Families often picture New York City in December as a nonstop sprint between landmarks. On a recent visit with my 3-year-old son, Aksel, I found the opposite approach works better. The most enjoyable holiday days involve choosing a few anchors, keeping transit simple, and allowing time for breaks. Toddlers absorb everything—lights, noise, new surroundings. The key is not doing more, but pacing the day so they can enjoy each part.
The itinerary we chose was ideal for a young child: skating at Bryant Park, a cozy indoor break at The Gazillion Bubble Show, and a relaxed evening at the Seaport before visiting Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark. Each activity was manageable, festive, and matched how children experience the city.
New York can be intense, especially in Times Square’s neon rush, but the right planning turns the chaos into something exciting rather than stressful.
(Wirestock via Getty Images)Staying at citizenM Times Square
For this trip, I chose to stay at the citizenM New York Times Square because of its location. During the holidays, being central matters more than usual. Distances that feel easy in September become more complicated in December. Sidewalks are crowded, and temperatures drop. From citizenM, we could walk to Bryant Park in under 10 minutes, reach several subway lines quickly, and return to the room whenever Aksel needed to rest.
The room layout worked well for traveling with a toddler. The large bed ran the length of the wall, making a soft, contained area where Aksel could unwind, jump, and fall asleep. Storage was minimal but functional, so the room never felt cluttered with jackets, hats, mittens, and winter extras that parents carry. The blackout blinds were the real advantage. After skating and walking the market, Aksel napped deeply for nearly two hours, making the afternoon run smoothly.
The lobby served as a flexible landing spot for us. Mornings started with a quick breakfast while we looked out at the street. In the early evening, it was a quiet transition zone before heading out into that quintessential New York City holiday buzz.
People skate at Bryant Park’s ice rink just after Christmas, enjoying a winter afternoon in Midtown Manhattan surrounded by towering New York City skyscrapers.
(Simon Dux via Getty Images)Morning skating in Bryant Park’s Winter Village
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is a reliable holiday activity for families that delivers the ultimate mid-Manhattan holiday experience. Its compact setup lets toddlers take it in without overwhelm, and with the rink at the center, kids can watch skaters even if they aren’t skating.
For us, the highlight was ice skating. The rink’s no-phone policy makes the atmosphere calmer than other New York rinks. Skaters actually watch where they’re going. Children aren’t dodging people filming themselves for TikTok. I held Aksel’s hands as he shuffled across the ice in stiff rental skates. We made slow, small rounds along the edge. He fell, stood up again, and kept moving.
After skating, we explored the Winter Village market. The stalls sell ornaments, treats, small crafts, and holiday snacks. Aksel drifted from one to the next as the steam from his hot chocolate rose into the cold air. Because buildings ring the park, the wind stays low. This makes it an easier winter-morning activity than many outdoor options in Manhattan. For families, the Winter Village offers a clear combination of movement, warmth, and predictable layout. That is exactly what you want when traveling with young children.
Skaters fill the Bryant Park rink on a crisp December day, framed by Midtown Manhattan’s winter skyline.
(Bustitaway via Getty Images)Early afternoon at The Gazillion Bubble Show
By early afternoon, the temperature had dropped, and Aksel needed indoor time. The Gazillion Bubble Show at the New World States in Hell’s Kitchen (perfect with a stay at citizenM!) is a family-friendly, long-running indoor holiday activity in New York City. As soon as we settled in (Aksel in a booster seat!), we knew we had made the right choice. It was warm, comfortable, and visually engaging—without overwhelming young senses.
Inside the theater, the lights dimmed, and the stage filled with bubbles of different sizes. Some were tiny and drifted individually, others were large and hovered. Clusters reflected the stage lights. A few oversized bubbles floated over the audience before dissolving. The holiday edition includes sequences that feel seasonal, but do not rely on loud effects. This worked well for Aksel’s attention span. He watched the performers closely, reached up to catch bubbles overhead, and stayed focused the entire time. That is not something I can say about every children’s show.
For parents, the biggest advantage is the timing. The show runs about 70 minutes, which is just long enough to reset the day without leaving kids feeling drained. When we walked back outside, we both felt ready for the next part of the itinerary. Also, it should be noted that, while this is a children’s show, at no point did it feel like I was accompanying Aksel to a strictly children’s show. The soundtrack swapped sing-alongs for club-style beats and light effects. Melody Yang, the show’s host and bubble artist, delivered occasional asides clearly meant for the parents. Yang comes from a long line of bubble performers. This explains the skill and ease with which she shapes the entire experience. It’s a family production in the literal sense, and it shows.
Melody Yang creates a stream of floating bubbles during the holiday edition of The Gazillion Bubble Show in Hell’s Kitchen, an ideal indoor escape for families needing a warm afternoon break in New York City.
(Olivia Liveng)Evening at the Seaport
Instead of taking Aksel to Rockefeller Center—with holiday crowds and stroller difficulties—we went downtown to the Seaport. It’s much easier for families during the holidays. The Seaport has holiday lights, water views, and open space, without the heavy Midtown crowds.
Aksel wandered along the cobblestones, pointed at the giant harbor ships, and paused to admire the Christmas tree near Fulton Street. From a child’s perspective, the tree rivals Rockefeller Center’s. Lighter crowds let children approach and appreciate it. The Seaport offers families a distinct benefit: the waterfront captivates toddlers with water, movement, and shimmering lights, helping offset the excitement of holiday décor.
SoHo and the Financial District are some of the best neighborhoods to explore during the holidays, offering festive storefronts, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed way to experience New York City.
(ANDREY DENISYUK via Getty Images)Ending at Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark
Our last stop was Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark, a truly family-friendly holiday activity in lower Manhattan. Pier 15 becomes a seasonal village, with illuminated tunnels, themed décor, Santa visits, and heated glass houses overlooking the East River.
Aksel walked through the candy-cane tunnel several times, stopping whenever something glowed or changed color. The open layout meant he could explore without bumping into crowds. The river on one side created a natural boundary, keeping the space feeling contained. Santa was available for visits, and surprisingly, there were no long lines or rushed photos. He even found out that Aksel is obsessed with anything with wheels and had a little gift waiting for him.
The heated glass houses served us well. We ordered from a wide selection, and I enjoyed a (spiked) cider while Aksel had hot cocoa. The warmth in the igloo created a comfortable setting, and the holiday decorations offered a sense of seclusion in the heart of Manhattan. Aksel watched the Brooklyn skyline as he ate, and the peace inside gave us both a break from the day’s sensory demands. It was a restful way to enjoy holiday lights out of the wind while spending quality one-on-one time as a parent.
Illuminated dining cabins line the waterfront at Santa’s Winter Wonderland, offering a festive vantage point of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline on a winter night.
(Watermark)Why this holiday itinerary works with young kids
This sequence that Aksel and I followed created a near-perfect day for us. It worked because it followed a rhythm that aligns with how toddlers handle the city. It started with movement in the morning, warmth in the afternoon, open space in the evening, and a clearly defined endpoint to the day. Everything is close enough to avoid long transit stretches. Every stop offers something visually interesting without being overwhelming. After doing this with Aksel, I’d follow this itinerary again. It lets you see New York City during the holidays while keeping your child comfortable and engaged.