NYC first week of December with kids

Being that you have young kids, you should try to go to Serendipity III.

You can do lunch or dinner, a meal or just ice cream, but the kids will love it

That looks incredible

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Does anyone know if you can do the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island then do the 9/11 museum the same day?

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That would be a long day. The process of waiting to board/offload the boat to and from the Statue takes time, it will be a few hours at the Statue, and even more if you do Ellis Island. I couldn't imagine finishing both of those and then doing 9/11. You will want to take your time at the 9/11 museum, so doing it in the afternoon might be a drag, especially for your kids. If you are able to do the crown of the Statue, do it. It is a neat experience.

I would do 9/11 first thing one morning, and you could also hit Wall Street, the charging bull, and maybe Federal Hall where George Washington was inaugurated.

If either of the kids are girls, they might find wandering around the diamond district on 47th for half an hour interesting . It’s not just what you see from the street, there are “indoor malls” full of shiny. Tell your wife you left the credit cards in the hotel safe, though.

Friend,

There is no better time to be in the world’s greatest city than December. We simply cannot wait to carol in Jackson Square this year followed by a caroling party at home with warm drinking chocolate and Mother’s famous chocolate chip cookies! Nor is there a better time to be in the world’s second greatest city, New York.

Walking those magical streets in December makes my heart flutter. The window displays at Macy’s and along 5th Avenue get my toe tingling and my spirit floating. Bergdorf Goodman may not have the most creative window displays. However, I recommend browsing on the third floor, I believe, where there are some of the best department store Christmas ornaments on display. What a collection of Christopher Radkos they have. How can one not dance and sing in New York when around such beauty and majesty!

Each year we cannot wait to see what Saks Fifth Avenue will do to its facade. Last year’s display was simply brilliant. Bloomingdale’s and Dior have wonderful displays also, but Saks has become a bigger draw than even the Rockefeller Center tree across the street. Nights may be packed in that small area during December, but if you do not spend at least one night there, if not all your nights there, you are missing one of New York’s greatest pleasures. It is debatable if you choose The Rink at Rockefeller over Wollman Rink in Central Park. The former is much smaller and twice as expensive and has a shorter time on ice. But if you can do both, I affirm that decision!

The Christmas market in Bryant Park behind the Public Library is exceptional. I counted no less than 17 different hot chocolatiers selling their wares last year. Max Brenner even sets up a shop there, and as you know, that is my favorite hot chocolate, even better than the iced hot chocolate at Serendipity II. There is a skating rink in Bryant Park as well, but it is not as big as Wollman and does not have the wonderful atmosphere of Rockefeller. If you want a beautiful night time view of the Empire State Building, I also suggest a visit to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, which is across the street from the Public Library, one block downtown. The courtyard on the 7th floor there is spectacular, especially at night.

For light displays, if the Field of Light at Freedom Plaza, over by the UN is still open, it is a must. These lights are not specifically for Christmas, but they are beautiful nonetheless. Some will tell you to go way south in Brooklyn to Dyker Heights. We have gone twice to this multiple block light display and both times enjoyed it. However, I would not say it is a must do. Even if you take a chartered bus, it will still take four hours out of your trip. Would I rather visit Dyker Heights or have a fifth night at Rockefeller’s magical wonderland, with perhaps a side trip to FAO Schwartz? Definitely the latter!

We have never done the Statue of Liberty during Advent season. It probably would not be crowded at that time, but if you want to maximize your day, be on the first boat departing. We have been able to do the crown, visit Ellis Island, and be back to Battery Park for 1, which would give you more than enough time to visit the 9/11 Museum, although that might be a busy day for a child. While there, be sure to visit St. Nicholas National Shrine, which is splendid.

On the topic of churches, you will inevitably find your way, while going to Saks, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Do tour it, and if so inclined, celebrate a service there. There are many wonderful congregations and beautiful churches in Manhattan that shine even brighter in this season.

Certainly consider several pizza stops. Reservations at Una Pizza Napoletana are hard to come by, and if you cannot get them there and want Neapolitan style, I suggest Song’d Napule, Don Antonio, Ribalta, and Da Michele. Each is relatively easy to get a walk-up table. If you are more included to slices, Upside, L’industrie, Mama’s Too, NY Pizza Suprema, Scarr’s, Patsy’s (in Spanish Harlem only), and R Slice are exceptional. I am super excited to try R Slice next month, as well as the new Roberta’s next to Penn Station. Reviews are encouraging. For a sit down NY style whole pizza, John’s of Bleecker, Lazzara’s, and Rubirosa deserve your attention. For more pizza recommendations, refer to LINK

Please take many pictures and share with us your joy after the visit!


Yours,
TulaneLSU

I think kids would enjoy the observation deck at the Vanderbilt building. Great views of the city and has a cool mirrored theme.