What you'll do
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with this 4-day New York City itinerary designed especially for families visiting for the first time. This festive trip balances iconic holiday experiences with kid-friendly activities, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the city without feeling rushed. Highlights include ice skating under the twinkling lights at Bryant Park, marveling at the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and stepping inside a Broadway theater to watch a show the whole family will love.
From exploring Central Park’s winter paths and Fifth Avenue’s dazzling holiday windows to visiting world-class museums and enjoying cozy dining options, every day is thoughtfully planned to maximize fun for both adults and kids (ages 8 and 18). Convenient hotel check-in/check-out and luggage drop spots are included, making travel days stress-free. Whether it’s your first trip to NYC or a return during the holidays, this itinerary offers a blend of festive magic, sightseeing, and memorable family moments.
👉 For help booking your New York City holiday trip and locking in the best deals, you can click here, message me directly or email me at Ryan.jones@fora.travel.
Day 1
Arrival & Midtown Magic
Morning / Early Afternoon: Arrive in NYC.
Drop bags at Lotte New York Palace (bell desk will hold them until check-in).
Freshen up in the lobby or grab a snack at the hotel café.
Lotte New York Palace
hotel
Luxurious Manhattan hotel experience
Lotte New York Palace
Across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, this Midtown landmark combines Old World grandeur with modern luxury. Rooms feature custom furnishings, while dining includes Pomme Palais, Trouble’s Trust lounge, and the ultra-exclusive Rarities.
Perks for booking through me:
VIP status
Daily breakfast ($100 credit)
$100 one-time hotel credit
Room upgrades (when available)
Early check-in/late check-out
Complimentary WiFi
To book this property with these perks, message me or email ryan.jones@fora.travel
Afternoon:
Walk to Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (5 mins from hotel).
Step into St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Grab a quick sweet stop at Magnolia Bakery and stroll Fifth Avenue holiday window
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Giro turistico
Iconic Midtown plaza with shops & rink
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the ultimate symbol of the holidays in New York City and a must-see for any Christmas itinerary. Towering over the plaza, the tree is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights and crowned with a dazzling Swarovski star, creating one of the most photographed holiday backdrops in the world. While the area can be packed with visitors, timing is everything—arrive very early in the morning or late at night to enjoy the magic without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Pair your visit with a stroll past the nearby Fifth Avenue holiday windows or a skate on the Rockefeller Rink for the full Midtown holiday experience.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Giro turistico
Gothic Revival NYC cathedral
Located directly across from Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks and a peaceful escape from the holiday bustle. This Neo-Gothic masterpiece is especially magical at Christmastime, when its soaring interior is adorned with festive decorations, poinsettias, and twinkling lights. Visitors can take in the cathedral’s stunning stained-glass windows, intricate altars, and the famous Nativity scene, which is unveiled each December. Whether you attend a service, light a candle, or simply step inside to admire the grandeur, St. Patrick’s offers a moment of quiet reflection during the busy holiday season.
Magnolia Bakery - Rockefeller Center
forno
Charming bakery with delicious cupcakes
Famous worldwide for its banana pudding, Magnolia Bakery is a sweet stop during a Fifth Avenue holiday stroll. Seasonal treats like the Snickers Refrigerator Cake are rich and indulgent, making it a perfect pick-me-up between sightseeing. With festive decorations and a cozy vibe, it’s a classic New York bakery experience.
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows
Giro turistico
Luxury department store in NYC
The crown jewel of New York’s holiday windows, Saks Fifth Avenue unveils an extravagant theme each year, paired with a dazzling nightly light show across its entire façade. Expect long lines and heavy crowds at peak times, but the magic of the animated windows and synchronized music is worth it.
Evening:
Check in at Lotte New York Palace (from 3:00 pm). Get settled in your room.
Head out for Top of the Rock at sunset.
Dinner at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment (Times Square, festive décor).
Top of The Rock
Giro turistico
Iconic NYC observation deck
Perched atop Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck offers one of the best panoramic views of New York City—especially during the holiday season. From 70 floors up, you’ll see the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the sparkling city skyline lit with festive lights. Unlike some observation decks, Top of the Rock features multiple levels of both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, making it a great choice even on chilly December nights. For the most magical experience, visit in the evening when the city glows or book the final entry slot of the night to enjoy fewer crowds. Pairing a trip here with a walk past the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and Fifth Avenue windows creates the ultimate holiday moment.
Lillie's Victorian Establishment
ristorante
Charming Victorian pub in NYC
Step into a Victorian-inspired winter wonderland at Lillie’s, where antique décor and over-the-top holiday decorations create one of the most festive atmospheres in Times Square. Known for its lively bar scene and seasonal cocktails, Lillie’s also offers tasty bar bites like sliders and flatbreads, making it ideal for a cozy holiday night out.