I cant believe it’s already the holidays! The year weirdly went slowly and quickly simultaneously. I know 2020 will come with modified holidays and new traditions that allow all our families to stay safe, but there are plenty of ways to still be festive. Spending the holidays in NYC can be an iconic memory to make. And though I’m sad this year will feel different, there are still amazing events and activities being held. I hope we can all participate in some holiday fun in NYC this holiday season.
Museum Of Ice Cream Pink Mass
Visit The Museum Of Ice Cream in celebration of Pinkmas! Pinkmas is a special winter-scape where guests will feel the magic of the season. Explore the holiday- themed spaces and installations. Enjoy special treats, surprises, and visit their whimsical shop for holiday merchandise.
Lumino City Festival
I have been waiting for this festival for months! Im so beyond excited to take my kids to this very exciting and new light festival. With their immersive light wonderland, workshops, themed nights, a holiday market, and more its bound to be the most festive way to kick off the holiday season. Festival runs November 27rd to January 10th and is a ticketed event that will sell fast.
Drive By Light Show
Magic of Lights™ is a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience to celebrate the season. Pile everyone into the car and experience Magic of Lights from the safety and comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path. At every turn, the magical route is overflowing with spectacular light displays that bring your favorite holiday themes and characters to life.
Igloo Bar NYC
Who say’s rooftops are only for summer? At Igloo Bar NYC, New Yorkers can get an exceptional rooftop experience in the midst of winter. Enjoy empire state views while sipping on one of kind mixology cocktails. This is a covid safe festive experience.
The Lodge At McKittrick Hotel
Want a cabin escape without the drive? In the heart of NYC at The Mckittrick Hotel guests can enjoy outdoor cozy lodge vibes by the fire. Dine on small plates and wood fire pizzas for dinner and drinks. Or head over for a class NYC weekend brunch.
Ice Rink At Central Park
An image right out of a romantic movie, ice skating in central park is an iconic NYC experience. Central Park can sometimes be described as the heart of our city. The real jungle to our urban jungle. Take your family or a special someone out for a special skating experience with some of the most peaceful views in all of NYC.
Online Cooking Classes
Let’s heat things up in the kitchen! The Institute Of Culinary Education offers many options to explore new recipes and techniques. Whether you take a classic cooking class, a baking class, or a wine class, you’re bound to be inspired through the amazing smells and tastes!
Macy’s Santaland At Home
Celebrating the holidays on 34th street is an iconic NYC must! But in efforts in keeping everyone safe this year Santa will be meeting us all virtually! Join Santa online on November 27th to December 24th. This is a completely free event making it accessible to all families!
Luminaries At Brookfield Place
Bank Of America Winter Village At Bryant Park
The Winter Village in Bryant Park is back in town and I’m so excited. This is something my family and I look forward to all year. With so many holiday boutiques, food stands, the ice rink, and so much more its always an amazing holiday evening as a family. Thursday, December 17th through Wednesday, December 23rd. Visitors will have the opportunity to safely meet Santa and get a photo, right after skating. In hope’s of keeping everyone safe, skaters will now have to sign up for a specific skate sessions.
Celestial At ARTECHOUSE
Enjoy Pantone’s color of the year Classic Blue in a whole new way. This one of a kind exhibit will bring visitors earth, water, and air in an experience like no other. This is an experience for the whole family that will take you beyond the skies. Exhibit runs October 22nd to January 3rd.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Show
Bronx Zoo is hosting their annual light show. Enjoy the animal sculptures, animal lanterns, carolers, a holiday train, costumed characters, and even an ice carving competition! Its a one stop shop for a fun filled holiday evening. The whole festival is powered by LED lights making the event greener than other years. Enjoy the festival November 20th through January 10th!
Dyker Heights
Head over the the most festive neighborhood in New York. Every house goes above and beyond in created the ultimate winter wonderland. This is an activity that can be safely done from your car, while still totally magical and impressive. Home owners start to hang their lights the weekend after Thanksgiving and lights stay up through the New Year.
Pier 17
Reserve your very own winter cabin for an evening at Pier 17’s The Greens. Enjoy a special winter menu and cocktails while taking in New York City’s iconic rooftop views. I have visited The Greens before and have always had the best time. I can’t to check out their winter cabins for a great night out!
City Winery At Rockefeller Center
Enjoy your favorite holiday cocktail from inside an igloo with views of Rockefeller Center’s iconic Christmas tree. People from all over the world come to NYC to see the Empire State Building, and winter wont stop guests from enjoying Rock Plaza. This also makes for a great covid safe date night activity.
South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport never ceases to impress. The Christmas tree and holiday lights are officially up and shining bright. Take the family for walk by the water for a festive stroll with spectacular Brooklyn views. And don’t forget to take some food to go. The seaport features some of my favorite restaurants.
Fifth Ave Holiday Lights
Fifth Ave has been my favorite destination for holiday festivities for yours. The luxury stores tend to decorate their windows in the very best elevated ways and it all comes together for the ultimate Christmas in NYC experience. From streets 50th to 59th don’t forget to check out this years illuminated holiday toy installations! Perfect for the whole family.
20 thoughts on “Socially Distanced Holiday Activities for Families in New York City”
These are so great! I love that we can still get out and enjoy some holiday magic while staying safe. This is a great list.
Those seem like so much fun! I’d like to experience Pinkmas myself!
I haven’t been to NYC at Christmas Time in years. It’s so beautiful and you have picked some great places to visit.
I wish we lived closer to NYC. My family would love every single one of these activities.
These sound like some great ideas – I think we are going to have to do the holidays differently this year, but it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy oursleves.
I love visiting Bryan park. Sad that we won’t be visiting this year.
You’ve got so many fun ideas here! I’m so glad that I’m in an area with very few restrictions during this holiday season.
Wow what a lovely colors in these places for holidays the views look so incredible. Hoping to visit in New york someday awesome photos
I love these ideas. I hope everyone stays safe.
Thanks for the suggestions. My friends in the area would love this.
Christmas in New York City is just magical. We went there for a holiday trip a few years ago. Can’t wait to go back.
NYC at Christmas is amazing. I’d love to visit at that time of year again. So many great places to visit!!!
These all sound amazing. I wish I were closer. I know my kids would have enjoyed any of these.
These sound like such fun ideas. I would love to see NYC at Christmas time.
Oh my there’s so much in there. I’m already getting excited to everything. That’s a great list! My family would definitely love to celebrate in these places.
All countries practicing the social distancing…you have to enjoy Christmas holidays with practicing this kind of protocol…the important is spend it with your family and friends
NYC is always the best! There are always so many things to see or to do even during pandemic!
I’ve always wanted to visit NYC when it is the holiday season. Even with COVID it looks so pretty!
I would love to go to NYC one of these days.
I agree with you that this year has been super slow yet super fast. It’s been a crazy ride and I’m not sure that 2021 will be better until the summer months. I know we can hope for a miracle but the numbers don’t lie.
We don’t have anything planned for Christmas yet. I need to take some Christmas photos of the kids if I can talk them into it.
This content is really informative. Thank you for sharing it, I hope I will get more in the future.