Bringing wife and kids to NYC in December - need advice

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Marriott Marquee was nice and in a good spot

You're going to want to have a new phone and apartment all ready BEFORE you go. You want to make damned sure they can't find you again once you bring them to NYC, and the key is being prepared when it comes time to ghost them.

Otherwise, it's all just a fricking waste of time.

EDIT: Clearly, this wasn't moved from the OT fast enough...

good walking shoes.

if its late December, long underwear for all.

I would look into tickets for a performance besides Nutcracker. there's bound to be something for the kids at holiday season.

If staying for more than a few days, then buy everyone a Metrocard, 31 bucks each for 7 days unlimited use of the subways and most bus lines in NYC. It will pay for itself in two days. Download an app to your phone like citymapper and subwaytime. You enter where you are and where you want to go and it directs you to the nearest subway or bus and tells you exactly how to get there. Very easy. We never used taxis.

We were there Christmas 2014 and going again this Christmas. The weather can be very variable. When we were were there in 2014, the temps were relatively mild in the 40s and it rained heavily Christmas eve. No ice or snow, no need for long underwear when we went. But bring them just in case. Of course if you need any clothing items, you're in the shopping capital of the world! Macy's on 34th street has an entire floor with just jackets and coats!

Is this you and your family's first visit to NYC?

I think that question matters a lot as to recommendations for what to do.

With young kids, I would definitely recommend heading to central park (hopefully it will be snowing) and going ice skating on the rink there. It's a cool experience. The Boathouse in Central park is always worth it, even in the cold. Although this is a very touristy location.

If your kids can sit still long enough, go to a show on Broadway. I never thought of myself as a big theater person, but Broadway is pretty special. I went the first time I visited, now I live here and still attend shows a few times a year.

There's a place in Little Italy called Angelo's that I always recommend to visitors. It's good food and a good atmosphere, and Little Italy is one of those "touristy" areas that is still fun to visit and usually not stupid crowded.

With kids, go check out Rockefeller Center and the giant Christmas tree. Worth it for the kids' benefit, and it's still pretty cool as an adult. There's a skate rink there as well, so if you decide to ice skate there than probably don't need to ice skate in the park (although I prefer skating in the park).

Depending on what kind of things you like to do and if you will have any time away from the kids, I highly recommend a "speakeasy" called Raines Law Room. It is set in prohibition style and is a great atmosphere with excellent cocktails. It's expensive, but the atmosphere is worth it. For a little cheaper but fun time, check out McSorleys Old Ale House. It is very old bar that is another "tourist" destination that is actually fun. They only serve Mcsorleys light and dark beer, no wine or liquor, and it's cash only. However, it is a great and fun experience.
Note: Neither Mcsorleys or Raines Law Room are kid friendly

The 911 memorial is a cool thing to check out and does not take a lot of time. So it may be worth at least stopping by there if that's your kind of thing.

Last but not least - I have to plug the LSU alumni bar, Legends. It's on w 33rd and 6th, next to the Empire State Building. If you are going to be there during any LSU football game, come on by and watch the game. It's always a great time and full of LSU fans. Note: if you're not here for an LSU game, it's just a normal bar, although it will have some LSU decour at all times.


As for hotel recommendations, this is tough to say in NYC because there are so many with varying areas and price ranges.

The Plaza hotel is of course amazing. They have a great hotel bar, as well as the Oak Bar in the hotel. It's a place that is worth visiting even if you don't stay there. Of course, it's very pricey.

If you are looking to stay in the mid townish area (that is the area where Rockefeller center, Broadway, central park, and most of the shopping are) - the Double Tree Hilton in Times Square is a nice place. It's in the middle of Times Square, which has its pros and cons depending if you like Times Square, it's nice, and it's a good proximity to most trains and to most of Manhattan.

There's also a nice Marriott that is near Grand Central Station (42nd street area) that I don't think is too pricey and is centrally located.

Otherwise, there are so many hotels you probably just need to search and see what kind of deal/location you can find.

General note about getting around NYC: it takes a long time to get places here. 20-30 minutes is probably the minimum you can expect to get anywhere unless it is right by you, so don't get frustrated by that, just recognize that that is just how it is in NYC.

Hope these recommendations are helpful. As I tell everyone coming to visit, these are just some recommendations of things to do. With NYC, there is so much to do that you can't expect to do everything during a vacation. So if there is something you've always wanted to do that you don't hear recommended by anyone, just do it. But don't come and expect to see all the sites as well as get the whole NY experience, it's just not feasible unless you're here for a long time.

Enjoy your trip

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn on 48th street/avenue. Was a perfect location for everything we wanted.

9/11 memorial/museum
Statue of Liberty
Top of the Rock
Ice skating -- Rockefeller plaza, Central Park, Bryant Park -- just pick one
Buy the metro card that's good for a week -- was worth the money
Check out a Broadway play
We rode bikes by the Hudson but I guess in November you might not want to.
Catch a basketball or hockey game (we went to the Yankees)
Food street carts are awesome
Rockettes are great
Ellen's Stardust Diner -- kids would like it.

I didn't even read another response. Sorry that I likely mentioned everyone elses comments already.

Oh how I want to go back ... we're looking at Mardi Gras.

We went right before Christmas last year. We had a ball!

Make sure to get tickets and go see the Rockettes Christmas show!!! I didn't think it would be that good, but it was awesome!

We stayed at the Hilton in Times Square, it wasn't too expensive, and was a good central location for everything.

Bryant Park is cool during the holidays. In addition to ice skating, the whole thing is a seasonal market. Lots of artifical type shopSo and food vendors.

There are a few more of these holiday markets around the city. One in Union Station if I remember right. They are pretty cool and different than what we get around here.