The Bronx Zoo comes to life after dark during its annual Holiday Lights event. Photo by Terria Clay/courtesy of the Bronx Zoo

Holiday Lights, Christmas Carousel, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens

Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0

See the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids

GUIDE

Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families

Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Where to Watch, What's New

Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC for Thanksgiving Dinner 2025

Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025

See your favorite characters come to life at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation. Photo by Eugene Gologursky/courtesy of Macy's.

24 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Enjoy a cozy, French-style Thanksgiving meal at Le Rivage. Photo by Evan Sung

25 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in NYC

Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden

NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025

GUIDE

Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun

Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.

Best 2025 Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for Families in NYC

Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee

34 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC November 2025 with Kids

Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center

Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens

The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.

Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026

Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.

GUIDE

Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026

See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up

Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025

The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader

Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State

Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier

47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day

Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila

Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now

Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun

GUIDE

NYC Summer Camp Guide

The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!

Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids

Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep

There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.

24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC

Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys

27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

GUIDE

Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC

Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum

GUIDE

Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide

Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC

Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop

GUIDE

Guide to NYC Classes for Kids

For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier

Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly

Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier

25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More

The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH

Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC

GUIDE

Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC

Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.

Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids

Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC

Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier

3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier

NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families

These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids

Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette

Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects

No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird

40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now

65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age

GUIDE

NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do

Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

GUIDE

Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids

Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home

Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

GUIDE

Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide

GUIDE

Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Boston for Kids 2025

Things are lighting up with these must-do Christmas events around Boston in 2025! Festival of Illumination at the Southwick Zoo. Photo by Heart Lover 1717/ Flickr 2.0

11/9/25 - By Caitlin Dowling

The top holiday activities and Christmas events for Boston kids are coming to town! The festivities kick off with Boston's Official Holiday Tree Arrival in the Boston Common. The BSO's Holiday Pops invite families to share an afternoon of holiday fun, and the animals at Southwick Zoo Winter Wonderland have outdone themselves, creating the most magical winter experience for kids of all ages. And don't forget to say hello to the man in red at (the free) Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Foxborough.

Keep that holiday and Christmas spirit going all season long with our Holiday Fun Guide. If you are planning bigger holiday adventures, consult our 12 Best Christmas Towns in New England. Or book your tickets for the top Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New England!

Insider Tips for Families Enjoying Holiday Fun in Boston

The best times to attend Christmas Events and Holiday Activities are on weekdays (whenever possible); look for events with timed entry if waiting with little ones is going to be a challenge.
Attending off-peak hours (like weekdays) will help you avoid crowds
Many events offer advanced ticket purchasing, which is great for minimizing waits and maximizing fun!

Christmas Events in Boston FAQ

Q: What are the best Christmas events in Boston for kids?
A: Families love the Boston Ballet Nutcracker and Winterlights at Naumkeag

Q: Where can kids see Christmas lights in Boston?
A: Some of the most magical light displays are in the North End, Faneuil Hall, and Beacon Hill. Check out our guide to the best Christmas lights in Boston.

Q: What holiday activities are free in Boston?
A: Free holiday fun includes the lighting of the tree on Boston Common.

Q: Is the BSO Holiday Pops good for kids?
A: Yes, the BSO Holiday Pops show is family-friendly and a holiday tradition loved by all ages.

Q: Where can we meet Santa in Boston?
A: The Prudential Center's Santa in the city is a prime spot, but families can also find Santa at local holiday markets and events across the city.