There is NOTHING like Christmas time in new york! It’s the most magical time of year. New yorkers go “all out”. Christmas time in New York is something I’ve always wanted to do.
So on a whim & a last minute flight+hotel deal, we packed up the kids, a stroller, two backpacks and headed to the airport!
Night #1
We flew out of Miami late, around 10pm. The kiddos slept the entire plane ride. I highly recommend booking overnight flights with kids. After a short taxi ride from the airport we arrived at the Westin on 42nd ave. Staying in Midtown is a bit more expensive but worth it. It’s a central location and you can walk to everything.
Here is how we did New York in 2 days with 2 kids! Day 1
We woke up early (actually the kids woke us up early. The norm!). We bundled up, packed the stroller with snacks & diapers and headed down 42nd ave. Just walking the streets of New York is a treat. The buildings and energy of the city is something to behold. There’s nothing like it.
We walked to Grand Central Station and basked in the enchantment of that building. The outside alone is beautiful. We went inside and found the entrance of the “Oyster Bar Restaurant” In the dining concourse. There is a hidden secret about these arches and corners. You must stand in one corner and whisper while facing the corner. Someone else on the opposite corner, stands facing the corner and listens. Through the architecture of the archway, you can hear PERFECTLY what the other person is whispering. Its Amazing. These are called the “Whispering Arches”.
Next we head up and west a few blocks to 30 Rockefeller. (this has always been my FAVORITE building in Manhattan).
We stopped at the Bouchon Bakery (across the street) for a quick breakfast and much needed second cup of coffee.
Inside the 30 Rock plaza is where the TODAY show is filmed every morning. Also, in this plaza is the world famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree and Ice Skating Rink. This tree is the largest decorated REAL Christmas tree in Manhattan. (It is the tree Kevin stands in front of in Home Alone 2).
The building of 30 Rock is like a city. The bottom floors have restaurants and shops. The top floors of 30 Rock is where they film “Saturday Night Live” ,” Live with Kelly and Michael”, “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon”, “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (just to name a few of my favorites!) – so you never know who’s going to be walking around the plaza headed into work.
There is a “Top of the Rock” observation deck on the top floors of the building. Tickets are reasonably priced. We bought a “sun&stars” ticket that allowed us to go once during the day and once at night. Trust me, the 70th floor of 30 Rock is hands down THE BEST VIEW IN MANHATTAN!!! It will blow you away and leave you smiling.
After 30 Rock, we walked over to St Patricks Cathedral. It’s a gorgeous cathedral and a nice break from the cold to change a diaper and feed the kids.
We walked back to our Westin hotel down 5th avenue. All the shops (Like SaxFifthAve & Michael Kors) have giant Christmas decoration window displays for Christmas time in new york. Lunchtime is a perfect time to stroll past these stunning windows. (They can become very crowded at night.)
We got a pizza to go at a small “mom&pop” place and headed up to our hotel room.
After lunch, we all took a nap!
At around 4pm we bundled up again and took a short stroll out to Bryant Park and the New York Library. (But first stopped at the nearest starbucks for a caffine boost. BTW there a starbucks *literally* on almost every corner.)
There are Christmas time in new york booths and a small ice skating rink at Bryant Park. They were playing classic Christmas music throughout the park. (This is the same park where the big designers have all the shows for Fashion Week). It’s a quaint park compared to central park, but it is not to be missed!
Now that the sun had set we walked over to Times Square. Wow, its an overwhelming amazing experience to be in the middle of all that. It was a special treat to see the New Years Eve Ball already up and ready to drop. We walked back to midtown through broadway and saw all the theaters and posters for the plays. We picked up a ToGo order from a local eatery and headed back to the Westin for Bathtime and Bedtime.
Christmas time in New York | Day 2:
The last day should never be rushed. We woke up and took our time. We walked back to grand central station and spend a little more time soaking in the details of the ceiling and history. On one of the bottom floors there is a cute kid-friendly restaurant called “Juniors”. It was not pricey and very yummy.
After a big breakfast, we walked it off as we headed north to Central Park. We left the rest of the day to explore and see the park. There is so much to see and do during Christmas time in new york. From the park benches to the bridges – it’s a fairytale in there.
There are commonly street performers and artists painting on the walkways. There are plenty of horse and carriages if you want to see the park that way. Central Park is quintessential New York. Feel like a local and grab a copy of the NY Times (or my ironic fav – the NY Post) and have a read on a central park bench. You’ll feel like you’re in a movie.
We ended the afternoon lakeside at the LOEB Boathouse Restaurant. It was undeniably one of the most elegant & kid friendly dining experiences.
(But be sure – if you go- to make a reservation!)
We strolled back slowly to the hotel, gathering every last little bit of Christmas time in new york that we could. We picked up our 2 bags from the concierge and hopped in a taxi for the airport. Our flight left at around 8pm and we were home in Miami Beach in bed by 11pm.
And that’s how you do it!
Christmas time in new york, don’t miss a thing!
Wow New York at Christmas time really looks amazing! My girlfriend and I actually spent an afternoon walking around downtown NYC right before Christmas because we had some time between our two flights and this just reminded me of it.
You’re totally lucky that you had such good weather too! It even looks like your kids are enjoying themselves which I’m sure makes the experience even better!
It was an absolutely amazing trip and I have put it close to the top of my “to do again” list.
What a fun last-minute trip!! I’ve always wanted to visit NYC at Christmas, but I didn’t think it was really possible with kids. You proved otherwise! I love the photos, and how much you were able to pack in to such a short time. Now you’ve got me thinking dangerous thoughts… 🙂
DO IT! Traveling with kids adds such a layer of adventure and discovery. If I could give one extra bit of advice it would be to see the city at your kids pace. Don’t try and stuff every “must see” into your trip. Pick some central attractions and leave flexible time for those much needed adjustments. Also – get up early and everyone take a power nap and then stay out a little past normal bedtime. Makes it feel like double the time. OKAY! Now I’m the one with the dangerous thoughts… See ya there! lol
Great, post and photos! I’ve always wanted to visit New York City over the holidays, it seems so magical!
Thanks! We try and go the weekend before Christmas. It seems to be less busy because everyone is planning to vacation on Christmas. Could not pick a better time of year.
New York is SO Beautiful! We also went in December 2015 and I fell in love!! We were there the first weekend of December for only 1 day+, I think my favorite part was running through Central Park, I felt more like a local and less like a tourist when exploring the park that way. We also did the carousel in Central Park, truly a magical experience!
Fabulous photos of your trip and family. New York is on my wish list though I’d have 2 teenagers in tow.
What a sweet post! You’re kids are the cutest! So fun that you managed to do so much in NY with small kids! I’m not far at all from NY – but I never go! I’ll have to make a trip soon!
I have only been to NYC once and it was during Christmas time. You are right…it is magical!! I remember the tree and we also saw the Rockettes. My uncle arranged for us to eat at Tavern on the Green before it closed too. I’ll always have the best memories from that trip. Thanks for sharing!
Great trip and it looks like whole family had an amazing time! I love the overnight flight when you travel with kids tip!
What a fun adventure! Love your spontaneity! Who knew about the “Whispering Arches?” Can’t wait to check it out next visit!
I’d absolutely love to go to New York! I’m not sure I’d cope with the levels of cold but it just looks so beautiful and at least I wouldn’t be melting hot!
Holly | http://www.honestlyholly23.com
Your posts are always so filled with fun and adventure! Love it!
I live in NY – I think you did more in two days than we do here in a year! Good eating, cant go wrong with juniors, pizza, chinese.. yum!