Winter Wonderland in New York City

From the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and ice-skating rink to seasonal shows and decorations, New York City is a city of wonder during the holidays. With special events and hotel deals beginning this month, you can easily plan ahead of the holiday rush for a special seasonal visit with the kids.

Photo: Shiningcolors | Dreamstime

The Pierre New York, A Taj Hotel has a Winter Wonderland lineup for families of all ages. Special packages are available through Jan. 6, 2018, and include everything from ice-skating to surprise gifts — all provided by the hotel.

Book your trip early and find the city preparing for the Thanksgiving Day Parade and enjoying the crisp fall weather, or book in December when the city is in full winter wonderland mode. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will illuminate Nov. 29, so be sure to plan your trip early and reserve your space.

Photo: Victorianl | Dreamstime

Guests booking the Winter Wonderland package at The Pierre receive holiday-themed welcome amenities, hot chocolate and skating-rink admission for two in addition to a few surprise gifts. With two skate tickets, watch the kids take to the Wollman Rink in Central Park or upgrade and join them on the ice.

Go out and about in the city and enjoy the festive store windows, holiday shopping and shows to get the full New York holiday experience before heading back to relax at the hotel and take Tea with Santa. Hosted in the Two Bar E and Lounge, enjoy traditional afternoon tea service or plan for the special holiday schedule, Dec. 8 and 16, where young guests enjoy surprise visitors, storytellers and Christmas carolers, $30–40.

If you’ve had enough of the city, lights and bustling activity, take the train or ferry to Long Island’s winter holiday park, Bayville Winter Wonderland. The amusement park offers train rides for the kids, a holiday shop, a light show, a meet-and-greet with Santa himself, skating, fun houses, arcade games and a wide variety of rides and attractions.

The park is open weekends in December and during the week after Christmas and is ideal for all ages, but especially young kids. Spend the day riding rides and drinking cocoa for $23 per person.