A Magical Manhattan Holiday: Santa, Skating, and City Lights
This holiday season, why not whisk your family away for a day trip to the most magical city in the world? New York City, with its twinkling skyscrapers and festive spirit, offers a winter wonderland experience unlike any other.
Imagine your little ones gazing up in awe at the iconic Macy’s Santaland – the very place where miracles unfold every Christmas. Or picture them gliding across ice at the enchanting Bryant Park Winter Village, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the city. This Christmas, create memories that will last forever with a family adventure to the Big Apple.
Stepping into Santa’s World at Macy’s
Every December, Macy’s Herald Square transforms into a winter wonderland, inviting visitors to experience the magic of Santaland. It’s a tradition as timeless as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which marks Santa’s arrival in the city every year.
Located on the eighth floor, Santaland is a holiday spectacle where children meet the jolly man himself. "Santa attends holiday celebrations at Macy’s Herald Square.Credit: Getty Images for Macy’s/Eugene Gologursky"
Meeting Santa Claus is once again a cherished tradition, though things have changed a bit. While children won’t be able to climb onto Santa’s lap, they’ll still have the opportunity for a special photo, sitting next to him or on a nearby red box. Babies will need an adult’s embrace for their picture with the jolly old elf
Reservations are essential to secure your spot. Arrive early in the day, ahead of the clock striking 6:30 AM, for this is when the reservation system opens. Remember, mom and dad need to be present for booking, and the whole crew, up to nine people total, needs to be included in the reservation. Prepare for a wait, even with a reservation, as visiting times typically range from 30 to 90 minutes.
Macy’s ensures everyone’s comfortable by offering photo packages starting at $39.99 after your visit, a perfect way to capture the magic. You can even book a visit with a Black Santa or a Spanish-speaking Santa for a more personalized experience. For families with sensory sensitivities, select dates offer sensory-friendly sessions
Fuel up for your adventure with delicious food options scattered throughout the Macy’s building. Grab a Starbucks on the Mezzanine, enjoy a slice of New York-style pizza on the third floor, savor a healthy Just Salad on the fourth floor, or indulge intextContent
Italian treats at Stella’s Trattoria or a classic McDonald’s meal on the sixth floor.
Foodies can find all the details they need here: https://www.macys.com/s/holiday-celebrations/nyc/
Winter Dreams Under the Stars at Bryant Park
From Macy’s, take a leisurely seven-block stroll up Sixth Avenue to 41st Street, and you’ll find yourself at the heart of Bryant Park’s Winter Village. This enchanting outdoor wonderland offers a feast for the senses, with a majestic ice-skating rink at its center, surrounded by charming booths filled with holiday treasures and delectable treats.
Lace up your skates and glide across the glistening ice – an unforgettable experience for beginners and seasoned skaters alike. Skate rentals starting at $20 per person are available, with advance registration recommended.
If you’re bringing your own skates, a free session awaits you – simply reserve your digital ticket on the Winter Village website a week in advance. "Winter Village at Bryant Park Creates an Enchanted Wonderland for the City’s Holiday revelersCredit: Anthony Lanzilote"
Remember, children under 14 must be supervised by an adult, although they won’t need a separate ticket for the dance on ice.
Warm up after your skating session with a cup of hot cocoa or artisanal coffee at booths like "S’mores and More," "No Chewing Allowed," or "Café’cito."
Take home a special Christmas souvenir – perhaps a yellow taxi ornament – to remind you of your magical day in the city.
Find more information about this winter wonderland here: https://bryantpark.org/activities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park
New York City offers a Christmas experience unlike any other, filled with traditional charm, heartwarming encounters, and dazzling holiday excitement. This December, create your own family traditions amidst the magic of the city that never sleeps.
