Hit one of the amazing beaches in NYC, by train, ferry, bike, or car. Photo by Sara Marentette

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12/21/22 - By Drew Kristofik

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this Christmas weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

You may still have gifts to wrap (or—gulp—shop for) and stockings to hang, but there's festive fun to be had all weekend, no matter how you celebrate. It's also the last weekend of Hanukkah and the start of Kwanzaa!

Our annual favorites include singing carols under the Washington Square Arch, catching a classic holiday show (tickets are still available for A Charlie Brown Christmas and Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas), and checking out the Dyker Lights. Christmas Day is also the second-to-last night of Hanukkah, and the Jewish Museum is celebrating with a concert by Oran Etkin.

Need more? Check our lists (twice) for the best family outings on Christmas Eve, what's open (and fun) on Christmas Day, and the best ways to keep kids busy, happy, and occupied during the holiday break. It’s also not too late to snap a photo with Santa, even one for FREE.

Our Family Activity Calendar is an excellent source for school break boredom busters, including the NYC Parks Department's kids week programming, and check out our list of 100 things to do with NYC kids before they grow up for the ultimate staycation cheat sheet. Happy holidays from all of us at Mommy Poppins!