It’s the most wonderful time of year. Here are some of our favorite destinations for family-friendly fun that will help you make the most of it in NYC. From gazing at store displays to train shows and ice skating, there is something for everyone.

Ice Skating at The William Vale

One of the coolest rinks there is (literally) is on the top of the William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg. Skate on the 23rd floor while taking in iconic views of the Manhattan skyline. Reservations can be booked in 50 minute increments and rink is open on Wednesday – Friday fro 2pm – 10PM and Saturday and Sunday from 12PM – 10PM. Send a message to valerink@thewilliamvale.com to make a reservation for Vale Rink.

Winter Events at Industry City

Industry City is a great family destination any time of year and the holidays are even more special. There are tons of holiday lights and festive decorations along with outdoor ice skating, roller skating, events for kids and heated outdoor seating areas. It’s a great shopping destination that includes Brooklyn favorite Sahadi’s and a great Japanese Market. Sahadi’s is hosting family-friendly holiday workshops every weekend in December! Tip: There is ample parking on 2nd Avenue and it’s free if you get a receipt validated with a purchase.

Ice Skating at Bryant Park

A visit to The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is always fun. Book a time slot for ice skating and then walk around and enjoy the vendors in the open-air holiday market. It’s a quintessential NYC Holiday Experience. Try Angelina’s to warm up up with one of their legendary Parisian hot chocolates afterwards. Tip: Bank of America Cardholders get a discount on tickets and skate rentals are available.

Gingerbread Lane at LICM

For a delightful time, head to Gingerbread Lane at the Long Island Children’s Museum. Chef Jon Lovitch (Guinness World Record holder title for the largest gingerbread village four times) has created almost 500 edible structures that will be on display until January 3, 2021. This exhibit took 800 hours over 10 months to create and will help you end 2020 on a sweet note.

Holidays on the Hill at Lasdon Park & Arboretum

Looking for a holiday train show experience that is great for kids and not too crowded? Visit Holiday on the Hill at the Lasdon Park & Arboretum in Westchester. The event runs Thursday through Sundays (excluding December 24 and 25th) and tickets must be purchased online. Santa will be making appearances and the train show is set up amongst beautiful plants in the Lasdon Conservatory. Tip: Use promo code “sparkle20” to receive a 50% holiday discount.

Waterdrinker Farm Winter Wonderland

Waterdirnker farm on Eastern Long Island is getting into the holiday spirit with a Winter Wonderland. You can visit Wednesday – Sunday. There will be plenty of photo opportunities at their holiday light display and Airstream Christmas Village. There will be pick-your-own Christmas Trees, Barnyard Animals, Mini Golf, Ice Skating (details TBA), Santa visits, Fire Pits & S’mores and much more. Visit Waterdrinker Farm’s Social Media Pages for the most up to date notifications about holiday happenings.

Gazing at Holiday Displays

There are so many beautiful displays to enjoy that you can visit while social distancing. While visiting at night time is most striking, a day stroll is also lots of fun. For some of our favorite Holiday Window Displays, start out at Bergdorf Goodman on 5th and 58th Street and make your way south to Saks Fifth Avenue at 5th and 50th Street (be sure to stop at The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree as well) and Macy’s at 34th and Broadway. Other favorite glittering spots include Madison Square Park, Hudson Yards at 11th Avenue and 34th Street, The Lotte New York Palace Hotel and Luminaries in the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place (display lasts through January 3rd and is open from 8am-10pm daily).