December 26, 2021 was the second time I’ve been to NYC the day after Christmas and my 8th day trip overall to the Big Apple. I think it’s my favorite time to visit – the Macy’s window displays never disappoint and there’s something special about the Christmas season in NYC.
New York is a work of art in and of itself. It’s a masterpiece that shouldn’t make sense, yet somehow, it does.
Jacqueline E. Smith
We surprised our three teenagers and 7-year old with a day trip to NYC as part of their Christmas gifts. The boys saw the Book of Mormon on Broadway (South Park fans!) and the girls did some sightseeing and a trip to Harry Potter New York for my Harry Potter lovers. There’s so much to see and do in New York that it seems overwhelming. I found the Free Tours by Foot – New York City Facebook group are really helpful for trip planning.
The 4+ hour drive is long, but we manage to do it in a day – and are always glad to be back home.
1-Day Itinerary with Kids
| Day | To | From | Mode | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Trip Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sunday | Broadway, NYC | FredCo, MD | Car | 6:30AM | 11:00AM | Plan to bring about $40 in toll fees. |
| Richard Rodgers Theatre, Broadway | Broadway Parking Deck | Walk | 11:15AM | 11:20AM | Find a central parking spot and leave your car for the day. Plan for about $60-$80 in parking fees. | |
| Times Square | Walk | `12:00PM | ||||
| Macy’s | Walk | This is a must-do at Christmas time! | ||||
| Harry Potter Store | Walk | Located next to the Flatiron Building, this location marks the flagship Harry Potter Store. Tip – book a virtual experience to guarantee entry into the store which is on a timed entry system to control crowds. | ||||
| Flat Iron District/ Park | Walk | A dynamic urban environment in the heart of Manhattan, this bustling commercial district is named after the 22-story Flatiron Building, the triangular landmark at its heart since 1902. | ||||
| 5th Avenue | Walk | Window shopping along NYC’s most famous street is a must do when visiting NYC. | ||||
| Junior’s Times Square | Walk | Cheesecake lovers – a great spot for famous Junior’s cheesecake and/or dinner! | ||||
| FredCo, MD | NYC | Car | 7:00PM | 11:30PM |
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