10 Things to do on Christmas Eve with Kids in New York City

Do you have set Christmas Eve traditions or do you wing it each year? Our family wings it, but luckily there are lots of great options for Christmas Eve activities so you can do something different each year. Or, any one of these Christmas Eve events could become your new family tradition for years to come. Whatever else we do, we always read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, have hot chocolate and open one gift. What do you like to do in New York on Christmas Eve? Share it in the comments.

Here's the top ten Christmas Eve activities on my list:

Christmas Caroling at Washington Square Park

Sing along to your favorite carols under the beautifully lit arch and Christmas tree accompanied by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet. Begins at 5pm

Go Ice Skating
Taking a spin on the ice with my loved ones on Christmas Eve always makes me cheery.

See the Holiday Lights
Whether you drive to one of the neighborhoods with great Christmas light displays or head to one of the Holiday Light Shows, all those glittery globes are sure to mesmerize you.

Buy your Christmas Tree
Some people like to wait until Christmas Eve to buy their tree. Maybe it 's to get a better price, maybe it's just tradition. Check out our guide to how to get the cheapest Christmas tree in NYC or where to cut your own in New Jersey or Long Island.

Track Santa with NORAD
Watch Santa's progress as he travels around the world bringing presents to good little boys and girls.

Christmas Department Store Windows
Take a walk stopping to look at all the beautiful Holiday Department Store Window Displays.

Holiday Train Shows
Visit one of the Holiday Train Displays.

Christmas Lessons & Carols
St John the Divine, 4 p.m.

Children learn the Christmas story through lesson, carols and puppetry with music from the Cathedral Choristers.

See a Holiday Show
Take some time out for a special holiday show like Wintuk, The Radio City Christmas Sectacular, The Nutcracker or something more off the beaten track.

Watch A Christmas Pageant
Church of Heavenly Rest, 2 E 90th St
3:30 and 5pm
Just like they do in Peanuts! 100 children perform the traditional Christmas pageant at The Church of Heavenly Rest with real animals and everything.

Need more things to do during the holidays? Check out our Holiday Activity Guide.