Midtown
Home to dozens of popular tourist destinations—including the theater district—this area does get crowded, but there are ways to find enough cheer (Rockefeller Center's 75-foot spruce, the decked-out stores) and enough elbow room. Cruise the windows at Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, and Macy's before the stores open: While the displays have gotten a tad abstract in the past few years (where have you gone, Santa Claus?), their sheer scale will delight kids. For a less crowded, toastier view of Rock Center's tree and rink, go down to the concourse level, which has wide hallways and inexpensive eating options. And for a miracle just off 34th Street, head to a tableside barbecue in Koreatown.
Restaurants
Kang Suh
Cook your own meal at the table on a built-in gas grill at this Koreatown institution. If toddlers are eating, stick to regular tables and jap chae noodles.
1250 Broadway, (212) 564-6845
Keens Steakhouse
Go for perfect burgers and ceilings covered with the clay pipes of famous patrons (including Buffalo Bill and Babe Ruth).
72 West 36th St., (212) 947-3636
The bustling, newly renovated restaurant is a great place for a hot chocolate and a view of the Rock Center tree.
611 Fifth Ave., 8th fl., (212) 940-4080
Shops
JJ Hat Center
The friendly staff lets kids try on everything from newsboy caps to feathered confections; Dad (or Daddy-o?) can browse for a classic fedora.
310 Fifth Ave. at 32nd St., (212) 239-4368; closed Sundays
Activities
Empire State Building
Buy your ticket online and arrive around sundown (about 4:30 in mid-December) for a chance to be there when the building's upper deck lights up.
350 Fifth Ave., (212) 736-3100
Kids will dig the suspended helicopter and colorful de Koonings (plus the Nutella-and-banana panini from the café). Avoid the crowds on Mondays, when it's one of the only museums open in the city.
11 West 53rd St., (212) 708-9400
