The holidays are a magical time in cities across the U.S. and a great opportunity to start family traditions, even if your kiddos are teeny tiny.

No one does the holidays like the Big Apple, of course.

If you’ll be among the more than 5 million visitors traveling to NYC over the holiday season, you’ll want to grab your stroller or your infant carrier and do and see all there is to see and do.

But…here’s a better idea: Keep it simple. With little kiddos in tow and crowds and coldish weather to contend with, it’s better to stick to a super doable to-do list. Like this one. Here are five things to do with toddlers in New York City during the holidays everyone will enjoy.

Visit the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and watch the ice skaters

Check out the dazzling holiday storefront displays

Especially the Saks holiday window light show on 5th Avenue. It is amazing to see in person. Go after sunset (4:30 PM in NYC this time of year).

Warning: It will be crowded. People from all over the world film the light display on their phones, which means foot traffic on 5th Avenue in front of Saks (at 49th Street) will be in gridlock because the light show is on constant repeat.

The second the Saks holiday light show stops, a new batch of tourists will descend with their iPhones, ready to film the next round. The upshot? Just be mentally prepared to inch your way through the crowds on 5th Avenue.

Visit the holiday markets with unique gifts created by local craftspeople and artists

The Union Square holiday market is a personal fave. We also love the holiday markets at Bryant Park and Grand Central Station.

Enjoy a special restaurant experience

A shot from our annual holiday experience at Balthazar.

Such as hot chocolate at the legendary dessert destination, Serendipity 3, or a splurge-worthy brunch at an iconic restaurant like Balthazar.
Balthazar has high chairs and will store your stroller for you. And, bonus–Balthazar is kinda noisy, which makes it especially baby and kid friendly!

Grab a slice!

At $2.00 or so for a plain slice of cheese pizza, it’s one of NYC’s most budget- and kid-friendly delights. Look for any neighborhood place. They’re everywhere. If you’re visiting Grand Central, for example, you’ll find great pizza places on Lexington Avenue right in midtown.

All of these pitstops are on my family’s annual NYC holiday visit, which began when my daughters were still in strollers.

Travel light!

The Britax B-Agile Double is great for NYC!

If you’re traveling to NYC, keep in mind it’s a walker’s paradise. To get around town, a stroller is essential for kiddos even up to 5 or 6 years old, who will poop out after one block. (“What? We just got started!”)

Rent your baby gear for New York City and Connecticut here.

To rent a stroller or other baby gear for other locations throughout the U.S., go here.

For more tip and tricks on traveling with kiddos, check out:
Worldly Family Travel Trip Tips with a Toddler
Insidery Walt Disney World Family Trip Tips
Traveling with Baby? Check out these hassle free trip tips