Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Opinions on visiting New York with 6 year old at Christmas?

Opinions on visiting New York with 6 year old at Christmas?

Old Jul 14th, 2000, 08:07 AM
  #1  
Michelle
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Opinions on visiting New York with 6 year old at Christmas?

I am considering taking my husband and my 6 year old daughter to New York between Christmas and New Years. My husband was raised in the Bronx but has not been back over 20 years. I have made a couple of trips before by myself so I am familiar with visiting New York. I love the idea of going back not sure if I should wait until our daughter is older.
My biggest concern is that I remember never walking so much as I did during my previous two trips there.
And as native Californians are my daughter and I going to freeze?
Also because of the holiday season will visiting New York at this time be insane? We do plan on NOT being in New York for New Years Eve. But we may schedule are trip to either leave December 31 or alternatively arrive Jan 1.
Is this a bad idea or not?
 
Old Jul 14th, 2000, 08:25 AM
  #2  
Lori
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
The Christmas season is one of my favorite times in NY, and also one of the most popular. So you can expect lots of crowds, especially at the major holiday sights - Rock Center, windows on 5th Ave, etc. The weather can be iffy. Last year it was quite warm that week (50s - 60s) so you would not freeze. And it could also be extremely cold and snowy (after all it is December). Yes, you will walk quite a bit, but in spite of all it's faults, the NYC subway system is one of the best as far as getting you places. If you do decide to visit, be sure to get tickets to the Christmas show at Radio City, a 6 year old will probably love it.
 
Old Jul 14th, 2000, 09:07 AM
  #3  
tweedy
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Oh I agree that Christmas is my favorite time of the year here, it is a bit of a winter wonderland with all the holiday lights and windows.

Ice skating at Wolman Rink or Rock Center, all the Christmas Trees to see all over the city, Santa at Macy's, the Holiday lights at the Bronx Zoo, Nutcracker Suite at Lincoln Center,
holiday concerts, and of course the newest holiday tradition, a Christmas Carol at the Paramount Threatre ao there is lots to see and do, you 6 yr old may not want to go back home.

Plan for the weather to be on the cold side, it is usually in the 40's during the holiday, unless we are very lucky, but bring clothes that you can layer to keep warm and a hat and gloves.

Have a wonderful trip.

tweedy
 
Old Jul 17th, 2000, 05:50 AM
  #4  
Debi
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I always visit NYC that week. I do my touring in the middle of the week - and don't find the crowds as bad as you would think. The weather - you never know. 2 years ago, it was so frigid we were miserable. As a previous poster said - last year was quite warm. The one place that ALWAYS has a huge line is the FAO Swartz across from the Plaza. When we were there last year, it never shortened. But I love NYC at Christmas - so I think it's a great idea, no matter what the weather. Just bring lots of clothes options for layering - and don't forget a HAT.
 
Old Jul 17th, 2000, 07:20 AM
  #5  
ilisa
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Christmas in NYC is such a fabulous time of year. Does your daughter like ballet? If so, then try to get tickets for the New York City Ballet's production of the Nutcracker. It is the most glorious production you will ever see.
 
Old Jul 24th, 2000, 11:58 AM
  #6  
Jean
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I can't imagine going to NYC any time BUT THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. I think it would bring out the child in the grumpiest of people!! TAKE YOUR CHILD!! Just take warm clothing.The ice skating, the lights, window decorations, everything is just fabulous!!
 
Old Jul 24th, 2000, 05:17 PM
  #7  
Beth
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
My friend took her 6 year old daughter to NYC in February. It wasn't even as good as going at Christmas, and still they had a wonderful time. She loved the dinosaurs in the Museum of Natural History. She liked riding the subway. She even enjoyed a couple of hours in the Metropolitan museum of art, particularly the Egyptian stuff (the Temple of Dendur was a favorite). So yes, I think your 6 year old would enjoy it. Maybe you can budget to take cabs some of the time to help cut down on the walking. But subways are easy too.
 
Old Jul 24th, 2000, 09:40 PM
  #8  
Brian Kilgore
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Another vote to go and take her with you. Make sure you schedule naps.
The trick to staying warm is a good hat. And, depending on your plans, there are lots of place you can go to warm up,from book stores to hotel lobbies to the Trump Tower shops.
I think it's a great idea.
BAK
 
Old Jul 25th, 2000, 11:02 AM
  #9  
Michelle
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Thanks everyone for your encouraging responses to my question. I really want to go. Now it is just a matter of finding a cheap flight, good but cheap hotel and convincing my husband that NYC is a good vacation destination even if you are from there.
 
Old Jul 25th, 2000, 03:34 PM
  #10  
Debbie Valencia
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
You must be nuts to think you could take a 6 year old to New York City at Christmas time, its bad enough in July, let alone Christmas!!! Wait until she is at least 10 or 12 to appreciate it all. You will need to bring some type of security leash or something for her to be fastened to your body at all times, or she may end up as a sales person at Macy's or Bloomingdale's for the duration because she can't find you. It is packed at that time, the streets are packed, its slushy and cold, lines at every cash register, people elbowing you and shoving you in every direction. Its not for a 6 year old. My advice? Take the weekend with some girlfriends and go to NYC with them. See a show, go shopping, have some drinks at a trendy night club, room service at the Plaza and you will be a better woman for it.
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -