New York City at Christmas has a way of living in your heart long before you ever arrive.
For me, it started as a childhood dream—skating under the Rockefeller tree, lights twinkling, bundled up in winter layers, magic everywhere you looked. For years, that dream quietly sat on my wish list.
And then one day, I realized something powerful: I could stop dreaming about it… and start sharing it with my own family.
Nearly a year before our trip, I began planning our New York City holiday adventure with one guiding mindset—flexibility.
Because if there’s one thing I knew for certain, it was this: traveling to NYC at Christmas with a 3‑ and 6‑year‑old during the busiest time of the year was never going to be calm, predictable, or perfectly planned.
And honestly? It wasn’t.
It was chaotic. Messy. Loud. Cold. Full of long lines, missed plans, sibling rivalry, unexpected illnesses, and moments where I questioned my own sanity.
But it was also magical. Wonder‑filled. And overflowing with joy in the spaces between the mayhem.
Letting Go of the “Perfect” Holiday Trip (and Finding the Joy Instead)
As a planner—and a recovering perfectionist—I went into this trip reminding myself not to overplan every single day. I didn’t want to rush from one iconic moment to the next, only to miss the quiet, beautiful moments of being fully present.
Still, that mindset didn’t come naturally.
I caught myself thinking things like:
- “There are only so many Christmases where they still believe.”
- “I should have booked that on the only day we had nothing planned.”
- “What if we miss something really important?”
It took a lot of self‑talk to release the pressure of doing everything.
And then—somewhere between the chaos—I found myself wrapped in the warmth of joy‑filled moments instead. Watching my boys take in the city with wide‑eyed wonder (even my husband who genuinely dislikes crowds!). Laughing through the mess. Reflecting on the things we did instead of mourning the things we missed.
This wasn’t the trip I imagined as a little girl dreaming about New York City.
It was better—because I was sharing it with my family.
The Honest Truth About NYC at Christmas with Young Kids
Let me be completely transparent: a holiday trip to the Big Apple with young kids is not all peaches and cream with sprinkles on top—and I don’t want to pretend that it is.
It’s mayhem—with sprinkles of joy in between.
There were moments of stress, exhaustion, and battles we didn’t anticipate. We dealt with unexpected twists and turns (including illness), plans that fell apart, and the reality that walking slower, waiting longer, and taking breaks is simply part of traveling with kids.
As my husband likes to joke, we put ourselves through all the chaos for about 10% of the memories—and those are the ones that last a lifetime.
And research backs this up—kids remember experiences, not things.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Take This Trip
If New York City during the holidays is sitting on your family’s wish list, this is your sign not to delay it.
Don’t wait for the “perfect” age. Don’t wait until schedules are calmer. Don’t wait until you think it will be easier.
Because the magic isn’t in doing it all—it’s in doing it together.
NYC at Christmas is impossible to squeeze into one trip. There will always be more to see, more to do, and more reasons to come back. What matters most is soaking up the magic while your kids still look at the world with that wide‑eyed belief that anything is possible.
And yes—embracing the mayhem along the way.
What This NYC Holiday Series Will Help You Do
After spending nearly a year planning this trip—using blogs, Instagram inspiration, and firsthand recommendations—I’ve curated everything I wish I had in one place.
Over this NYC holiday series, I’ll be sharing:
- How to plan without overplanning
- Where to stay with kids (and accessibility in mind)
- A flexible, real‑life itinerary
- Where to save vs splurge
- Honest tips for surviving NYC during the holidays with young kids
Think of it as a list, not an agenda—designed to make your trip less stressful, more flexible, and far more joyful.
Ready to Start Dreaming?
If you’re even thinking about a magical, mayhem‑style holiday trip to New York City—stop scrolling and start exploring.
I promise: it’s a trip worth taking at least once in your lifetime.
👉 Want my full NYC holiday planning list, saved spots, and references? Download it here and start dreaming—just remember to leave room for flexibility.
Because imperfect vacations are often the most unforgettable ones.
