Bustling city sidewalks are at their most festive in December, an ideal time for a family day trip to New York City or Philadelphia. New Jersey’s glamorous neighbors have landmarks that will dazzle children of all ages. Plan a day around one or more of these attractions in Manhattan or Philly and inspire a new family tradition.
MANHATTAN
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
No matter how young or old your kids are, you’ll want to start the day in Rockefeller Center, with its towering Christmas tree and elegant skating rink. You’ll have more elbow room if you can visit on a weekday or after dark, which teens especially will enjoy. Enter from Fifth Avenue to get close to the display of trumpeting angels, or, if you have little kids, enter the less crowded route along Seventh Avenue, between 49th and 50th streets. Save time to browse the nearby American Girl and LEGO stores, not to mention FAO Schwarz, so the kids can find ideas for their letters to Santa.
ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
The stately 19th-century cathedral, built in the American Gothic Revival style, attracts visitors all year, but is packed at Christmastime. Edge your way along the left side to reach the life-sized creche, where angels and animal sculptures, including a dog, surround the manger.
BRYANT PARK
You can skate at Rock Center, of course, but Bryant Park’s rink is more manageable for families. And it’s free! The rink is the centerpiece of the park’s Bank of America Winter Village, where locally made crafts and gifts will appeal to teens who like to shop and where the whole fam can find treats and snacks. Snap a family photo at the base of the Bryant Park Christmas tree. The littles will love Le Carrousel, a merry-go-round that complements the park’s French Classical style. Bryant Park is between 40th and 42nd streets at Fifth and Sixth avenues, behind the main branch of the New York Public Library, so be sure to visit Patience and Fortitude, the library’s stone lions, who sport wreaths around their necks at Christmastime.
WORLD’S LARGEST MENORAHS + TEA AT THE PLAZA
The 32-foot-high, gold-colored steel menorah in Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan shares the title of “world’s largest” with another menorah in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza. Stop by either one at sundown during Hanukkah to witness the menorah lighting. The menorah in Manhattan is at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, across from The Plaza hotel, the setting for Kay Thompson’s “Eloise” storybooks, where a luxurious afternoon tea is served amidst seasonal finery. At the Brooklyn menorah, lightings are accompanied by live music, hot latkes and gifts for children.
DICKENS AT THE MORGAN LIBRARY
Treat your children to a glimpse of Charles Dickens’ most famous story in his own handwriting. The original manuscript of “A Christmas Carol” is displayed every December at The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Ave. at 36th Street. For even more Dickensian spirit, the library hosts a Winter Family Fair with strolling musicians, magicians and appearances by Dickens’ characters, including Scrooge himself. Admission to the library is free for children 12 and younger, with a reduced rate for older students.
PHILADELPHIA
WANAMAKER ORGAN
Macy’s Center City, formerly the Wanamaker department store at 1300 Market St., continues the tradition of its predecessor with holiday light shows and music from the historic Wanamaker organ. Macy’s also displays a Dickens Christmas Village with animated figures, originally from the Strawbridge & Clothier department store. The daily light shows return for the 2024 season on Nov. 29.
WINTER AT DILWORTH PARK
Much like Bryant Park in New York, Philly’s Dilworth Park offers an open-air skating rink and a holiday market in the heart of Center City. Adjacent to Philly’s gleaming City Hall, Dilworth Park also features a Wintergarden with evergreens and lights, chalet-style cabins, and lots of free family-friendly programming.
LUMINATURE AT PHILADELPHIA ZOO
Evenings at the Philadelphia Zoo twinkle during the holiday season, as the LumiNature light display transforms the nation’s first zoo into an Insta-worthy destination. While the animals sleep in their indoor enclosures, the grounds of the zoo feature light tunnels and sculptures, Christmas trees, selfies with Santa, nature-themed displays and performances.
WINTERFEST ON THE DELAWARE
Bundle up the kids and head to Penn’s Landing, where the cold wind off the Delaware is tempered by the coziness of Winterfest. An ice rink, a Ferris wheel, boardwalk games, fire pits, heated cabins, and a majestic Christmas tree add warmth to the riverfront.
KWANZAA AT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
The African American Museum, at 701 Arch St., celebrates Kwanzaa with programming that reflects the seven principles of the holiday. Music, dance, storytelling, kinara lightings and craft sessions are among the offerings that celebrate unity and community.
—Kelly-Jane Cotter is a longtime journalist in Central Jersey who made a point of raising her daughter to love NYC. She loves Philly, too.
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