Magical Christmas in New York: Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Christmas Day Fun

New York City, USA on December 25, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner

Start your magical Christmas morning with a delightful breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner, where singing waitstaff perform Broadway hits.
Travel from your hotel to Times Square, just a short walk.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Central Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the winter wonderland of Central Park, where you can see the beautiful snow-covered trees.
Take the subway to 59th Street–Columbus Circle and walk into the park.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Ice Skating at Wollman Rink

Experience the joy of ice skating in Central Park at Wollman Rink surrounded by festive decorations.
Walk to Wollman Rink within Central Park.
USD 50 (includes skate rental), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Christmas Lunch at Serafina

Savor delicious Italian cuisine at Serafina, a family-friendly restaurant located near Central Park.
Walk back toward 7th Ave and head to Serafina.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Rockefeller Center

Marvel at the iconic Christmas Tree and enjoy the festive atmosphere with live music around Rockefeller Center.
Take the subway to 47th-50th Streets Rockefeller Center.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore the Holiday Markets at Bryant Park

Wander through the Winter Village at Bryant Park and enjoy holiday shopping or warm up with hot cocoa.
Take a short walk from Rockefeller Center to Bryant Park.
Variable (depending on purchases), 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The View Restaurant & Lounge

End your first day with a panoramic dining experience at The View, NYC’s only revolving restaurant.
Take the subway or a taxi to The View, located at the Marriott Marquis.
USD 150, 2 hours
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Day 2: Exploring Holiday Attractions

New York City, USA on December 26, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jacob's Pickles

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Jacob's Pickles, famous for their Southern comfort food and pickles.
Walk or take the subway to the Upper West Side.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the American Museum of Natural History

Take the family to explore the vast exhibits, including the famous dinosaur fossils and the holiday-themed exhibits.
A short walk from breakfast to the museum.
USD 100, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Boathouse

Relax with a scenic lunch at The Boathouse in Central Park overlooking the lake.
Walk back to Central Park and head to the restaurant.
USD 120, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll Through Fifth Avenue

Walk along Fifth Avenue to admire the extravagant holiday window displays and holiday decorations.
Take the subway to Fifth Avenue.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Empire State Building

Get a bird's-eye view of the city from the iconic observation deck adorned with holiday decorations.
Take the subway to 34th Street–Herald Square.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Keens Steakhouse

Enjoy a classic New York steak dinner in an old-school atmosphere, perfect for a family celebration.
Walk or take the subway back to Midtown.
USD 200, 2 hours
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Day 3: Discovering Winter Wonderland

New York City, USA on December 27, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Balthazar

Start your day with a French-inspired breakfast at the iconic Balthazar in SoHo.
Take the subway to SoHo.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore the Bronx Zoo

Visit the Bronx Zoo for their Holiday Wonderland celebrations featuring festive lights and animals in winter habitats.
Take the subway to The Bronx.
USD 80, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Bronx Zoo Cafe

Grab a quick lunch at the Bronx Zoo Cafe featuring kid-friendly meals.
Dine at the cafe inside the zoo for convenience.
USD 50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Return to Manhattan

Head back to Manhattan to visit the New York Botanical Garden.
Take the subway back to Manhattan.
USD 10, 1.5 hours round trip

3:15PM

Visit the New York Botanical Garden

Experience the enchanting holiday train show at the Botanical Garden.
Continue to the Botanical Garden from the subway station.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at City Island Lobster House

Enjoy dinner with a seafood twist at this local gem on City Island, known for its cozy atmosphere and fresh seafood.
Take a taxi or rideshare to City Island.
USD 120, 2 hours
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Day 4: Holiday Festivities

New York City, USA on December 28, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sarabeth's

Indulge in a lavish breakfast at Sarabeth's, famous for its pastries and brunch dishes.
Take the subway to Central Park South.
USD 90, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden

Head back to the Botanical Garden to experience the magical train display once more.
Take the subway to the Botanical Garden.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Walking Tour of Dyker Heights Holiday Lights

Take a tour of the iconic Dyker Heights neighborhood to see its extravagant holiday light displays.
Join an organized tour from Manhattan.
USD 30, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at L&B Spumoni Gardens

Enjoy slices of their famous Sicilian pizza and spumoni, a local favorite in Brooklyn.
Take the subway to L&B Spumoni Gardens.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park

Explore this beautiful park with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and holiday decorations.
Walk or bike through the park.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The River Cafe

Conclude your day with an unforgettable dinner at The River Cafe, offering breathtaking views of the skyline and a festive holiday menu.
Take a short ferry or taxi to Brooklyn.
USD 200, 2 hours
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Day 5: Wrapping up the Holiday

New York City, USA on December 29, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Smith

Start your day at The Smith, known for its relaxed vibe and delish brunch items.
Take the subway to the East Village.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore the New York Botanical Garden

If you didn’t get enough of the garden, revisit for a peaceful stroll through winter flora.
Take the subway to the Bronx.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Discover the Met’s vast collections and holiday exhibits—perfect for both adults and kids.
Travel back to Manhattan and take the subway.
USD 50, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cafe Sabarsky

Enjoy an elegant lunch with Austrian influences at Cafe Sabarsky, right in the Met’s vicinity.
A short walk from the Met.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll through Gramercy Park

Take a quiet stroll through the exclusive Gramercy Park and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Take the subway to Gramercy Park area.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at Junior’s Restaurant

End your fabulous holiday trip with a delicious New York-style cheesecake and a hearty dinner.
Walk to Junior's in Times Square.
USD 80, 2 hours
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