Family Christmas Activities in the New York Area
Check out these fun events and activities happening in your area and virtually this holiday season.
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Family Christmas Events and Activities in Brooklyn
Holiday Bazaar at Ethel’s Club
WHEN: Nov. 13-Dec.19, weekends, 1-6pm
WHERE: Ethel’s Club, 315 Messerole St., East Williamsburg
AGES: All
WHAT: Support local artisans at a socially-distanced (masks on!) market in our clubhouse. All safety guidelines will be followed with vendor tables separated 6 ft from one another and limited occupancy to enter the venue. All vendors, staff and guests must wear masks to enter.
WANT TO GO? Free
Green Meadows Holiday Wonderland 2020
WHEN: Nov. 21- Dec. 6, weekends, 11am-5pm
WHERE: Aviator Sports and EVents Center, Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Ave., Marine Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Join Green Meadows at their HOLIDAY WONDERLAND! They have Decked the Farm with thousands of beautiful flowers that transform it into an endless holiday family photo-op. Take a stroll to the family selfie stations, enjoy a candy hunt with Wally the elf, and visit Santa’s workshop. Don’t forget to say hello to the animals. Pssst… they love treats. Book your tickets online.
WANT TO GO? $12. Aviatorsports.com
The Makers Show at Citypoint
WHEN: Nov. 27- Dec. 20, Fridays and Sundays, 11am-8pm
WHERE: Citypoint, 445 Albee Square West, Downtown Brooklyn
AGES: All
WHAT: A holiday market in downtown Brooklyn. Shop local, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA.
WANT TO GO? FREE.
Holiday Pop-Up Shop
WHEN: Dec. 13, 12-5pm
WHERE: On the Beat Pop-Ups, 2486 Pitkin Ave
AGES: All
WHAT: This Holiday Pop-up Shop will have a various selection of local businesses from the NYC area. Complimentary champagne will be available for shoppers and different raffles will take place every hour. Pre-order for Jamaican Christmas cakes will also available from the resident food vendor, JSPOT Cuisine. More info on orders can be found on the Pop-up Instagram, @onthebeatpopups
WANT TO GO? Free
Family Christmas Events and Activities in Queens
Holiday HQ
WHEN: Through Dec. 24.
WHERE: Queens Center, 90-15 Queens Blvd.
AGES: All
WHAT: Make a reservation to visit Santa.
WANT TO GO? https://reservations.cherryhillprograms.com/scheduling/WLwswz8Y:queens-center
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
WHEN: Dec. 5-6, 11am-1pm
WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden
AGES: 10+
WHAT: Create your own festive holiday wreath using fresh cut pine, fir, and other evergreens! This workshop will be held outdoors on QBG’s covered Terrace. Please dress appropriately. All materials included.
WANT TO GO? $35. $30 for members. Registration required
Family Christmas Events and Activities on Long Island
Animated Christmas Story
WHEN: Nov. 14- Jan. 3, 2021
WHERE: Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury
AGES: Ages
WHAT: The all-new story, “The Bake Shops Grand Opening,” will be open daily November 14th through January 3rd. The walk-thru features six animatronic scenes and read-along story cards. Admission to the show is free and completely handicap accessible. The nursery would greatly appreciate donations of non-perishable food items for Long Island Cares.
WANT TO GO? hicksnurseries.com
Victorian Christmas at Moran Studio
WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 19, Sunday, Nov. 29, 11am-2pm; Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 4-19, 11am-5pm
WHERE: Thomas & Mary Nimmo Moran Studio, 229 Main St., East Hampton
AGES: All
WHAT: Join the East Hampton Historical Society for a very special holiday exhibition at the Thomas & Mary Nimmo Moran Studio (circa 1884). Upon entering the Moran Studio, a National Landmark, your gaze will be riveted upon the majestic holiday tree, illuminated in dainty lights and adorned with hundreds of precious, vintage glass ornaments. Be immersed in a 19th Century Christmas celebration, featuring festive d cor, period clothing, antique postcards, beautiful silver, and period toys. Let your imagination wander to Christmas past and you'll be reminded that the simple things in life hold value. Pre-registration is required. No drop-ins permitted. To purchase your timed tickets, please visit the East Hampton Historical Society's Events page. Visitors limited to 8 people per half hour at the Moran Studio.
WANT TO GO? $5. easthamptonhistory.org
Huntington Holiday Spectacular
WHEN: Nov. 28-Jan. 3, 2021, anytime
WHERE: Town of Huntington, Wall Street, Huntington
AGES: All ages
WHAT: Guests can visit Wall Street all day long to view the newly created Winter Wonderland featuring “The Tree of Hope” with lights and music daily, plus more surprises nightly. Local businesses will participate with special deals to promote the holiday season, supporting the shared goal of bringing residents from across Long Island to Huntington.
WANT TO GO? huntingtonholidayspectacular.com
Aglow: A Holiday Experience at Mulford Farm
WHEN: Nov. 28, 4-8pm
WHERE: Mulford Farm, 10 James Lane, East Hampton
AGES: All
WHAT: For one night only, Mulford Farm will be transformed into a holiday wonderland from the days of yore. Please join them for Aglow: A Holiday Experience, and be transported to the simple pleasures of an East End Yuletide. Enjoy a self-guided tour of historic Mulford Farm, caroling at the Hedges-Edwards barn, meet Santa Claus on his sleigh, take a selfie with your friends and family at the magical "Winter Wonderland' and bring home take-away children's crafts. Hot cider and Hamptons Aristocrat cookies included. To purchase your timed tickets, please visit the East Hampton Historical Society's Events page. Pre-registration is required. No drop-ins permitted.
WANT TO GO? $10; $5 for children under 16. easthamptonhistory.org.
A December to Remember
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 6., 5-7:30pm
WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens
AGES: All
WHAT: Join us for a unique experience outside Westbury House to support the preservation of Old Westbury Gardens. Tree lighting, hors d’oeurves, and spirits. Dress warmly. Limit to 50 attendees. Masks are required and social distancing must be followed. Old Westbury Gardens reserves the right to cancel this in-person event at any time, due to weather or changing guidelines from County, State, or CDC.
WANT TO GO? oldwestburygardens.org/2020calendar/dd
North Bellmore Holiday Flea Market
WHEN: Nov. 22. 8am-3pm
WHERE: LIRR Bellmore Train Station Parking Lot, Sunrise Highway and Bellmore Ave., North Bellmore
WHAT: The vendors will be selling antiques, collectibles, vintage and junk, sterling, clocks, watches, art, jewelry, figures, historical, ephemera, trains, cars, bikes, toys, sports cards, comics, video games, tools, furniture, gadgets, glass, gizmos, pottery, hunting, fishing, ceramics, and much more.
WANT TO GO? Free.
Long Island Holiday Pop Up Market Merrick
WHEN: Nov. 22
WHERE: Merrick Train Station Parking Lot along Sunrise Highway at Merrick Avenue
WHAT: Long Island Holiday Pop Up Market will be held on November 22nd, 2020. There will be many vendors selling a diverse range of art, crafts, amazing gifts, antiques and collectibles, and much more.
WANT TO GO? Free
Holiday Artisan Market
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 22, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Glenwood Life Center, 71 Grove St., Glenwood Landing
WHAT: Come shop for hand-made items including jewelry, pottery, sculpture, collage, leatherwork, paintings, soaps, chocolates, distilled spirits and more.
WANT TO GO? Free.
Saint James Holiday Boutique
WHEN: Dec. 5-6
WHERE: Deepwells Farm Mansion, 497 Rt. 25A, Saint James
WHAT: The Holiday Boutique will be held on December 5-6, 2020 at Deepwells Farm. There will be over 30 artisans showcasing and selling handmade items. Come shop amazing gifts for Christmas while enjoy complementary tea and cookies.
WANT TO GO? Free.
Magic of Lights Jones Beach Holiday Light Show
WHEN: Nov. 13 through Jan. 2, 2021, Sundays-Thursdays, 5pm-10pm, Fridays-Saturdays, 5pm-11pm
WHERE: Jones Beach State Park, 1000 Ocean Pkwy, Jones Beach
AGES: All
WHAT: Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Long Island’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price.
WANT TO GO? $25/ car, $50/ limo. Magicoflights.com
Click here for a list of spectacular holiday lights displays on Long Island
Family Christmas Events and Activities in Westchester
Pop-Up Holiday Ice Skating Rink
WHEN: Nov. 27-Jan. 1, 2021, 12pm
WHERE: Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
AGES: Young elementary, tween, teen, adult
WHAT: Cross County Shopping Center is bringing back the popular pop-up ice skating rink and this year and it will be even bigger than before, allowing shoppers more space to skate. Guests will be limited per skate session and are required to wear masks. Admission includes skate rentals and a one-hour session. The pop-up rink is not made of real ice, it is a synthetic floor which glides slower than real ice making it perfect for first time and young skaters. The rink is also more environmentally friendly because it does not require electricity or water. Book your time slot in advance.
WANT TO GO? $10. Crosscountycenter.com
Cross County Center Photos with Santa
WHEN: Dec. 4-24, Mondays-Saturdays, 11am-8pm (Closed from 3-4pm); Sundays, 11am-7pm (closed from 2:30-3pm). Christmas eve, Santa will be available from 9am-5pm (closed 1-2pm)
WHERE: Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
AGES: All
WHAT: This year Cross County Center is taking every precaution to create a healthy, safe and comfortable environment for families. Santa will be featured in a new, custom space that allows for social distancing and a touchless experience. You’ll be able to capture a magical photo of your family inside Santa’s workshop. And, while Santa is building toys, kids can watch from a safe distance, which will all be featured in the photo! Face coverings are required for the staff, Santa and all guests. Hand Sanitizer’s will be located all entrances and exits for customers. Thorough cleanings with CDC approved products and procedures will be made throughout the day. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through the center’s website. There will be limited time for walk-up guests.
WANT TO GO? $39+. Crosscountycenter.com
Annual Christmas Tree Sale and Christmas Market (Outdoors)
WHEN: Dec. 5, 8am-12pm
WHERE: Huguenot Memorial Church, 901 Pelhamdale Ave., Pelham
AGES: All
WHAT: This year's Huguenot Memorial Church's Annual Charitable Christmas Tree Sale will be entirely outside and trees will be spread out by height to allow for social distancing. All volunteers will be wearing masks, and we respectfully request all customers do the same. For sale: Fraser fir trees in all sizes, decorated and undecorated wreaths, poinsettias, swag, and pine roping. All proceeds go to Hope Community Services in New Rochelle, Feeding Westchester, and Midnight Run (credit cards, checks, and cash accepted). Come catch the holiday spirit and help support these local causes.
WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. Huguenotchurch.org
Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol
WHEN: Dec. 12-20, Saturday and Sunday, 1-3:30pm
WHERE: Bartow-Pell Mansion, 895 Shore Road, Bronx
AGES: Tween, teen, adult
WHAT: Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol recreates the famous performance tour by Charles Dickens in 1867 with his classic tale bringing the travails of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim alive. Taken from the original script, actor Michael Muldoon, of M & M Performing Arts Company, Inc. plays Charles Dickens and tells the well-loved story in the beautifully decorated double parlors of the mansion meeting the different spirits and characters. A newspaper wrote of Dickens at the time, “He gave to every character a different voice, a different style, a different face.” This event is appropriate for ages 10 and up. Purchase tickets in advance.
WANT TO GO? $40. bartowpellmansionmuseum.org
Santa Visits and Photos
WHEN: Nov. 27 through Dec. 24, Mondays-Saturdays, 11am-8pm; Sundays, 11am-7pm; Christmas Eve 9am-5pm
WHERE: Ridge Hill, 27 Market St., Yonkers
AGES: All
WHAT: Santa is coming to town, with safety in mind! Pre-purchase your photo package and schedule your contactless visit with Santa. The health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. Reservations to visit Santa are strongly encouraged.
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99. Ridgehill.com
New Christmas Tree
WHEN: Nov. 20, Jan. 1, Mondays-Saturdays, 10am-8pm; Sundays, 11am-7pm
WHERE: Cross Country Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
AGES: All
WHAT: Come see the NEW 44 foot tall Christmas tree for a real NY holiday experience! The Christmas Tree has a walk through feature - that's right, you can walk through the center of the tree and look up to the top. This makes the perfect setting for a family holiday card or super selfie! Be on the look out for the professional photography team who will be on site most nights and weekends to capture your photo, which you can print or have emailed directly to you. Throughout the season there will be strolling entertainers from stilt walkers to musical performances at the tree. Make holiday memories at the Cross County Center!
WANT TO GO? Free. Crosscountycenter.com
Rockin’ Holiday Kickoff Concert
WHEN: Nov. 28, 11am-12pm
WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye
AGES: Pre-school and younger, young elementary, tween
WHAT: Do you feel that excitement in the air? It's the most wonderful time of the year starting! What are the holiday songs you can't stop singing? Guitarist Andrew Wang from Rock Island Sound is going to perform some of your holiday favorites... but only if you get involved! Bring your best dance moves and singing voices, and they'll provide the instruments! Learn to play rhythms through some holiday songs like Five Little Gingerbread, The Mitten In The Snow and many more! Andrew will be available after the show to talk and share his guitar with the audience. Spread some cheer to kick off the holiday season! SPOTS ARE LIMITED - Registration required. You may recognize Rock Island Sound from Musical Mornings, the daily online program offered on Facebook Live this past summer! WANT TO GO? $10; $9, members. Discoverwcm.org
Holiday Pop-Up Shop
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 12, 4-9pm
WHERE: House of Sky Event Planners, 32 East 1st St., Mount Vernon
WHAT: Gift your family and friends with unique gifts and support black businesses. Please wear a mask.
WANT TO GO? Free
White Plains Holiday Market
WHEN: Dec. 3-13, Thursday-Saturday 11am - 9pm, Sunday-Wednesday 11am - 7pm
WHERE: Waller Avenue between Maple Avenue and Lyon Place
WHAT: The White Plains Holiday Market is a City of White Plains event in partnership with 914PopUps. This COVID-aware market will feature 40+ vendors and artisans, in individual open-air booths in the heart of downtown White Plains on Waller Avenue. Free to enter. Masks are required and social distance must be maintained per NYS Guidance. Pick up your Christmas tree or holiday wreath! Find interesting and unique gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list and after you've shopped your heart out, head into one of the many downtown restaurants just steps away from the market for a drink and a bite to eat.
WANT TO GO? Free. wpid.com
Winter Wonderland Walk
WHEN: Nov. 28- Jan. 6, 2021, 9am-4pm daily
WHERE: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will transform into a Winter Wonderland offering guests yet another opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature in a safe, outdoor setting. The Winter Wonderland Walk includes ten festive vignettes, from Fairy House Lane and a very special train display, Imagination Station, to custom artist and children-designed snowmen, a Hanukkah Plaza, and Kris Kringle Corner.
WANT TO GO? $15; $10 children 3-11 and seniors over 62. Free for children younger than 3. beardsleyzoo.org
Click here for a list of spectacular holiday lights displays in Westchester!
Family Holiday Events and Activities in Rockland
Magic of Lights: Drive-Through Holiday Lights Experience
WHEN: Nov. 13- Jan. 2, 2021, Sundays-Thursdays, 5-10pm; Fridays-Saturdays, 5-11pm
WHERE: PNC Bank Arts Center, Exit 116, Garden State Pkwy., Holmdel, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT: Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of New Jersey’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price.
WANT TO GO? $30; $25 in advance for standard vehicles. Magicoflights.com
Christmas In The Village
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 5, Sunday, Dec. 6, Saturday Dec. 12, Sunday Dec. 13, 1-6pm
WHERE: Museum Village, 1010 State Route 17M, Monroe
AGES: All
WHAT: Join us for our very special expanded walk-through Christmas in the Village event, now with evening hours! Explore our festive and fun Christmas Village during the day, or come later on for an illuminated evening experience! Christmas Mask Competition! Wear a fun Christmas-themed mask and the winner gets a photo on our Facebook and Instagram!
WANT TO GO? $5 per family suggested donation at the door, proceeds go to Museum Village Education Program. 845-782-8247. museumvillage.org.
St. Nicholas Day in a Box
WHEN: Dec. 5-6, 45-minute programs at 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm
WHERE: Historical Society of Rockland County, 20 Zukor Road, New City
AGES: Young elementary, tween
WHAT: The Historical Society of Rockland County is striving to keep this holiday tradition alive with their 59th annual Saint Nicholas Day program. They're offering an experience as a combination of curbside pickup box and online storytelling this year, with an in-person photo option following CDC safety guidelines to keep everyone healthy! Each Saint Nicholas Box contains a traditional printed program highlighting this Dutch tradition. Inside you will also receive individually packaged refreshments, recipes, special treats with instructions for filling children's shoes, and a unique link to view their magical storytelling done virtually from the Jacob Blauvelt House. When you come at your reserved time to pick up your box, you'll have the chance to visit with Saint Nicholas and his horse for a photo op (no contact please). Mask are required, and social distancing must be observed.
WANT TO GO? $10 per box (one box per child). rocklandhistory.org/
