And Just Like That… the Holidays Are Coming By mid-November, NYC is already starting to feel festive. Holiday markets open, ice rinks are back and some of the city’s biggest seasonal attractions get underway before Thanksgiving has even arrived. Here are a few family favorites to have on your radar. Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden One of NYC’s most-loved holiday traditions returns to the Bronx from November 14, 2026 through January 10, 2027. Model
It’s an easy one to combine with lunch, a wander around the neighborhood or a visit to nearby bookstores and shops. Best for: A relaxed holiday outing with older kids. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the city’s biggest holiday traditions. The 2026 tree lighting date has not yet been announced, but the tree usually arrives in November before being decorated with thousands of lights and its famous Swarovski star. Even before the official lighting, it’s fun to stop by and watch the transformation taking place. Best for: That classic NYC holiday feeling. The Rink at Bryant Park If the kids can’t wait until winter to get their skates on, Bryant Park’s rink traditionally
opens in late October as part of Winter Village, so families can already be skating well before Thanksgiving. Best for: An early start to ice-skating season. Holiday Windows on Fifth Avenue By late November, department stores and major retailers begin unveiling their holiday windows. Take an evening walk along Fifth Avenue and around Midtown to see which displays have appeared. Best for: A free festive outing once the lights come on. The Holiday Season Starts Early in NYC You don’t need to wait until December to start enjoying it. By Thanksgiving weekend, some of the city’s biggest holiday traditions are already underway — making late November one of the best times to get your first taste of the season.
trains travel past nearly 200 miniature versions of famous New York landmarks, all created from natural materials and displayed inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Best for: Train fans, younger kids and a festive family day out. Winter Village at Bryant Park Bank of America Winter Village returns to Bryant Park in fall 2026, bringing its open-air ice rink, Holiday Shops, food and seasonal atmosphere back to Midtown. Even if you don’t skate, it’s an easy place to stop for a wander, grab something warm to eat and soak up the first signs of the holiday season. Best for: A festive afternoon in Midtown. Union Square Holiday Market Union Square’s much-loved Holiday Market returns in November, filling the park with stalls selling gifts, food, treats and handmade finds.
42 | New York Loves Kids | Family Fall Guide 2026
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