a day of festivities.
In-house dining.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Viewing Area

Get an early start to find the best viewing spot for the iconic ball drop in Times Square.
Take the subway to Times Square (20 mins).
Free, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Junior's Restaurant

Relish their famous cheesecake and hearty meals before New Year's celebrations begin.
Near Times Square.
USD80, 90 mins

3:30PM

Last-minute shopping

Take some time to grab any remaining souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.
Walking distance from Times Square.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Early Dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner

Enjoy a fun dinner while being entertained by singing waitstaff in this vibrant diner.
Walking distance from Times Square.
USD50, 2 hours

8:00PM

New Year's Eve Celebration

Ring in the New Year with live music and festivities in Times Square.
Staying in the Times Square area.
Free, Ongoing until midnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Departure Day

New York City, USA on January 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast before preparing for your departure.
In-house dining.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Check-out from the hotel

Finish up and prepare your luggage for the next adventure or journey home.
N/A
Free, 30 mins

11:00AM

Departure to JFK Airport

Travel back to JFK for your departing flight and reflect on the wonderful memories created in NYC.
Taxi or Uber from the hotel to JFK takes about 40 minutes.
USD60, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability