30 of the BEST Places to spend Christmas! From San Miguel de Allende, Mexico to Kaioura, New Zealand.
View the Top 30 Best Places to Spend Christmas at travelandleisure.com
Posts Tagged ‘Vacations’
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See the 6 top places to see Santa in NYC.
View Santa Events at newyork.com
I would like to add one more to this list making it 7, and my personal favorite. The Plaza! Yes, home to Eloise and her “rawther” delicious Pink Lemonade. Santa is located on the lower level with all the fabulous shops and after photos stay and have dinner in The Palm Court.
Santa at the Macy’s Herald Square Santa Land (Photo: John Minchillo / AP Images for Macy’s)
Macy’s
Macy’s is the standard bearer for Santa experiences in the city. Visiting the Herald Square flagship’s Santaland can involve a long wait and being herded through a line that snakes through the store’s eighth floor. But the payoff is worth it: The journey to Santa’s workshop takes visitors through a train “ride” (the floor vibrates along with bells clanging) and into the 13,000 square foot Christmas village. Santaland is open daily from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24 until 9pm. Opening times vary between 7am and 9am; go to the Santaland website to see the full schedule. Should you not want to wait on line for longer than it would take to actually watch Miracle on 34th Street, make an advance reservation via kiosks in the cellar or on the 9th floor (only 20 are allowed per hour). Advance reservations are also available online 30 minutes to 48 hours in advance, beginning Nov. 26. 151 W 34th St., visitmacysnewyork.com
Macy’s is the standard bearer for Santa experiences in the city. Visiting the Herald Square flagship’s Santaland can involve a long wait and being herded through a line that snakes through the store’s eighth floor. But the payoff is worth it: The journey to Santa’s workshop takes visitors through a train “ride” (the floor vibrates along with bells clanging) and into the 13,000 square foot Christmas village. Santaland is open daily from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24 until 9pm. Opening times vary between 7am and 9am; go to the Santaland website to see the full schedule. Should you not want to wait on line for longer than it would take to actually watch Miracle on 34th Street, make an advance reservation via kiosks in the cellar or on the 9th floor (only 20 are allowed per hour). Advance reservations are also available online 30 minutes to 48 hours in advance, beginning Nov. 26. 151 W 34th St., visitmacysnewyork.com
Bloomingdale’s
The eighth-floor children’s department at the Bloomingdale’s on 59th Street (at Lexington Ave.) is another popular place to see Santa, Nov. 28–Dec. 23 (11am-6pm weekdays, 10am-6pm weekends). Though the scene at the department store’s flagship location isn’t as elaborate as the one at Macy’s, fewer frills mean shorter lines — which can be the difference between Johnny smiling and crying by the time he poses for a picture with the world’s most popular reindeer driver. 1000 Third Ave., bloomingdales.com
The eighth-floor children’s department at the Bloomingdale’s on 59th Street (at Lexington Ave.) is another popular place to see Santa, Nov. 28–Dec. 23 (11am-6pm weekdays, 10am-6pm weekends). Though the scene at the department store’s flagship location isn’t as elaborate as the one at Macy’s, fewer frills mean shorter lines — which can be the difference between Johnny smiling and crying by the time he poses for a picture with the world’s most popular reindeer driver. 1000 Third Ave., bloomingdales.com
Rockefeller Center
If you want something more elaborate than just snapping a picture, two of the restaurants at Rockefeller Center host a Breakfast with Santa during the holiday season: The Sea Grill and Rock Center Café. Both packages include breakfast with Santa and carolers and ice skating on the famed Rockefeller Center ice skating rink, plus keepsakes like an ornament, photo frame and gifts for the kids. In 2014, the breakfasts will be held Nov. 28-30, Dec. 7, 13-14 and daily Dec. 19-24. Breakfast at the Sea Grill is $110 for adults and $75 for children, while the Rock Center Café packages start at $80 for adults and $50 for children. Be sure to make reservations in advance — the breakfasts do sell out. rockefellercenter.com
If you want something more elaborate than just snapping a picture, two of the restaurants at Rockefeller Center host a Breakfast with Santa during the holiday season: The Sea Grill and Rock Center Café. Both packages include breakfast with Santa and carolers and ice skating on the famed Rockefeller Center ice skating rink, plus keepsakes like an ornament, photo frame and gifts for the kids. In 2014, the breakfasts will be held Nov. 28-30, Dec. 7, 13-14 and daily Dec. 19-24. Breakfast at the Sea Grill is $110 for adults and $75 for children, while the Rock Center Café packages start at $80 for adults and $50 for children. Be sure to make reservations in advance — the breakfasts do sell out. rockefellercenter.com
ABC Carpet & Home
As has been a holiday tradition for more than 20 years, the Santa at ABC Carpet & Home is available for photo opportunities in the Union Square neighborhood 11am–3pm Nov. 28–30 and Dec. 6, 13 and 20. The scene is apropos of a home-furnishings store, featuring an elaborate Victorian-style sitting area draped in velvet and filled with housewares. The wait here is also shorter than almost any other place you’ll visit in the city. 888 Broadway; abchome.com
As has been a holiday tradition for more than 20 years, the Santa at ABC Carpet & Home is available for photo opportunities in the Union Square neighborhood 11am–3pm Nov. 28–30 and Dec. 6, 13 and 20. The scene is apropos of a home-furnishings store, featuring an elaborate Victorian-style sitting area draped in velvet and filled with housewares. The wait here is also shorter than almost any other place you’ll visit in the city. 888 Broadway; abchome.com
Brookfield Place
Santa, elves and reindeer are on hand at Santa’s Winter Garden at Brookfield Place in lower Manhattan. A professional photographer is on hand for photos (packages start at $20), and all proceeds go to Dancing Classrooms. The Battery Park City garden hosts Santa Dec. 5-7 9am-1:30pm and 3-6pm. Lines can be long, and are capped if staff thinks not everyone will be accommodated, so be sure to arrive early. 220 Vesey St.
Santa, elves and reindeer are on hand at Santa’s Winter Garden at Brookfield Place in lower Manhattan. A professional photographer is on hand for photos (packages start at $20), and all proceeds go to Dancing Classrooms. The Battery Park City garden hosts Santa Dec. 5-7 9am-1:30pm and 3-6pm. Lines can be long, and are capped if staff thinks not everyone will be accommodated, so be sure to arrive early. 220 Vesey St.
New York City Fire Museum
Visit the New York City Fire Museum on Dec. 7 at 11:30am for an unusual Santa-sighting. The museum’s annual Santa Rescue is more theater than a traditional visit, but it’s worth the watching: Saint Nick gets stuck on the roof and firefighters get out their hook-and-ladder to save him from peril. After families watch the rescue, they can head inside to sip hot cocoa at a holiday party and enjoy music from John Clacher’s Firehouse Band. Buy tickets in advance ($8 adults, $5 kids under 12) to ensure you’ll get in (tickets guarantee you’ll be sitting inside with Santa); as it is, the event is crowded every year, so in any case you’ll need to brace yourself for some jostling. 278 Spring St; nycfiremuseum.org
Visit the New York City Fire Museum on Dec. 7 at 11:30am for an unusual Santa-sighting. The museum’s annual Santa Rescue is more theater than a traditional visit, but it’s worth the watching: Saint Nick gets stuck on the roof and firefighters get out their hook-and-ladder to save him from peril. After families watch the rescue, they can head inside to sip hot cocoa at a holiday party and enjoy music from John Clacher’s Firehouse Band. Buy tickets in advance ($8 adults, $5 kids under 12) to ensure you’ll get in (tickets guarantee you’ll be sitting inside with Santa); as it is, the event is crowded every year, so in any case you’ll need to brace yourself for some jostling. 278 Spring St; nycfiremuseum.org
Click here to read more about great ways to celebrate the holidays in New York City.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Even if the sidewalks are overrun with tourists, your crew will have ample room to skate at the city’s most iconic rink; only 150 people are allowed on the ice at once. Unfortunately, that also means that your family should prepare for long lines—unless you plan on going early in the morning or between 9am and noon on Thanksgiving, expect a one- to two-hour wait. Reservations for the first skate of the day (daily 7am) can be made online and, new this year, families can reserve a spot and stay up late for a Starlight Skate during the final session of the day, 10:30pm–midnight ($45 per person, rentals included). Open from October 10, 2015 through April 2016. General admission $25–$32, children ages 11 and under $15, skate rental $12. Group rates available for 15 or more.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
During the winter months, Bryant Park opens a no-charge 17,000-square-foot skating rink. Don’t get too excited: The admission may be free, but you gotta pay to rent skates (or BYO). On the upside: The complex holds 500 people, holiday shops, an indoor pavilion and the Canadian-themed lounge Celsius, which conveniently offers a full children’s menu and plenty of hot chocolate. Open from October 30, 2015 through March 6, 2016. Skate rentals $15–$19 per pair.
Staten Island War Memorial Ice Skating Rink
We know what you’re thinking: Yeah freakin’ right. But the trip is sooo worth the scenery: Clove Lakes Park boasts some of New York’s few remaining wetlands. Open from October 31 through April 3. Admission $10, skate rental $5.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park
This $74 million project overhauled 26 acres of the park’s southeast corner and now offers year-round fun. The LeFrak Center houses two seasonal ice-skating rinks—one covered and the other open-air—plus a cafe. Kiddos can get in on skating lessons through the Skate School, take clinics with the Hockey Academy, or even try their hand at curling and broomball. Open October 31, 2015 through March 27, 2016. Admission $6 weekdays, $8 weekends, skate rental $6.
The Rink at Brookfield Place
Located on the plaza in front of the erstwhile World Financial Center Winter Garden (it’s now called Brookfield Place Winter Garden), this rink brings a much-needed cold-weather option to the seasonally popular outdoor spot overlooking the North Cove Marina. At 7,350 square feet, it’s even bigger than the Rink at Rockefeller Plaza. New this season, the rink offer Learn to Skate classes with Olympic medal–winning husband-and-wife team, Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov. The ice-dancing pros will lead Intro to Basics lessons and Parent & Me classes throughout the season. Ice-hockey lessons are on offer too, in case your crew’s in need of a little coaching. Open from November 14, 2015. General admission $15, skate rental $5.
Trump Lasker Rink
This rink is less crowded than Wollman, but go for the hockey: Competitive leagues for Gretzky wanna-bes practice here daily. If your tot has a winter birthday, this spot also offers party packages. Open from late October.
McCarren Park
This Brooklyn park straddles the two hipster-fied nabes of Greenpoint and Williamsburg but continues to be a family favorite, too. There are baseball, football and soccer fields, dog runs, a track, tennis courts, a skate park and more. Stop by on select summer nights for outdoor film screenings, food trucks and music, or a romp in the playground at Lorimer Street and Driggs Ave. And as of 2013, the park has also transformed into a winter destination, now that the ever-popular McCarren Park Pool operates as an ice rink during the colder months. Opens November 2015. General admission $11, children $6, skate rental $6.
Trump Wollman Rink
Skating newbies can sign up for the learn-to-skate program—it’s the largest in the country. But no matter what your child’s skill level, there’s nothing quite like skating in the middle of our city’s most beautiful park. Open from October 24, 2015. Admission $11.25, children ages 11 and under $6; skate rentals $8, cash only.
Abe Stark Rink
This 40-year-old venue began its life as the Ravenhall Baths, a saltwater swimming pool that was quite the Coney Island hot spot in its day. It was destroyed by a fire in 1963, after which the space was converted into a destination for the heavily sweatered and uncoordinated. Arrive at the rink promptly at 12:30pm when it opens; the ice fills fast and it closes at 3:30pm. Open October 31 through March 27. Admission $10, skate rentals $5.
World Ice Arena
Although this rink offers hockey programs and private lessons, families can enjoy free-skate sessions every day of the week. World Ice also hosts inexpensive birthday parties; the fee ($23–28 per child) includes skate rental, pizza and several hours of ice time. Open through July 3, 2016, open most holidays and school breaks. Admission $6 weekdays, $9 weekends; skate rental $5.
City Ice Pavilion
The five boroughs’ only rooftop rink stretches an NHL-appropriate 85-by-200 feet under a weatherproof air dome (if it’s good enough for Canadians, it’s good enough for the wussy New York winter). Stop by Wednesdays from 12-4pm or between noon and 2:30pm on the weekends. At other times, the rink is devoted to skating lessons, hockey practice and private parties. Open yearround. Admission $6 weekdays, $9 weekends; skate rental $5.
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
There’s no need to wait until winter for your family to glide across the two NHL-size rinks at this megacomplex—they’re open year-round for general skating as well as hockey and figure skating. Unlike most indoor ice arenas, this one doesn’t feel like a cave; ample windows afford sweeping views of the Hudson River to the west. General skating September 14 through December 20, 2016. Admission $10, skate rental $5.
Staten Island Skating Pavilion
The borough’s only year-round ice rink is a skater’s dream, offering figure-skating and hockey programs for kids and adults of all levels. Public sessions take place on Fridays from 8–11pm, Saturdays from 2:30–4:20pm and 7:30–9:30pm, and Sundays from 2–3:50pm. Parties and private rink rentals are also available. Admission $11, children $10; skate rental $5.
Riverbank State Park Ice Skating Rink
Located about 85 blocks north of the midtown mayhem, the covered rink here—part of a 28-acre recreational facility—provides some of the least-crowded weekend skating in Manhattan. Riverbank Park overlooks the Hudson, so your crew will have nice views of the river and the George Washington Bridge too. Bonus: Families celebrating birthdays at the rink can reserve tables for after-skate cake and ice cream. Learn to Skate, Ice Dance, Figure Skating and Ice Hockey programs are also on offer. Open November through March, weather permitting. $5, children $3; skate rental $6 per day.
I couldn’t agree more!! Our family tradition is going to Palm Beach, soaking up some sun and frolicking in the Ocean. Family traditions are so important…..and here are some wonderful warm weather places to start them in!!!
View 10 Best Ski Resorts for Families at Forbes.com
Family-friendly resorts provide a multitude of options, so that parents can entertain their kids, relax with their spouses, and enjoy the fabulous North American outdoors…
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