We'll be in NYC with our sons, ages 12 and 16 for just three days/two nights right before Christmas. I'm a native NY'er, but haven't lived there for about 20 years. THey've been to NY, but never around Christmas and we want to show them the city at holiday time. Besides Radio City (not something they're interested in), what are some other good holiday things that boys might want to do? Any shows that are good for this age group (they've already seen Wicked, Spamalot, Mamma Mia)? Neither skate, but I'd like to watch the skaters at Rockefeller Center - preferably from inside with a hot drink. Is there still a cafe/restaurant there at the rink? Any other suggestions? We'll be staying in Murray Hill, but will travel all over Manhatten...
Thanks!

Yes, still a cafe inside to watch skaters. More fun watching the skating in Central Park at Wollman (imo).

Xmas windows are always fun especially Barney's (Madison & 61 st) which is usually very irreverent. For a show, they'd probably love Avenue Q if you can handle some of the off color humor. Billy Eliot is another idea.

There are night bus tours to see the lights. The living tree at the South Street Seaport might be fun and don't miss the light show on Saks.

They might enjoy the Museum of Nat'l Hist - with an origami tree, a series of IMAX movies and updated departments on dinos and evolution.

The Intrepid is back and has new and more interactive exhibits/activities.

They might like Stomp or Blue Man Group.

How about a Knicks or Rangers game?

I was thinking Hairspray would be fun, and it currently has Harvey Fierstein (who won the Tony for his role) and is about to close. It's a great show for all ages.

There's something for everyone at the Met, and I've heard it's lovely at Christmas, so you might want to check it out.

Enjoy your trip!

Shrek the Musical might be another Broadway option. It just started performances, and I haven't seen it, but if they were fans of the movie they might enjoy it.

Thanks to all who responded...
We did the Intrepid shortly before they carted it away, so I think we'll pass on that (but it was a good idea - the kids loved it).
Is Avenue Q appropriate for the average 12 year old? (He does have a 16 year old brother, so he's not sheltered!) But just checking here...

Is "Accomplice" all outside? i.e if it's cold (as it is likely to be) is it really not that much fun? It does sound like something they'd like. We saw Hairspray, but the boys haven't...and I love Harvey Fierstein. I'll also check the sports schedules (fun for them; I'm not such a fan...maybe I'll let them go and I'll go shopping!)

Wolman Rink is a good idea - I'd forgotten about that. Is there somewhere right near there to get a hot drink?

Again, thanks for all the suggestions...I wish we had more time there!! Any more suggestions always welcome!

Avenue Q is not appropriate for a 12 year old! Look into an off Broadway play called The Ballerina and the B-Boy; lots of break dancing; lots of kids in the audience. Also, Stomp.

The Museum of Natural History, Empire State Building, Ellis Island. Check to see if there's a transit exhibit/Lionel trains.

I agree, no on Avenue Q.

Maybe: In the Heights, Fuerzabruta or 13. (I have seen In the Heights, but not Fuerzabruta or 13 yet)

What about an improv performancef? My kids absolutely love these, and have taken their friends for their birthday parties.

We've gone to Chicago City Limits, which does have some off-color moments, but it's a small venue, so there is alot of audience interaction.

I have also read about Manhattan Comedy improv, which says it is family-friendly.

13 is supposed to be very entertaining and you should be able to find discounts on broadwaybox.com. Billy Eliot has gotten very good reviews but may be harder to get and won't be discounted.

There's a train exhibit in the Citicorp building and another one at the NY Botanic Gardens in the Bronx.

my 17 year old son just went to In The Heights with a group of friends..they all loved it.

LKNS, if I may hijack your thread for a moment - Which of the three plays you mention did your boys like the best? I am trying to pick out a play for my 3 similar age sons.

I'm curious about that as well! Those are unusual shows to interest boys. I'm taking my 11 yo DS to Vegas to Mandalay Bay and would love to see Mamma Mia but am concerned it will not appeal to him. He does love Cirque de Soleil.

Just saw "Shrek" with a large group of high school students and they all really enjoyed it. It's cleverly done and entertaining.

I took my eleven year old daughter to NYC for 3 nights in Oct and she loved Hairspray (and Legally Blonde but I would pass on that for boys - if it is still open..might have closed?).

She loved the Natural History Museum as well. Enjoy!

LKNS- Have the boys seen the Blue Man Group? We booked the Accomplice show for our visit right after Christmas and my kids are really looking forward to it! FYI, they are only doing it on Saturdays around Christmas! I hope you have a great trip!

tam - GREAT suggestion. ALL of my children have LOVED the Blueman Group (we saw them in Vegas not NYC) but it was a big hit!