Quick Look at Our NYC Christmas Weekend

Trip length: Three days and two nights

Airport: LaGuardia Airport

Airline: Southwest Airlines

Hotel: Park Hyatt New York

Transportation: Uber from the airport and then mostly walking

Favorite paid experience: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes

Favorite Christmas market: Bryant Park Winter Village

Best treat: Chimney cakes from Down the Chimney

Best hotel feature for families: The indoor pool

Most overrated stop: FAO Schwarz when the line is long



Best money-saving decision: Taking early and late flights to get three days from a two-night hotel stay

Is New York City at Christmas Good for Families?

I think New York City is a wonderful Christmas destination for families, especially if your kids are old enough to handle a lot of walking and a busy schedule.

Our kids loved seeing the decorations, visiting the toy and LEGO stores, swimming at the hotel, eating their way through the Christmas markets, exploring the train displays inside Grand Central Terminal, and watching the Rockettes.

The key is not expecting every moment to be magical.

There will probably be crowds. Someone will get tired. The kids may be more excited about the hotel pool than the attraction you spent months planning. That is just family travel!

We tried to mix our big sightseeing days with simple moments like pizza in the hotel room, swimming, and watching a movie. Those breaks helped make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

How We Maximized a Two-Night Weekend

When I’m planning a quick family getaway, I always look for a flight that arrives as early as possible on the first day and another that leaves as late as possible on the final day.

For this trip, we flew into New York early Friday morning and did not leave until Sunday night.

That gave us almost three full days to explore while only paying for two hotel nights.

I use this strategy for weekend trips whenever our flight schedule allows it. Yes, the first morning may begin very early, and everyone may be tired by the time you get home Sunday night. However, it makes a short trip feel much longer.

Flying Southwest With the Companion Pass

We flew Southwest Airlines because our family has the Southwest Companion Pass.

The Companion Pass allows your designated companion to fly with you for only the taxes and fees whenever you book an eligible Southwest flight. You can use it for the remainder of the year in which you qualify and the entire following calendar year.

It is one of my favorite travel benefits for families because it essentially gives us buy-one-get-one flights.

We were also able to enjoy an airport lounge before our flight. Having a comfortable place to sit, eat breakfast, charge our devices, and relax before boarding makes an early travel morning so much easier with kids.

If you are interested in earning the Southwest Companion Pass or getting airport lounge access for your family, send me a message on Instagram. I would be happy to talk through which credit cards may work well for your family and your travel goals.

Mom Tip: Early flights are not always fun when the alarm goes off, but they can give you an entire additional day at your destination. For a short weekend trip, I think the lost sleep is usually worth it.

Where We Stayed: Park Hyatt New York



After landing at LaGuardia Airport, we took an Uber to the Park Hyatt New York.

The drive took approximately one hour and cost around $80. Traffic in New York can make the timing and price vary, so I would leave plenty of extra time when returning to the airport.

We arrived at the Park Hyatt at around 9:00 a.m., well before the normal check-in time. The hotel held our luggage for us, and we immediately headed out to begin exploring.

Why We Loved the Park Hyatt New York With Kids

The service at the Park Hyatt New York was absolutely amazing. Everyone we interacted with was welcoming, helpful, and kind to our family.

The hotel is also in a fantastic location near Central Park, Columbus Circle, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and many of the attractions we wanted to visit.

But the feature that really made it perfect for our family was the pool.

A lot of hotels in New York City do not have pools. The Park Hyatt has a beautiful indoor pool, along with a hot tub and steam room.

After walking around the city for hours, our kids were always excited to go back to the hotel and swim. It gave them something to look forward to and gave all of us a chance to slow down.

It felt like we could have a busy sightseeing trip and a relaxing hotel stay at the same time.

Mom Tip: A hotel pool may seem like a small detail when you are planning a city trip, but it can completely change the experience for kids. Our pool time gave us a natural reason to stop sightseeing and rest each evening.

DAY ONE:

Columbus Circle, Christmas Lights and Rockefeller Center

We arrived in New York at around 9:00 a.m., dropped our luggage at the hotel, and headed directly to our first Christmas market.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Our first stop was the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, which is located near the southwest entrance of Central Park and was within walking distance of our hotel.

This was the perfect introduction to Christmas in New York City.

The market was filled with little vendor booths selling gifts, ornaments, decorations, sweet treats, hot chocolate, and plenty of food.

We found all the classic Christmas market treats you would expect, including chocolate-covered strawberries and rich hot chocolate.

The decorations were beautiful, and everyone was in a festive mood.

Visit the Christmas Markets Early

My biggest recommendation for any New York City Christmas market is to arrive early.

Christmas markets look beautiful at night when all the lights are glowing, but they also become incredibly busy. Even though we visited Columbus Circle during the morning, it was nearly shoulder-to-shoulder by noon.

It became much harder to stop at the booths, look at the food, and keep track of our kids.



I would rather visit in the morning when we can actually enjoy ourselves and then return briefly at night if we want to see the lights.

Mom Tip: Take a picture of your kids each morning and make sure they know your phone number. Christmas markets can become extremely crowded, and it only takes a second to lose sight of someone.

Lunch at Black Iron Burger

After visiting the market, we walked to Black Iron Burger for lunch.

It had exactly the kind of menu our family needed after an early flight and a morning of walking: burgers, fries, and chicken tenders for the kids.

Black Iron Burger was also a participating Resy restaurant when we visited. We used a Resy dining credit available on our American Express Platinum Card to cover our lunch.

I love finding ways to combine our credit card benefits with our trips. A dining credit may not seem like a huge travel strategy, but saving $100 on one meal means we can use that money for another activity.



Credit card benefits and terms can change, so always check your account before your trip to confirm which credits you currently have and whether enrollment is required.

Money-Saving Tip: Review all of your available credit card benefits before traveling. Dining, rideshare, hotel, and airline credits can be easy to forget, especially when they are spread across multiple cards.

Christmas Decorations Around Midtown Manhattan

After lunch, we spent the afternoon and evening exploring Midtown and looking at Christmas decorations.

One of the best things about New York at Christmas is that you do not always need a strict plan. You can walk a few blocks and suddenly discover another beautiful store display, Christmas tree, or decorated building.

Some of the popular holiday sights around Midtown include:

• Radio City Music Hall
• Rockefeller Center
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Fifth Avenue storefronts
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Macy’s holiday windows
• The decorations along Sixth Avenue
• The giant red Christmas ornaments near Radio City

The city is absolutely beautiful after dark, but this is also when the crowds become much heavier.



We enjoyed seeing the lights that evening, but we returned to some of our favorite locations early the following morning so we could take better pictures.

Photo Tip: Use your first night to enjoy the atmosphere without putting pressure on yourself to get the perfect photo. Return early the next morning when the same places may be much quieter.

Visiting the American Girl Store in New York

Our daughter was especially excited to visit the American Girl store.

We had already visited the Chicago store several times, but it was still fun for her to take her doll into the New York location and choose a new accessory.

During this trip, we bought a backpack designed to carry her doll. It made it much easier for her to bring the doll around the city without needing to carry her in her arms all day.

That backpack ended up being both a fun souvenir and a very practical purchase.

Seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Of course, we could not visit New York City at Christmas without seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

The tree was absolutely beautiful and definitely deserves a place on every New York City Christmas itinerary.

It was also absolute insanity around the tree.

There were people everywhere, and it was difficult to get close or take a family picture without a large crowd in the background.

I would still consider it a must-do experience. You just need to go into it with realistic expectations.



Enjoy the tree, look at the decorations, take the best picture you can, and do not allow the crowds to ruin the moment.

Why We Skipped Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

We considered ice skating at Rockefeller Center but ultimately decided not to do it.

It is an iconic New York City Christmas experience, but it can also be expensive for a family of four. We chose to save that money and use it for the Rockettes instead.

I do not regret that decision.

If skating under the Rockefeller tree is one of your family’s biggest bucket-list experiences, it may be worth the splurge. For us, simply seeing the rink and the Christmas tree was enough.

Was Rockefeller Center Worth It?



Seeing the tree: Absolutely

Dealing with the nighttime crowds: Not especially

Ice skating: A fun splurge, but not necessary for a memorable trip

Relaxing at the Hotel

After a very full first day, we walked back to the Park Hyatt and spent the rest of the evening relaxing.

The kids went swimming, and we enjoyed having nowhere else we needed to be.

This was one of the reasons the hotel was such a great fit for our family. Even though we were in the middle of Manhattan, the pool gave us an easy and relaxing activity without needing to bundle up and head back into the cold.

DAY TWO:

 Bryant Park, Grand Central and Home Alone Locations

We started our second morning with room service at the hotel.

Room service is certainly not the least expensive way to eat breakfast in New York, but it was convenient and gave us a slow start before another very busy day.

Taking Christmas Photos at Radio City Music Hall

After breakfast, we went back to the area around Radio City Music Hall.

The night before, it had been so crowded that taking family pictures was difficult. Early in the morning, the experience was completely different.

There were very few people around, and we could take our time getting fun Christmas photos.



The decorations were just as beautiful during the day, and I preferred not having to fight through a crowd.

Photo Tip: Visit Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center and the decorations along Sixth Avenue as early as possible. You may miss some of the nighttime glow, but your family photos will be much easier to take.

The LEGO Store on Fifth Avenue

Next, we visited the LEGO Store on Fifth Avenue.

This is a very popular stop for families, and there was already a line when we arrived. We waited approximately 20 minutes to enter.

The line continued getting longer as the day went on, so I recommend visiting early if it is important to your kids.

Inside, there were large LEGO creations, plenty of sets to browse, and interactive areas for children.



Our kids enjoyed it, and the wait was manageable. I am not sure I would have waited an hour or more, though.

Mom Tip: Before getting in line for a popular store, ask an employee how long the wait is. New York has too many amazing things to spend hours waiting for something your kids only mildly care about.

Bryant Park Winter Village

After the LEGO Store, we headed to Bryant Park Winter Village.

This is the Christmas market I was accidentally calling “Bryant Circle,” but the correct name is Bryant Park Winter Village.

Bryant Park was probably my favorite Christmas market from our trip.

The park is surrounded by holiday shops and food vendors, with the ice-skating rink in the middle. It felt festive, lively, and filled with more food choices than we could possibly try in one visit.



The market is free to enter, although food, shopping, and certain activities cost extra.

Down the Chimney Chimney Cakes

If you visit Bryant Park Winter Village, look for a vendor called Down the Chimney.

They sell classic chimney cakes, which are made by wrapping dough around a cylinder, baking it, and coating it with sugar.

We tried a classic chimney cake and a s’mores-filled chimney cake.

Both were absolutely amazing.



This was one of our favorite foods from the entire trip, and it is something I would definitely buy again.

What to Eat: Share a few different items instead of ordering everyone their own. Christmas market food can become expensive, and sharing allows your family to try more treats.

New York Public Library

We planned to visit the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building while we were at Bryant Park.

Unfortunately, it was closed for a private event when we visited.

This is a good reminder that even carefully planned itineraries do not always go exactly as expected.

We took a few pictures outside and moved on to the next stop.



If the library is important to your family, check its public hours and visitor information shortly before your trip. Special events and closures can affect access.

Grand Central Terminal

From Bryant Park, we walked to Grand Central Terminal.

I had mistakenly been calling it Union Station, but the correct name is Grand Central Terminal.



Even if you do not need to catch a train, Grand Central is worth visiting just to see the Main Concourse. The ceiling, architecture, clock, and energy inside the station make it one of those classic New York places everyone should see at least once.

New York Transit Museum Gallery at Grand Central

While we were inside Grand Central, we visited the New York Transit Museum Gallery and Store.

When we visited, there was a fun exhibit with miniature trains, detailed city scenes, train stations, moving displays, and people riding inside the model trains.

Our six-year-old son absolutely loved it.

This was one of those unexpected stops that ended up being perfect for him. After visiting places that were exciting for our daughter, it was fun to find something centered around one of his interests.

The displays and hours may change, so check the New York Transit Museum’s information before your trip.

Mom Tip: Not every stop needs to be one of New York’s biggest attractions. Smaller experiences that connect with your child’s interests may become some of their favorite memories.

Fifth Avenue Christmas Displays

From Grand Central, we continued walking and looking at more Christmas decorations

.

We saw several elaborate luxury-brand displays, including Dior decorations and the enormous Louis Vuitton trunk façade.

Even when you are not shopping inside these stores, the holiday displays are fun to see. Some of them feel more like art installations than storefront decorations.

Walking also allowed us to discover displays we probably would have missed if we had taken a taxi from attraction to attraction.

The Plaza Hotel and Home Alone 2 Locations

Next, we walked to The Plaza Hotel.

Our kids know The Plaza from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, which made it a fun photo stop.

We took pictures outside and then walked through Central Park to look for more locations connected to the movie.

One of the most recognizable stops is Wollman Rink, the ice-skating rink shown in the movie. We also walked through areas of the park that reminded us of the scenes where Kevin meets the Pigeon Lady and runs away from Harry and Marv.



Even if you are not trying to find exact filming locations, Central Park is beautiful and gives everyone a break from the busy city streets.

Family Activity Idea: Watch Home Alone 2 together before your trip. Recognizing the hotel, park, skating rink and city streets makes exploring New York more exciting for kids.

How Much Walking Did We Do?

This was an enormous day.

We walked nearly everywhere because we wanted to save money on taxis and rideshares. Walking also allowed us to see more decorations along the way.

However, it was a lot for our kids.

Families should consider the ages of their children, the weather, and how much walking everyone can comfortably handle.

You do not need to prove anything by walking the entire itinerary. Taking a taxi for one section may save everyone’s mood and make the rest of the day more enjoyable.

Wear comfortable shoes, dress warmly, and leave room in your schedule for breaks.



Pizza, Swimming and a Movie

By the time we returned to the hotel, everyone was exhausted.

We decided not to go back out for dinner. Instead, we had pizza delivered to our room.

The kids swam, and then we watched a movie together.

It was simple, comfortable, and exactly what we needed.

I think parents sometimes feel pressure to make every meal on a trip a special dining experience. There is nothing wrong with ordering pizza and eating in your pajamas after walking around New York all day.



Honestly, it was one of my favorite evenings from the weekend.

Day Three: The Rockettes, FAO Schwarz and the Chase Sapphire Lounge

Our final day included my favorite experience from the entire trip: the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

I cannot recommend the Rockettes highly enough.

Our tickets cost a little over $400 for our family of four, so this was definitely one of the biggest splurges of our weekend.

It was also worth every penny.

The costumes, dancing, music, sets, special effects, and Christmas atmosphere were spectacular. I cried multiple times during the performance because it was so beautiful and moving.

Yes, I really did.



We visited during the Rockettes’ 100th-anniversary season, so the show included a special anniversary video. We also received a commemorative Christmas ornament, which was such a fun souvenir from the experience.

When Should You Buy Rockettes Tickets?

Ticket prices can increase as the performance date approaches, especially for popular weekend shows during the Christmas season.

I recommend buying tickets as soon as you know your trip dates. Booking approximately six months ahead would give you more choices for performance times, seat locations, and prices.

You may also find less expensive tickets for weekday performances or less popular showtimes.

Are the Rockettes Worth the Money?

For our family, absolutely.

If your budget only allows for one major paid Christmas experience, this is the one I would choose.

There are plenty of free decorations, window displays, Christmas markets, and public spaces to enjoy throughout the rest of the weekend.

Saving on those activities can make room in the budget for a memorable show.

Worth the Splurge?

Rockettes rating: Five out of five stars

Would we pay for it again? Absolutely



Best for: Families, Christmas lovers, dancers, grandparents and multi-generational trips

FAO Schwarz

After the show, we walked to FAO Schwarz.

This is one of New York City’s most famous toy stores, and I know many families consider it a must-do stop.

Our wait to enter was more than an hour and a half.

It was incredibly cold and windy that day, which made the wait feel even longer.

Once inside, it was fun to see the famous floor piano from the movie Big. The Jellycat Diner was also cute, and there were plenty of toys to look at.

However, our kids had never seen Big, so the piano did not have the same nostalgic appeal for them that it might have for an adult.

Overall, I think FAO Schwarz was overrated for the amount of time we spent waiting.

If the line is short, go inside.



If the line is an hour or longer, I would skip it and use that time somewhere else.

Was FAO Schwarz Worth It?

With a short line: Yes, especially if your family loves toys or the movie Big

With a 90-minute line in freezing weather: No



Would we wait that long again? Definitely not



Returning to the Hotel

After FAO Schwarz, we returned to the Park Hyatt, collected our luggage, and headed to LaGuardia Airport for our evening flight home.

This is another reason I love booking a late flight on the final day. We were able to fit in the Rockettes and another attraction instead of spending most of Sunday traveling.

Ask your hotel whether it can hold your luggage after checkout. Most hotels will, and it can give you several additional hours to explore without dragging suitcases around the city.

Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport

One of the best things about flying through LaGuardia is the Chase Sapphire Lounge.

This is one of my favorite airport lounges.

It has beautiful spaces, great food, comfortable seating, and a fun play area for children.

After three busy days in New York City, it was the perfect place to eat, relax, and let the kids play before our flight home.

Lounge access rules can vary based on your credit card, membership, airport, and guest policy. Check the current entry rules before traveling so you know whether your entire family will be covered.



If you want help figuring out which credit cards provide family-friendly lounge access, send me a message on Instagram. I am always happy to share what works for our family.

What We Would Do Again

If I planned this exact New York City Christmas getaway again, I would:

• Fly into New York early Friday morning.
• Take a late flight home Sunday night.
• Stay at a centrally located hotel with a pool.
• Visit the Christmas markets in the morning.
• Return to popular photo locations early the next day.
• Book the Rockettes well in advance.
• Eat another chimney cake at Bryant Park.
• Walk whenever it made sense.
• Plan simple hotel evenings after our busiest days.
• Use our Companion Pass and credit card benefits to reduce the cost.

What We Would Change

There are also a few things I would do differently:

• I would skip FAO Schwarz if the wait were longer than 30 minutes.
• I would use a taxi or rideshare for at least one portion of our second day.
• I would verify the New York Public Library schedule shortly before visiting.
• I would leave a little more unscheduled time for resting.
• I might add a third hotel night if our budget allowed it.
• 
  

Our weekend was amazing, but it was very full. One more night would make the trip feel less rushed.

How We Saved Money on Our NYC Christmas Trip

New York City during Christmas is not a cheap destination, but we made intentional choices that helped keep our costs under control.

We Used the Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass allowed one member of our family to fly as a companion for only the taxes and fees.

We Maximized Our Flight Times

Arriving early Friday and leaving late Sunday gave us almost three full days while only paying for two hotel nights.

We Used Airport Lounge Access

Airport lounges helped cover some of our food on travel days and gave us a comfortable place to relax.

We Used a Resy Dining Credit

Our available American Express Platinum Resy credit covered lunch at Black Iron Burger.

We Walked

Walking saved us a significant amount on taxis and rideshares, although I would still recommend taking a car when everyone needs a break.

We Prioritized One Big Paid Experience

We skipped ice skating at Rockefeller Center and spent that money on the Rockettes instead.

We Chose Free Holiday Activities

The Christmas markets, window displays, Fifth Avenue decorations, Central Park, Rockefeller tree, Grand Central Terminal, and many other holiday sights were free to enjoy.

Our Honest Ratings

Radio City Christmas Spectacular: 5/5

Park Hyatt New York: 5/5

Bryant Park Winter Village: 5/5

Columbus Circle Holiday Market: 4/5

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: 5/5 for beauty, 2/5 for crowds

LEGO Store: 4/5 with a short wait

American Girl Store: 4/5

Grand Central Terminal: 5/5

Transit Museum Gallery: 5/5 for train-loving kids

Home Alone locations: 4/5

FAO Schwarz: 2/5 with a long wait

Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia: 5/5

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in NYC With Kids

Is New York City worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes. New York City is crowded and can be expensive during Christmas, but the decorations, markets, shows, movie locations, and festive atmosphere make it a memorable family destination.

Balancing sightseeing with downtime is important. Our hotel pool and relaxed evenings made a major difference.

How many days do you need in New York City at Christmas?

We fit a lot into three days and two nights by arriving early Friday and leaving late Sunday.

Three days is enough for a fun introduction, but four or five days would allow your family to move more slowly and include additional attractions.

Which NYC Christmas market is best for families?

Bryant Park Winter Village was our favorite because of its large selection of food and holiday shops, central location, and festive atmosphere.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market is also worth visiting, especially if you are already exploring Central Park.

What is the best time to visit NYC Christmas markets?

Go as early as possible.

The markets become very crowded in the afternoon and evening. Morning visits make it easier to browse, order food, take pictures, and keep track of children.

Is the Rockefeller Christmas tree worth seeing?

Yes. It is one of the most iconic Christmas sights in New York City.

Expect enormous crowds after dark and do not count on getting a perfect family picture without other people in the background.

Is ice skating at Rockefeller Center worth it?

It depends on your family’s priorities and budget.

We skipped it because it was expensive for four people and chose to spend that money on the Rockettes. If skating beneath the tree is a lifelong dream, it may be worth the splurge.

Are the Rockettes good for kids?

Our children loved the show, and it was our favorite paid experience from the trip.

The production combines dancing, music, costumes, special effects, and Christmas traditions in a way that is entertaining for both children and adults.

How early should you buy Rockettes tickets?

Buy them as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Booking several months ahead may give you better options for pricing, seats, and showtimes.

Is FAO Schwarz worth visiting?

It is worth visiting when the line is short.

We waited for more than 90 minutes in freezing, windy weather and did not feel the experience justified the wait. I would skip it if the line were longer than 30 minutes.

Is the Park Hyatt New York good for families?

We loved it.

The location, service, spacious feel, indoor pool, hot tub, and steam room made it a wonderful family hotel. The pool was especially valuable after long days of sightseeing.

Do you need a car in New York City?

No. We took an Uber between LaGuardia and our hotel and walked almost everywhere else.

Families can also use the subway, taxis, buses, or rideshares. Choose the option that works best for your children, the weather, and your comfort level.

How much walking should families expect?

A lot.

Comfortable shoes are essential. Young children may need a stroller, and even older children may benefit from an occasional taxi ride or afternoon break.

What should kids wear in New York City at Christmas?

Pack warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves.

The wind between buildings can make it feel much colder than the temperature suggests. Hand warmers can also be helpful during long outdoor waits.

Final Thoughts: Is an NYC Christmas Weekend Worth It?

Christmas in New York City was magical, chaotic, beautiful, tiring, and completely unforgettable.

We saw the Rockefeller Center tree, ate chimney cakes at Bryant Park, explored Christmas markets, visited famous movie locations, watched the Rockettes, walked through Central Park, and ended our evenings swimming together at the hotel.

Not every moment went perfectly.

The library was closed. FAO Schwarz had an enormous line. Rockefeller Center was packed. Our kids were exhausted after our second day.

But those things did not take away from the trip.

Family travel does not need to be perfect to be meaningful.

If New York City at Christmas is on your family’s bucket list, I hope this itinerary helps you decide which experiences are worth your time, where you can save money, and how to fit an incredible amount into one weekend.



And if you are wondering how our family uses points, miles, credit card benefits, the Southwest Companion Pass, and airport lounge access to travel more affordably, message me on Instagram. I would love to help you figure out where to begin.