Christmas Celebrations in New York City for the Whole Family

If you are celebrating or thinking of celebrating Christmas in New York City but want to make sure there are plenty of fun family activities, you have no need to worry. In fact there is too much to do and it would be impossible to take part in all the Christmas celebrations. Events and activities discussed here include many of New York's Christmas celebrations that are known around the world and some other lesser known family activities that may not be famous but don't come up short when it comes to Christmas cheer.

The Christmas season gets started with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Square. The tree is lit at an event on November 29th, this is not only one of New York's most famous Christmas celebrations it is one of the United States'. Each year the event attracts popular performers and it televised live on TV. To top it all off there is an appearance by the renowned Rockettes and ice skating displays in the Rockefeller ice rink.

Going ice skating in Rockefeller Square has long been a New York Christmas celebration and it is a great family activity. The Rockefeller ice rink has been open since 1936 when it made its grand opening on Christmas day. It is possible to rent skates at the rink and even though the prices are at their highest during the holiday season, but it is a fun special holiday treat for your family.

No New York Christmas celebration is complete without experiencing a truly magical performance of the Nutcracker by the New York Ballet. This classic ballet is a much loved favourite that brings people back year after year and brings a little Christmas magic to someone new each year. The Nutcracker is always one of the New York Ballet's featured performances that is sure to dazzle you and your children. Once the moment the curtain goes up you will be transported to a wondrous place full of sparkly snowflakes, a glittering Christmas tree, troublemaking mice and far away lands. The music and dancing is always beautiful making this one of New York's best Christmas celebrations.

Another must see and famous New York Christmas celebration is the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. This show features the world famous Rockettes, its regular show favourites such as the "Parade of Wooden Soldiers" amongst many new and dazzling affects. There are 200 performances during the holiday season with over 2 million people seeing the show. This is one of the best family events happing in New York during the Christmas season.

To soak up the Christmas atmosphere walking around New York's shopping district touring the window displays of the city's famous department stores is a good way to get the family in the Christmas spirit. Each store has a different theme to its display. Saks is always family orientated, Lord & Taylor has a classic touch, Bergdorf Goodman uses sophistication and antiques, Barneys is modern and stylish, Bloomingdale's is time orientated and Macy's has a different theme each year along with scenes from Miracle on 34th Street.

New York has plenty of smaller, less glitzy celebrations that create a lovely family feeling. On December 3 you can experience a good old-fashioned Christmas celebration at Carl Schurz Park, located on the Upper East Side. This celebration is free and includes carolling, cookies and hot cider. The highlight is the lighting of the park's Christmas tree. If you don't make it to the Carl Schurz Park lighting you can go to the South Cove Holiday lighting on December 9th. This is another traditional feel event with hot chocolate, cider, cookies and a visit from Santa where he gives a progress report on the toy making and makes sure he has everyone's Christmas list up to date.

You can go back in time at the Staten Island Zoo Christmas celebration on December 9th. This event, called Dickens of a Christmas has an old fashioned theme that includes singing, a tree lighting, reindeer visits and a visit from Santa.

You can open up your children to the traditional Christmas celebrations of Sweden at the Swedish Christmas Workshop held by Scandinavia House. The workshop is set up to be both fun and educational, helping children learn about Sweden's most important holiday. The day revolves around a traditional Christmas decoration party call julpyntsfest. There is storytelling and ornament making. Children will have the chance to learn about and how to make some traditional Christmas decorations including paper stars and medallions.

These are just a few of the hundreds of family orientated Christmas celebrations happening in New York. A little bit of research will uncover many wonderful opportunities for you and your family to enjoy.