# Travel >> Types of Travel >> Family Vacation

Things to Do in New York City With Kids at Christmas

New York City's sophisticated family entertainment and the metropolitan setting allure kids and adults alike during the holiday season. Seasonal shows, festive markets, and holiday displays provide enough dazzle to get anyone into the winter spirit. Most attractions are explored at your own pace, perfect for gauging kids' interest, and there is always a street vendor nearby, serving cocoa, hot dogs and warm pretzels to keep stomachs full and cheeks warm.

Tree Lighting
- Public tree lighting ceremonies accompanied by family-friendly entertainment occur early in December at Rockefeller Center and Lincoln Center.
Skating
- Get on the ice at Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink in Central Park.
Holiday Train Shows
- Holiday train shows at Grand Central Terminal and the New York Botanical Gardens are hits with children as well as adults.
Window Displays
- Kids will press their faces to the glass, admiring displays at Macy's on 34th Street and Fifth Avenue and retailers such as Saks, Lord & Taylor and Bergdorf Goodman. Forgo a long, continuous walking tour and simply pop by when close.
Toy Stores
- No child will resist a holiday trip to FAO Schwarz or the gigantic Times Square Toys 'R' Us.
Shows
- Festive family entertainment is on stage every December, as the New York City Ballet performs the Nutcracker, the Rockettes star in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the New York Revels celebrate the season with traditional song, dance, costumes and storytelling.