December events calendar for kids in NYC

This year has not been kind to street fairs. To fill the void, the debut Orange County Drive-Thru Fair Food Festival allowed visitors to get their funnel cake and fried Oreo fix in a socially distanced manner. Now, visitors can expect the same delights—with a holiday twist. The Orange County Fair's Holiday Lights Spectacular is not only a great drive-thru Christmas event with stunning light displays—featuring a multimedia show with accompaniment from Christmas carols—it's the perfect place for those with a sweet tooth. What can hungry visitors expect? Funnel cake, zeppoles, freshly-squeezed lemonade and cotton candy. Consider it a dose of summertime in the winter! The event will run from Nov 27 to Jan 3 in Middletown, New York at 239 Wisner Ave. Snag $20 tickets online and explore other Christmas events in NYC and the surrounding area.  

Update: New rules and regulations are in place for 2020. Always call ahead before making a visit. 

'Tis the season to skate! Grab those warm winter coats and get ready to visit the best ice skating rinks in New York City. 

Although things look a little different this year—new health requirements, reduced capacity, etc.—the season can go on safely. Your favorite family attractions like Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center are back and ready to welcome winter athletes who want to perfect their moves. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas for kids in New York

After a few loops around the rink, be sure to snag a cup of hot chocolate. (It's the best way to refuel, if you ask us.) Then peruse our December events calendar for other fun, socially distanced Christmas events taking place throughout the city. 

See you on the ice. 

When the temperature dips, we can't help but search for a cup of the best hot chocolate in NYC. 

Whether we're off to fun Christmas events or just staying in with a few good family movies, delicious cocoa in the winter is a necessity—much like a big helping (or two) of whipped cream. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas for kids in NYC

Instagrammable dessert spots like Max Brenner are famous for their renditions of the winter drink of choice while shops like Dylan's Candy Bar offer kits that allow you to bring the sweetness home. 

While you're out and about, be sure to check out fun ice skating spots and peruse our December events calendar for fun, socially distanced seasonal events.

'Tis the season to be jolly and visit a holiday light show or two! Fortunately for you, we've rounded up the coolest Christmas events in and near NYC that are totally illuminating—literally! 

From the visiting LuminoCity Festival at Randall's Island to Sesame Place's brand-new drive-thru experience, these events allow visitors to enjoy the best of the season while staying socially distanced. Bundle up, grab a mug of cocoa and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. 

Be sure to also check out our favorite Christmas songs for kids while you're en route to your destination and call it an evening with one or two Christmas movies for kids when you get home from the Christmas light shows!

The season of lights is getting even brighter: Drive-thru Christmas lights have popped up around NYC, and they're the perfect way to celebrate the holidays at a distance. 

Drive through Christmas lights, twinkling tunnels, larger-than-life seasonal displays—they're all ready to wow your little elves! We suggest you bring along some hot chocolate and crank up the Christmas songs for kids while out on your adventure. 

Although this December is looking a lot different than what we're used to, there are still ways to take advantage of Christmas events in NYC safely. It's been a difficult time, but we'll help you make the most of it.