Free Christmas Kids' Events in NYC 551

NYC gets into the winter holiday spirit in a big way, and we've got a massive list of free and inexpensive Christmas and seasonal kids' events and activities happening throughout the New York area!

Festivals and Parties:
Winter's Eve fest at Lincoln Center includes performers, street musicians, jugglers, stilt-walkers, and more. The festivities begin in Dante Park (Broadway and 63rd) with the Lincoln Center tree lighting. [Manhattan]

An evening of song and good cheer is in store at the Fort Greene Association's annual holiday celebration at South Oxford Space. [Brooklyn]

The Police Museum hosts a party with festive goodies (cookies and hot chocolate), arts activities, and an appearance by Santa. Families are encouraged to participate in the Toys for Tots campaign by bringing along new, unwrapped presents for donation to needy children. [Manhattan]

Little Italy kicks off the holidays with a tree lighting and concert, and continues partying for two more weekends. [Manhattan]

St. Luke's School's annual holiday fair, Candy Land Christmas, features a children's carnival, the infamous St. Luke's Maze, and more. [Manhattan]

The Central Park Conservancy invites families to a Victorian-themed celebration with live carolers in Victorian clothing, an opportunity for kids to meet and take photos with Father Christmas (bring your own camera!), a card-making craft, cookie decorating, hot cocoa, and more at the Dana Discovery Center. [Manhattan]

Washington Market Park's Christmas celebration includes Christmas carols, arts and crafts, holiday treats, and of course, a visit from Mr. Claus. [Manhattan]

The FDNY comes to the rescue - every year - when Santa gets stuck on the roof of the Fire Museum. [Manhattan]

The annual Holiday on the Hudson celebration at Chelsea Piers features figure skating by the rink's top regional and national competitors. Guests are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots drive. [Manhattan]

Families are invited to get into the holiday spirit, a la Mexicana, when the Museum of the City of New York hosts its annual Mexican Family Celebration. Highlights include a Posada, the traditional singing procession, and a Pastorela, the traditional shepherds' play. The event culminates in a party with pinatas and refreshments. [Manhattan]

At Belvedere Castle (also in Central Park), a conservancy volunteer dresses in full Santa Claus garb, with plenty of candy to hand out, to highlight the legendary history of St. Nicholas. [Manhattan].