Traveling with tweens to NYC during the Christmas season means mixing classic sights with fun, holiday experiences that keep everyone excited. This itinerary blends adventure, treats, and just the right amount of winter wonder. Bundle up and get ready to make unforgettable family memories with our 3 Days in NYC with Tweens Christmas Itinerary. Enjoy!
TRAVEL
3 Days in NYC with Tweens at Christmas
December 10, 2025
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Visiting NYC during the Christmas season is a bucket-list item for many families. While the city that never sleeps has an energy of its own, traveling during the holidays is a magical experience that your kids will never forget. From the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to window displays that feel straight out of a movie, the city offers a perfect blend of winter activities and events for families with kids, tweens, and teens.
We’ve crafted this 3 Day in NYC with Tweens at Christmas Itinerary to help you get the most out of your time in The Big Apple. Designed to keep everyone engaged, this itinerary combines must-see landmarks with festive experiences that spark curiosity and holiday cheer. You’ll glide across ice rinks, wander through famous neighborhoods, sip hot chocolate from local spots, and discover what makes NYC magical this time of year.
3 Days in NYC with Tweens during the Christmas Season
While the main focus of this post is to help you plan your own 3 Day NYC Christmas Itinerary with Tweens, we’ve also included some other items that we think will be helpful including:
– 3 Day Family-Friendly Itinerary
– Christmas Activities in NYC
– Activities for Tweens in NYC
– What to Pack
– Hotels
– Flights
– Weather
We visited NYC the first week of December, which coincided with the Lighting of the Rockefeller Tree. If you are going this week, it is ideal to arrive a day or two before the actual lighting. Although still busy the night before, that area will become incredibly crowded once the tree is lit. To put it in perspective, we had a very minimal line getting into FAO Schwarz the night before the lighting. The line was wrapped around the block two nights later.
3 Days in NYC with Tweens during the Christmas Season Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
- Check into hotel and get settled in
- Pictures at Times Square
- Early dinner – John’s Pizzeria of Times Square
- View the Sak’s 5th Avenue Light Show
- Shopping – Nintendo New York, FAO Schwarz, The LEGO Store Fifth Avenue
- View Holiday Window Displays along Fifth Avenue
Day 2: Ice Skating / NY Public Library / Central Park / MoMA
- Ice skating at the Winter Village at Bryant Park (9:00am slot, if possible)
- Explore the NY Public Library
- Stroll through Central Park
- Lunch at Tavern on the Green
- Marvel at the art at MoMA
- Dinner at Serendipity 3 Times Square
Day 3: Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island / Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes
- Leave hotel around 8:00am to head to Battery Park
- 9:00am tickets for Ferry (purchased in advance)
- Statue of Liberty – Pedestal Climb and Museum
- Explore Ellis Island
- Lunch – Shirokuro 2D Black-and-White Restaurant
- Claw Arcade – Partea NYC
- Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes
- Dinner – The Capital Grille
Day 4: Empire State Building / Harry Potter Store / Macy’s / Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Early entry for Empire State Building (8:30am)
- Explore the Harry Potter Store
- Check out Macy’s
- Dinner at Joe Allen’s Restaurant
- 7:00pm Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Above is the general outline for our time in NYC, here is a little more detail to our 3 Days in NYC with Tweens during the Christmas Season Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival
In our experience, it is best not to book anything on your arrival day, especially if you’re flying in. There are too many variables that could cause you to either run late or miss your booking altogether. Our first evening was focused on activities that were not time-sensitive. We had pizza at John’s Pizzeria of Times Square (which was delicious, especially the garlic knots), grabbed pictures in Times Square, hit up some tween friendly stores (Nintendo New York, FAO Schwarz, The LEGO Store Fifth Avenue) with little waits, and admired the lights and displays along 5th Avenue.
Here is the interior of John’s Pizzeria of Times Square.
Day 2: Ice Skating / NY Public Library / Central Park / MoMA
For our first full day in NYC, we were ready to hit the ground running. We started the morning ice skating at the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Having an early time slot is the way to go for less crowds. After ice skating, we walked around the Winter Village. Many of the shops weren’t open yet but some were and to be able to browse around with hardly any crowds was totally worth it. After that, we explored the NYC Public Library. We are all big readers so this was a must. It’s also free, which is an added bonus.
After the library, we walked to Tavern on the Green in Central Park. It was about a mile and half, but we wanted to see the city and walk through Central Park. Since it was early in the day, we still had plenty of energy. We had a great experience at Tavern on the Green. I’d definitely recommend it, but make sure to have reservations. We were seated within 5 minutes of checking in, but there were many families hoping to be worked in when we left.
At this point, our tween was tired of walking. We bargained with a pedicab driver to see the rest of Central Park and drop us off on the south end by The Plaza. After the ride was finished, we all agreed, it was a nice break from walking. From there, we walked to the Museum of Modern Art. While I think any of the “big 3 museums” near Central Park would have been a fabulous addition to our day, there were two main reasons we picked MoMA. First, MoMA is the place to see Vincent van Gogh’s, “The Starry Night,” which is my tween’s favorite art piece. Second, MoMA is not nearly as large as The Met or Museum of Natural History and we only had a couple of hours to spare.
Here are just a few of the masterpieces that can be seen at MoMA.
Almost all of the top pieces that we wanted to see at MoMA were located on the fifth floor with two artists that we wanted to check out on the fourth floor. While exhibits and locations may change, this was our list of must-see’s at MoMA:
Fourth Floor – All work by Jackson Pollock (401) and Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans”
Fifth Floor – Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and “The Olive Trees” (501); Georges-Pierre Seurat’s “Port-en-Bessin, Entrance to the Harbor” (501); Pablo Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” (502); Henri Matisse’s “Still Life with Aubergines Collioure” (506); Claude Monet’s “Water Lillies” (515); Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory” (517); Paul Cezanne’s “Milk Can and Apples (518); and Frida Kaho’s “Fulang-Chang and I” and “Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair” (521);
MoMA also has a small café and gift shop so make sure to add some extra time to explore for souvenirs.
After MoMA, we walked back to our hotel to get ready for dinner. We had reservations at the Instagram worthy, Serendipity 3 Times Square. With it’s colorful rooms and enormous sundaes, this place is a tween girl’s dream. And surprisingly, our food was actually good considering this is a tourist centric place. If possible, request a table in the interior. There are a few tables along the wall in the entrance and that area stays busy with people coming in and out of the restaurant and attached hotel.
Day 3: Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island / Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes
We grabbed an Uber for our ride down to the south end of Manhattan. We left around 8:00am and it took about 30 minutes to get to Battery Park. Even arriving 30 minutes early for our booking time, there was still a long line to go through security. Every passenger goes through airport style security before boarding the ferry. We made it on the first ferry out, but if you plan on arriving right at 9:00am or even 8:45am, you may have to wait until the next one.
The ride to Liberty Island was easy, but cold. You can grab a great photo on the ferry, but don’t worry if it’s busy on the edges of the boat as it approaches. You will have plenty of opportunities to get an amazing photo of Lady Liberty on the island. For food and drinks, they do have concessions on board the ferry and there is a café on the island. We opted to grab coffee and a snack at the café before checking out the rest of the island.
After a quick breakfast, it was on to the climb. We grabbed a few photos of the Statue of Liberty from below and headed up to the pedestal. When going to the pedestal or crown, you will have to go through another security check. It’s a hike up to the pedestal. There is an elevator, but we chose to take the stairs. If you are visiting the crown, there is not an elevator that will take you to the very top.
We perused the gift shop and headed back onto the ferry to head to Ellis Island. Some people skip Ellis Island, but we found it to be a neat experience, especially since we are learning about American History right now. After about an hour on Ellis Island, we took the ferry back to Battery Park. Overall, we spent about 3 hours total between the travel time, visiting the Statue of Liberty, and walking through Ellis Island. If visiting the Statue of Liberty is on your must-dos for your 3 Day Trip to NYC with Tweens, we’d recommend blocking out at least half a day.
Two items on my tween’s bucket list included having lunch at the black and white 2D restaurant, Shirokuro, and going to a clawcade, which is basically an arcade that is primarily claw machines. They are very popular in Tokyo (which is the number one destination on her bucket list) and we don’t have one locally. We ended up checking out Partea NYC in Union Square. My husband couldn’t get over how clean it was inside and we racked up with several stuffed animals so it was a win-win.
Here is a view of the inside of Shirokuro.
We had tickets for 5:00pm to see the Rockettes, so we headed back to the hotel via subway. This was our first subway ride of the trip and although we were a little apprehensive, it couldn’t have been smoother. Once below, we found a kiosk and bought single rider tickets, went through the turnstile, and followed Google Maps directions on when to get off. Taking the subway was such a lifesaver for both time and money for our trip! It also makes you feel like a real New Yorker.
Our tickets recommended arriving at Radio City Music Hall by 4:00pm and now, we can see why. Before getting in the crazy long, but efficient line, we grabbed another picture of the Rockefeller Tree (all lit up this time). Even with the large number of shows they put on each season, plan for it to be packed when you go, especially in December. But, it is definitely worth it. In our opinion, seeing The Rockettes at Christmastime should be on your must-do list! To save money, consider going to the earliest or latest show.
I didn’t make dinner reservations for this night because I thought we’d be too tired to sit down and eat and I was wrong. Luckily, with some scrambling, I was able to snag a reservation at The Capital Grille. Our food was pretty good and our service was excellent. The biggest bonus is it’s extremely close proximity to Radio City Music Hall.
If I had one regret about the trip, it would be not making dinner reservations for each night. From previous trips, I just assumed we wouldn’t want to eat out on some nights, but you will be hard-pressed to find good reservations on the day of or even week of your travel dates.
Day 4: Empire State Building / Harry Potter Store / Macy’s / Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
One of the reasons we decided to go to NYC in December was to see all of the magic that the city had to offer, but also because we are big Harry Potter fans. When Tom Felton announced he was reprising his role for Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Broadway show, we knew we wanted to see it with him in it. So, our last day was basically a Harry Potter Day.
We started with early-bird tickets at the Empire State Building. This was such a lovely way to see this famous landmark. The view is incredible, of course, but there are many interactive features that the tweens enjoyed playing around on. I know, if you’re not an early riser, these kinds of adventures can seem painful, but we found in New York that it is so much more peaceful during the morning hours. And when you’re visiting one of the busiest cities in the world during the busiest time of the year, it is completely worth losing a little bit of sleep to beat the crowds.
After the Empire State Building, we walked further south to the Harry Potter Store. This store is amazing. There are two floors filled with everything you’d ever need in the wizarding world including a “broom experience” for photos and a butterbeer bar. This would’ve been another great place to arrive at right when the store opens because it gets very busy. We bought a few things with plans of ordering a few more when we got home. This was a mistake. There are many things that can only be purchased in store so if you see something that you want, it’s best to go ahead and buy it then.
Here is a snapshot of the amazing interior of the Harry Potter Store in NYC.
Our next stop was Macy’s. Macy’s is actually closer to the Empire State Building, but we were trying to get to the Harry Potter Store as early as possible. If you’ve never been to the Macy’s in New York, this place is massive. There is literally something for everyone. You could spend hours here, but we were there for one reason – the PopMart store. I’m not sure if this is a temporary pop up or if they’re going to stick around a while, but if you’re tween is into Labubu, you’ve come to the right place.
We grabbed lunch at a little sandwich shop in Macy’s and headed back to our hotel. At this point, we were all really tired and needed to rest up for the show. We had an early dinner at Joe Allen’s restaurant and made our way to Lyric Theater. The cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child were amazing and the special effects were incredible. For those wanting to see it, I would recommend reading through the Harry Potter series at least finishing book 4 – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Book (screenplay) as well. It can be hard to follow along if you’re not familiar with the storyline.
After the show we waiting for about half an hour to see if Tom Felton would sign autographs, but sadly, we never saw him. With an early flight the next morning, it was time to say farewell to our 3 day NYC trip with tweens in December!
The actors of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child received a standing ovation.
This next section is broken down into two parts – Best Christmas Activities for Tweens in NYC and Best Activities for Tweens in NYC. The first half focuses on activities that are specific to the Christmas season and the second half includes activities that tweens will enjoy in NYC any time of the year.
Best Christmas Activities for Tweens in NYC
There’s a reason visiting NYC in December is on the bucket list for many families. From the lighting of the Rockefeller tree and stunning Christmas decorations throughout the city to winter specific events like the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes and ice skating, there are so many things to enjoy during the holiday season.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Regardless of whether or not you are planning to view the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, seeing it should definitely be on your list for things to do while visiting NYC in December with tweens. It’s a stunning sight to behold. The tree typically arrives in early to mid-November with the lighting taking place the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. After that, the tree will stay lit through mid-January with a special 24-hour lighting on Christmas Eve.
Sak’s Fifth Avenue Light Show
Featuring synchronized lights and music across the Sak’s Fifth Avenue building, the best part about this show is it’s free! Running nightly from late November into early January, this is a quick and easy-to-see activity to get you into the Christmas spirit.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
While you’re in the area, the St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a wonderful place to take a quiet moment and remember what the Christmas season is all about.
Holiday Window Display Stroll
The Christmas window displays and store decorations are well thought out each year. To get the most bang for your buck, a 5th Avenue holiday window display stroll will have the most well-known stops. If you want to view these windows up close without a lot of people around, opt for an early morning stroll. If you want to see the windows lit up, take your time and view them in the evening or late at night. Some popular stops including a few hotels to check out beginning at Saks Fifth Avenue are Lotte New York Palace, Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion, The Peninsula New York, Tiffany & Co. – The Landmark, Louis Vuitton Trunk, Bergdorf Goodman, and The Plaza.
This Christmas window displays 5th Avenue walking route in New York is about 0.8 miles. While Google clocks it at 17 minutes, we’d plan for at least 30 minutes so you can pause and admire the displays at each location.
Christmas Spectacular with the Radio City Rockettes
For 100 years the Rockettes have been one of America’s finest precision dance companies and the Christmas Spectacular is their shining event. Lasting 90 minutes, the show features amazing dance sequences to favorite holiday classics, singing, light displays, and a visit from Santa Claus. The show takes place multiple times each day and guests are encouraged to arrive 1 hour early.
Eat at a Christmas-themed Restaurant
These over-the-top eateries are worth the reservation, if only to gaze at the décor. Try your best to snag a reservation early because these will book up fast: Lillie’s Victorian, Oscar Wilde, Rolf’s, and Papillon Bistro (walk-in only).
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Located in Brooklyn, the Dyker Heights neighborhood does it up like no other when it comes to Christmas lights and decorations. Due to its popularity and location, this activity didn’t make it to our itinerary, but if you have a free night and are ready to take on the crowds, it looks to be an amazing evening.
Christmas Markets
Visiting a holiday market during your 3 Days in NYC with Tweens at Christmas is a must-do event. These open-air markets feature food and shopping booths that are the closest thing to a European Christmas market that you’ll find in the US. As of this writing, there are 4 Christmas markets in NYC. You could visit all of them, but many booths are at multiple locations and with a 3-day itinerary, we’d suggest picking one that’s close to other items on your list. To beat the crowds, go early if you can. In the evening, it will be substantially busier.
• Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park – Bryant Park is located between 40th and 42nd Streets, behind the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman building. This makes it a good choice if visiting the NY Public Library or Grand Central Station (also close by). The Winter Village at Bryant Park also features an ice skating rink (more on that below) that changes to bumper car rides on ice in January.
• Union Square Holiday Market – The Union Square Holiday Market is located at Union Park, near University Place and East 14th Street. It is the largest of the markets with nearly 200 vendors. However, this market closes for the season on Christmas Eve so if you’re traveling after that, you’ll want to look into a different option.
• Columbus Circle Holiday Market – The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is located at the southwest corner of Central Park at Columbus Circle and 59th Street. With it’s prime location, it is the perfect addition to your visit to Central Park.
• Herald Square Holiday Market aka Macy’s Holiday Square Market – This holiday market is located at 33rd Street and Broadway, next to Macy’s Herald Square. Like the other holiday markets, guests will find plenty of shops and food vendors, but what makes this location unique is the double-decker carousel. It was new for 2025, but will hopefully be back for future years.
Ice Skating
Ice skating in NYC during the Christmas season is likely on your tween’s bucket list and there’s a rink for every type of skater.
• The Rink at Rockefeller Center – With its magical view overlooking the Rockefeller Christmas tree, this is probably the most popular spot to ice skate in NYC. However, it is also the most expensive and the smallest. General skate sessions last 60 minutes and the price varies by date. It was between $22 – $124 per person when we visited plus the cost to rent skates. VIP skate sessions are also available as well as après skate chalets.
• Wollman Rink NYC – Another popular spot to ice skate in NYC is Wollman Rink. It is the largest of the three main ice skating rinks and is a prime location (inside Central Park). Adult pricing ranges from $16 – $40 plus the cost of skate rentals (if required). If you’re visiting outside of the Christmas season, ice skating typically runs from October through March.
• Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park – This is the only location that offers free ice skating, if you brought your own skates of course. For the rest of us, ice skate rentals range between $18 – 60 depending on the day and time. Skate sessions are 50 minutes, except for the first session which is longer.
We had a wonderful experience skating at Bryant Park. As complete beginners, we were hoping for a not-so-busy skating rink and the second earliest skate time session worked out great for us. They had just finished cleaning up the rink and there were not nearly as many people as we saw skating later in the day.
Best Activities for Tweens in NYC
When building your 3-day NYC itinerary with tweens in mind, there are certain activities that you will want to add no matter what time of the year you visit. These include some NYC specific attractions, must-see landmarks, and world famous museums. While you can’t see everything in 3 days, you’ll still be able to get a taste of New York.
Visit an Observation Deck
Visiting an observation tower in NYC offers a whole new perspective of the city. Take in sweeping views of the skyline, spot iconic landmarks like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, and truly grasp the scale of New York City. There are lots of options here including the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and One World Observatory. Any of these choices will provide amazing views so pick a place that works with your schedule and is within your budget.
Ultimately, we chose the Empire State Building and it was the right pick for us. Along with the observation decks, there were many interactive exhibits and unique design elements, making the experience both educational and memorable. We were able to snag an “early bird” ticket which allows you to go up 30 minutes before opening. This was totally worth it. The lines were minimal and you could enjoy the experience with a much smaller crowd.
Our ticket also allowed us to go to the 86th floor and the 102nd floor. After experiencing it, I think the 86th floor is the better view of the two and I personally wouldn’t get a ticket for the 102nd floor again. Being that high and surrounded by glass almost made me feel motion sick and although the 86th floor observation deck is outside, there are heat warmers all around so it wasn’t nearly as cold as we were expecting (even though it was below freezing that morning).
See the Statue of Liberty
Another landmark that needs to be on your bucket list in one form or another is viewing the Statue of Liberty. Although you can see it from an observation deck, it’s going to be very small. For a better view, you can visit the island itself with a general admission ticket, pedestal ticket, or crown ticket. This is another area that gives you an amazing view of the skyline and also includes a stop at Ellis Island. Ferry boats depart daily from New York City’s Battery Park.
Before buying tickets, guests should note that there are 215 steps to the pedestal and another 162 steps to the crown. There is an elevator for the pedestal, but not to the crown. There is also airport style security to get on the ferry and then again if visiting the pedestal or crown.
When buying tickets, Statue City Cruises is the only authorized provider of tickets to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. We would recommend getting the earliest reservation and arriving at least 30 minutes early, but closer to 45 minutes to an hour if visiting during a busy time (like December). Even during the week, this was our longest wait. If you arrived 15 minutes before your ticketed time, you didn’t make the first boat.
If you don’t have the time in your schedule, another option to see the Statue of Liberty at a closer distance is to take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. The Staten Island Ferry is free and takes about 25 minutes each way.
Shopping
When traveling on a 3 day trip with tweens to NYC in December, it would be hard not to mention the shopping. New York City is one of the greatest shopping meccas in the world. Whether your tween is into Sephora or Nintendo or both, you’re going to find some amazing shops in NYC.
Visit a World-Renowned Museum
New York City is home to some of the best museums in the world, offering unforgettable experiences for visitors of all interests. With renowned art institutions and historic collections, visitors will get to explore history on a global scale. If you have at least half a day, consider The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) or American Museum of Natural History. If you are limited on time, you can see the main attractions at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in about 2 hours, but you could easily spend longer than that.
Go to a Broadway Show
Seeing a Broadway show in New York City is an unforgettable experience that captures the energy and creativity of the city. From world-class performances and stunning stage design to powerful storytelling and live music, Broadway brings theater to life in a way that can’t be replicated anywhere else. When traveling on a 3-day trip to NYC with tweens, you’ll want to pick a show that is age appropriate and fun. Popular options that have a home in New York include The Lion King (Ages 6+), Aladdin (Ages 6+), Wicked (Ages 8+), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Ages 8+), and Hamilton (Ages 10+).
Catch a Game
If you’re traveling with a sports fan, consider adding a professional sports ticket to your 3-day NYC itinerary with tweens. The month of December has plenty of options for NBA basketball (New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets), NFL football (New York Giants and New York Jets), and NHL hockey (New York Rangers and New York Islanders) fans.
Central Park
No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to Central Park. Offering a peaceful escape from the bustling streets and crowds, the park is filled with iconic attractions like Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo, along with miles of scenic paths and open lawns. Below is a walking path loop of Central Park where you can check out all of the main attractions.
*A Word on Pedicabs – While exploring Central Park, especially on foot, you are going to encounter many pedicab drivers. If the pedicab is empty, you will likely be approached for a ride. For the most part, this is a very common practice in the area and it is not a scam unto itself, but it’s crucial that an agreement on price and location is made BEFORE you hop in. Some pedicab drivers will charge you upwards of $8 per minute (yes, per minute!). If you would like to go for a ride in one (we did!), have a price per person agreed upon as well as where you would like to go and be dropped off. For a full Central Park tour, consider purchasing tickets ahead of time.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a moving experience that tells the story of the September 11 attacks and honors the lives that were lost. The outdoor memorial is free to the public. It is set where the World Trade Center towers used to stand and features twin reflecting pools. Inside the museum are compelling exhibits featuring artifacts, personal stories, and historical context that help visitors understand what happened and how the world changed.
Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a classic New York City experience that offers incredible skyline views and a real sense of the city’s history. The pedestrian path stretches about 1.1 miles, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Many visitors walk the bridge one way (usually Manhattan to Brooklyn) and then take a ferry back. For the best experience, go early in the morning to avoid crowds, wear comfortable shoes, and stay in the pedestrian lane (it’s shared with bikes). If you can’t fit a full walk in, walk to the South Street Seaport or Pier 17 for a great photo spot.
New York Public Library – The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Located adjacent to Bryant Park and free to the public, this building is considered the flagship location. The main entrance features the famous marble lions – Patience and Fortitude. Once inside, the interior of the building is closer to a museum than a public library. Take the grand staircase to the 3rd floor to see the famous Rose Main Reading Room, only open to the public during certain hours. Make sure you check out The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures: A permanent exhibit showcasing over 250 rare items, including the first Gutenberg Bible in America and the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals.
Grand Central Station
Still in use as a transit hub, this famous landmark is filled with history, shopping, and dining spots. Make sure to check out the iconic celestial ceiling in the Main Concourse and listen for whispers at the famous Whispering Gallery. Being indoors, this is also a good rainy day spot should you encounter any wet days on your trip.
Take a Neighborhood Tour
There are so many unique areas to explore in NYC. If your tween is into architecture or your looking for a more authentic New York experience, step out of the tourist areas and into the neighborhoods that make up Manhattan. Popular areas include Greenwich Village, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, SoHo, Tribeca, and Hudson Yards. And don’t forget to visit Chinatown, one of the largest Chinese communities outside of Asia, and Little Italy, famous for its Italian heritage.
Have an Immersive Experience
Popular with teens, tweens, and families, these spots are filled with plenty of fun and Instagrammable photo ops: Museum of Ice Cream, RiseNY, Color Factory NYC, and Sloomoo Institute. These also make for great rainy day activities.
Grab Pictures in Times Square
No matter the time of year that you visit NYC with tweens, you’re going to want to stop by Times Square for some pictures. The lights and screens are on 24/7 so you can squeeze this in at any time.
There are lots of characters and street vendors in Times Square. Unless you want to pay for something, always say, “No, thank you,” and keep walking.
What to pack for NYC in December?
December in NYC will likely be cold, but there is still the possibility of a more mild winter so dressing in layers will be your best option. This will allow you to acclimate to the fluctuations between moving indoors and outdoors.
Clothing
Insulated Coat
A waterproof, insulated coat will be your best outer layer option. We prefer a lightweight jacket such as a puffer with a hood, compared to a wool coat. Regardless whether you are packing the coat or wearing it on the plane, the lighter it is, the easier it will be to travel. A longer coat will be more beneficial than a shorter one. If you want to look like a local, pick a neutral color. Black was definitely the most popular color on the streets, but a more colorful option will make it easier to spot your tween!
Base Layer
A thermal fleece lined base layer is invaluable if you are expecting cold weather on your trip to NYC. Aim for something light, that will give you additional warmth. I brought a base layer consisting of both pants and tops, with the plan to wear the leggings under my jeans, but ended up only using the tops with jeans or the leggings on their own.
Sweaters
To complete your main outfit, opt for a sweater that will ensure you’re nice and toasty while strolling through the blustery wind.
Footwear
Boots
Insulated boots that are comfortable are essential for walking on potentially icy or snowy streets. If you can find a pair that is waterproof, that’s even better. Warmth is important and being fashionable has its pros, but when walking long distances, comfort is going to be key. I splurged on some UGG boots last winter and they were perfect for our freezing days in NYC.
Socks
Warm, thick socks will keep your body temperature regulated when the temperatures drop. Bring an extra pair or two, just in case they get wet and you need to change them.
Accessories
Hat or Ear Muffs
Keeping your head and ears warm are critical when the temperatures are really cold and it is windy. If your hat has a hood, you could opt out of headwear, otherwise a beanie or ear muffs is a must.
Scarf
A warm scarf keeps the cold wind off your chest and can be wrapped around your face during extreme cold or windy conditions. It is an essential item. You can buy one ahead of time or plan to barter with one of the street vendors when you get there because if it’s cold, you’re going to need one.
Gloves
Another non-negotiable item are gloves or mittens. Any kind is fine, but you will be glad to have the cold off your hands.
Hand Warmers
These are optional, but they are so nice to have when it’s blistery outside. You can opt for single use hand warmers or rechargeable hand warmers. While experiences may differ, I put these rechargeable hand warmers in my carry-on and didn’t have any problems going through airport security.
Disposable Ponchos
If you’re expecting rainy weather on your trip and your coat isn’t waterproof, investing in some cheap disposable ponchos will keep you dry without having to bring another jacket.
Hotels
One of the hardest decisions to make when visiting New York City is where to stay. Spending 3 days with tweens in NYC during Christmas likely means you will want something convenient so you can make the most of your time. Unless you have a specific hotel in mind already, the best way to decide where to stay is to look at your itinerary and go from there.
Our itinerary (listed above) was primarily based in Midtown Manhattan. Since we wanted to travel by foot as much as possible, this narrowed down our options significantly.
Review of the Hyatt Regency Times Square in New York City
Hyatt Regency Times Square
We ended up staying at the Hyatt Regency Times Square off of Broadway. Our room was located on the 38th floor and was relatively quiet (even with the window cracked at night). We did bring a noisemaker from home (which we always travel with) and asked for a fan from the hotel, which was a small tabletop fan, not a box fan like we were hoping for. With all of those things in place, the honking and activity from Times Square could barely be heard.
The Hyatt Regency Times Square is a new hotel in the area. It used to be the Crowne Plaza Times Square. This is useful to mention to your driver if they’re not familiar with this specific location. There is a covered drop-off area, which is really convenient, especially if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage.
We had a standard room with two queen beds. As mentioned above, since the hotel was recently renovated, our room felt new and clean. It was more spacious than I was anticipating and the location was perfect for us. It was an easy walk to the activities and shopping around the Rockefeller Center area as well as Bryant Park. The subway was also easy to enter and exit from there.
I’m not sure if it was because we checked in on a Tuesday, but our check-in process could not have been easier. It took about 15 minutes and we were in our room. While we liked the hotel overall, there were two things that would have made our stay more enjoyable.
First, the rooms are not equipped with coffee makers. If you are a coffee drinker, this means you will need to either get coffee downstairs at the on-site restaurant (which you pay for and closes early each day) or you will need to leave to get coffee. Luckily, there is a Krispy Kreme next door. This became our go-to spot for grab-and-go coffee, water, and donuts (how can you resist when the “HOT” sign is on?).
Second, the temperature in the room can get very warm. At our home, we sleep with it pretty cool in the house. In New York, even though it was 20 degrees F outside at night, we still preferred having the window cracked to let in the cool air. It wasn’t until the second day that we realized even though the thermostat showed a snowflake icon, it was still pumping out warm air. So, if your room is warm, just turn off the thermostat altogether.
Even with all that said, it was a great stay and we would stay at the Hyatt Regency Times Square again.
This is the view from our hotel room (floor 33) at the Hyatt Regency Times Square.
Should you stay in Times Square on your 3 Day Trip to NYC with Tweens during Christmas?
While we know some who don’t prefer it, we had no issues staying in Times Square. It was incredibly convenient and if you request a room on an upper floor, noise shouldn’t be an issue. There are so many activities close by that your tween will enjoy. We think staying near Times Square is a great option, especially when you are only visiting for a few days.
Regardless where you stay, it’s important to note that staying in Manhattan during the month of December will be very expensive. It is one of the most expensive times of the year to visit the city. Hotels that might run $250/night in mid-January (one of the cheapest times of year to visit) might cost upwards of $800/night for the same hotel.
The best tip when looking for a NYC hotel during the Christmas season is to book early.
We booked in July for our December trip and used Google tracker to check for any price changes. Both the hotel and flight were over $1,000 more expensive as the trip got closer.
Best Hotels for 3 Day Trip to NYC with Tweens in December
Other hotels that we considered for our 3 Day Trip to NYC in December with tweens included:
Kimpton Theta New York
This was a strong contender for us. It is also in Times Square and close to the theater district. The rooms are beautifully done, but ultimately, we ended up getting a better deal on the Hyatt which made the decision for us.
Hard Rock Hotel New York
This is a fun hotel with a rock star vibe. We liked the location and modern vibes. There is a rooftop bar that kids can go to in the daytime and early evening, but the crowd is 21+ at night. The price was a little higher than the Hyatt Regency Times Square and Kimpton Theta New York.
Kimpton Era Midtown New York
This hotel was not open during our stay, but it looks just as beautiful as the Kimpton Thera and has the perfect location – one block away from the Rockefeller Center. It definitely would have made our short list.
If cost wasn’t a factor, there’s one place that would have been the top choice for our tween and that is The Plaza.
The Plaza Hotel in New York is exquisitely decorated during the Christmas season. Featured in Home Alone 2, as well as numerous other films and shows, it is the epitome of holiday magic. Unfortunately, the lobby is closed to outside visitors during December (although some have claimed they were able to have a peek inside during early morning hours).
Flights
There are two main airports that service the NYC area – John F. Kennedy’s International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). JFK is a major international hub whereas LGA hosts mainly domestic flights. The best airport to use is the one that offers the most convenient and cost-effective flight options for your area.
For our trip, LGA offered a direct flight from our home airport so it made sense to book there. Our tickets were booked about 5 months out and were reasonably priced, considering it was one of the busiest weeks of the year. I signed up for flight alerts to see if the price would go down as it got closer and it did not. In fact, it went up by over $1,000 (total) as it got closer.
Traveling from LaGuardia Airport to Your NYC Manhattan Hotel –
When traveling from LaGuardia airport to your NYC Manhattan hotel, it will likely take somewhere between 30 minutes (if you’re lucky) to over an hour. We took a taxi at 3pm on a Tuesday and it took 70 minutes to get to our hotel in Times Square.
Book a Private Car in Advance.
If you want to arrive in style or without the headache of flagging someone down, booking a private car in advance is the easiest (and most expensive) option. This can range anywhere from $150 – $250 for a one way trip.
Select a taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
Upon retrieving your luggage, you will see signs directing you to one of these options. This does not need to be booked in advance, but it’s good to have a plan for which option you are going to take. The door for the taxi is the farthest down. If you are planning to take a traditional taxi, there will be signs directing you exactly where to go and attendants who will get you into one when it is your turn. You might be approached by someone claiming they have a “taxi”. Do not go with them. They are likely an Uber or Lyft driver trying to round up more business, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
For pricing reference, our price for a taxi into the city was around $110 and our price for a Lyft going to the airport was around $120.
Travel by public transit.
This is the most economical option, but likely the least convenient if you are traveling with a lot of luggage. Take the Q70 SBS bus from your terminal to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave/74 St. Then, transfer to the E, F, M, or R subway lines or 7 train. If you plug in your information to Google Maps, it will tell you exactly which line you need to take to get to your hotel. We wouldn’t recommend it for your first time into the city, but the price is the most economical though at roughly $3 per person and if your traveling to NYC with tweens, they can pull their own luggage.
Traveling from JFK Airport to Your NYC Manhattan Hotel –
The JFK airport is quite a bit further to Manhattan, but the same basic options are still available. You can book a private car in advance, select a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, or travel by public transit.
Traveling by public transit is a little different when coming from JFK airport into Manhattan. Rather than hopping on a bus, you will need to take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station. From there, you will take either the E subway towards Manhattan or LIRR (Long Island Railroad). Again, you will want to use your preferred Maps app to know exactly which one is the most convenient for you. Even with the cost of the AirTrain, it is still the most economical option at around $10 – $15 per person.
Weather
The average high in NYC in December is 44 degrees F and the average low is 33 degrees F. December is typically when the first flakes of snow appear, but major snowfall is more common in January and February. With cloudy days, wind, and shade from the buildings, it can feel much colder depending where you are in the city.
We traveled to NYC the first week of December and had very cold weather with lows in the 20s. We were lucky to see a few snow flurries, but nothing that would actually stick. It’s important to check the weather a few days before your trip to make sure you are packing appropriately. Of course if you forget something, you’ll likely have no trouble finding a replacement in one of the busiest shopping cities in the world.
*Weather information courtesy of Google AI.
Visiting NYC during the Christmas season was an amazing experience!
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