Winter break has officially begun- we hope you got an early start, thanks to the weekend. If you’re looking for things to do with the kids over the break, there are plenty of free and low-cost activities happening across the city.
Museum of the City of New York (MCNY): Head to MCNY for a fun lineup of family-friendly events. Their winter-inspired activities are free with admission to the museum, which is pay-as-you-wish for New York residents. 1220 Fifth Avenue
Dyker Heights: While it seems to get more crowded every year, walking around Dyker Heights and admiring the homes decked out in holiday lights is a fun tradition. Grab a hot chocolate and let the kids lead the way. 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th St in Brooklyn.
Christmas caroling: On Christmas Eve, partake in holiday caroling under the Washington Square Arch in Washington Square Park. Join the Rob Susman Brass Quartet for the 100th anniversary of this annual event. Washington Square Park
Ice skating: What’s winter break without a little ice skating? Bryant Park and Central Park ice skating might be among the most popular, yet the Parks Department does have other rinks around the city to take advantage of. Various locations
Selfies with Santa: Now through Christmas Eve, stop for a selfie with Mr. Claus himself at Brookfield Place. There’s also a fun Santa’s Sandcastle you can grab photos in front of, and an ice skating rink with views of the Hudson River. 230 Vesey Street
Kwanzaa: On Dec. 26, head to the Herbert Von King Cultural Arts Center for a free Kwanzaa celebration. Enjoy stories, music, and more with world-renowned storyteller Dr. Linda Humes and master percussionist Songa of the Valley. 670 Lafayette Avenue
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting: Head to the Seaport on Dec. 26 for latkes, hot cocoa, live music, arts and crafts and a lighting celebration of their six-foot-tall chocolate Menorah. There will also be face painting, popcorn, chocolate and other traditional treats, and a musical performance by the FiDi Hebrew School. Heineken Riverdeck at Pier 17, 89 South St.
New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall: Stop by the New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall in Times Square before December 28 to write your resolutions, goals, and dreams on confetti that will float down over Times Square when the clock strikes midnight. Times Square Plazas 45-46
Winter wildlife: On Saturday, Dec. 28, spend the afternoon at Shirley Chisholm State Park. Learn how animals adapt to winter, play fun games, and look for signs of wildlife during a short hike around the Penn side of the park. 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn
Check out more things to do here.
