Nothing is more magical than New York City at the holidays.
From the tree at Rockefeller Center to the store windows along Fifth and Madison Avenues, we can’t get enough of the hustle, bustle, and twinkle lights glittering on nearly every street corner. So grab your Jungle Story suitcase and hit the city!
The idea of navigating the city at this time of year might feel overwhelming, it’s true … which is why we’ve put together this list of Manhattan holiday highlights:
FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Plaza
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Finally, the famous toymaker has opened its doors again and it’s as amazing as ever! Like Santa’s sack exploded, the store (the largest in N.Y.C.) holds more toys than you or the kid in your life could ever imagine. Although you’ll probably find it hard to leave without purchasing at least one little thing (we love this sweet holiday snow globe train set), we think window shopping FAO’s 20,000-square-foot store is just as fun.
A Broadway Show
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We love taking our kids to experience Broadway, especially during the holidays. In Frozen , based on the blockbuster Disney movie, the world of Anna and Elsa is brought to incredible life right on the stage. Also, since most kids (and a lot of parents) already know the story and the words to all of the songs, the experience is sure to be a hit!
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
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Celebrating its 27th anniversary this year, the annual train showcases beautiful model trains traveling over, under, and around iconic Lower Manhattan landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and new this year, One World Trade Center and the Battery Maritime Building.
Holiday Window Tour
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This is an N.Y.C. rite of passage. Start at Macy’s Herald Square, and don’t forget to pop inside and check out Santaland, the famed 13,000-square-foot North Pole Christmas village with live elves, an enchanted forest, animatronic toys, a winding train, and the Man in the Red Suit himself. Next up, Bloomingdale’s with its interactive windows celebrating the latest The Grinch movie. Then, head over to Barney’s New York to take in its “Make Change” campaign windows, a partnership with Save the Children, for a reminder of what the spirit of the season is really all about. Saks Fifth Avenue honors the magic of Broadway in its windows, and Bergdorf Goodman’s storefront is glowing with neon and other glittering holiday goodies.
And of Course…
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