Santa Claus in a red suit and hat, carrying a large red sack, standing in falling snow at night preparing for Christmas deliveries during a magical holiday scene.

7 Best Family Holiday Events in Queens

A free holiday guide for must-see, family-friendly activities in your area

Events

  • Nighttime holiday parade at a theme park with a castle in the background, decorated with festive lights and wreaths. Toy soldier parade performers in red uniforms and tall hats are marching down the street, with spectators watching on both sides.

    Holiday Parade

    November 16th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    Embrace the magic of the holiday season and kick off the festivities with a dazzling holiday parade. Light up your evening as Santa is welcomed to Queens Center. The parade will start on Level 3 in front of The Fix. 

  • Nighttime scene of a large tree decorated with hanging lanterns, lights, and ornaments, with a pool ladder visible in the foreground.

    Glendale Kiwanis Tree Lighting Ceremony

    November 30th, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

    Enjoy a special appearance by Santa, along with a DJ, strolling entertainment, free giveaways, and dance performances. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available while supplies last; one per person on a first-come, first-served basis. 


  • Festive holiday market with illuminated arches and decorated Christmas trees in an urban park at night.

    Winterfest

    December 7th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    NYC Parks is hosting the 2024 Winterfest at Roy Wilkins Park with a tree lighting, market vendors, large decorations, and various winter activities.

  • Decorated Christmas trees with white ornaments and lights in an elegant, well-lit hallway with high ceilings, chandeliers, and holiday decorations.

    Annual Holiday Craft Show

    December 13th - 15th

    BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center in Long Island City will open its doors to the public December 13 -15 to showcase over 30 ceramic artists from all over New York for its 15th Annual Craft Show. They will be presenting their best handmade pottery for sale at affordable prices for all the art and design lovers on your holiday gift list.

  • People participating in a nighttime Christmas-themed street marathon, wearing running gear and holiday accessories, with festive lights and decorated buildings in the background.

    ‘Twas the Night B4 5K & FREE Kiddie Dash

    December 15th, 10:00 am -1:00 pm

    ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the course, not a creature was stirring, not even a horse. Come down to Queens and run with great care, in hopes that some fun, swag, and treats from Waterloo Sparkling Water will be there.

  • Hollowed glass jars filled with warm yellow lights, placed on wooden log bases with frosted tops, surrounded by pine branches and frosty decorations, creating a cozy outdoor holiday scene.

    Nature's Workshop: Nature Ornament Making

    December 15th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm

    This winter, join the Urban Park Rangers for the Nature's Workshop series. Each program in this series explores its topic in-depth and allows you to develop a skill, participate in a hands-on project, and indulge your curiosity. Create your own nature inspired holiday ornament to take home for the holidays.

Santa's Secret Workshop mailroom decorated for Christmas featuring a large shelf with wrapped gifts, holiday decorations, and teddy bears, along with blackboards, a ladder, and a table with gift-wrapping supplies.

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, November & December

Santa's Secret Workshop

Join us for an immersive holiday experience with a private tour led by one of Santa’s very own elves, who will personally guide and capture your family’s memories throughout Santa’s secret workshop in Long Island City! Begin in the bustling mailroom, where letters from children worldwide arrive.

Continue to Kris Kringle’s cozy study, where an all-knowing Santa Claus with magically-personalized insights that will astonish and delight guests of all ages. Here, the wonder of Christmas is brought to life with moments that feel deeply personal and remarkably real.

Santa Claus preparing gifts inside Santa's Secret Workshop in New York City where you see him through wooden lattice, with glasses and curly white beard.

What to Expect on Your Journey

  • A joyful family dressed in Christmas attire, including Santa hats, at a festive Christmas setting with decorated trees, holiday lights, and a mailroom for Santa in the background.

    Personal Elf Guide

    An elf becomes your family’s private tour guide and photographer, capturing every special moment throughout the workshop.

  • Santa Claus preparing gifts inside Santa's Secret Workshop in New York City where you see him through wooden lattice, with glasses and curly white beard.

    Multiple Holiday-Themed Stations

    Begin in the enchanted Mail Room and end in Santa’s inviting study, where the magic of Christmas is all around.

  • Santa Claus in a red velvet suit with white fur trim, wearing glasses, with a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture, sitting on a red velvet sofa in a decorated Christmas room at Santa's Secret Workshop in New York City.

    Choose Your Santa

    Families can select between a White or Black Santa, adding a touch of inclusivity to their magical experience.

  • A group of eight people in Christmas sweaters and Santa hats smiling together, surrounded by festive lights.

    Classically Trained Actors

    Our actors, with degrees in fine arts, are here to make every moment magical, adding a level of skill and authenticity that transforms your visit into a captivating story.

  • Santa Claus sitting on a wooden chair, holding a pipe, surrounded by decorated Christmas trees and wrapped gift boxes, with red curtains in the background.

    All - Knowing Santa

    Santa doesn’t just meet your family; he knows your family. From the names and ages of your children to their favorite activities, Santa makes this experience uniquely personal.

  • Family gathered around Santa Claus on a red velvet sofa, Christmas tree in background, children smiling, holiday decorations enjoying a private Santa visit and professional holiday photography at Santa's Secret Workshop.

    Exclusive Appointments

    Each family is given a dedicated time slot, ensuring an unhurried, private experience where every moment can be fully enjoyed.

Children preparing for Christmas while anticipating a visit to Santa's Secret Workshop in New York City

A Truly Personalized Holiday Memory

Your experience begins even before you arrive. When you book your session, Santa’s Secret Workshop reaches out to gather personal details that make each moment unforgettable. Imagine the joy on your child’s face when Santa greets them by name, talks about their favorite hobbies, and lets them know he’s already checked his list!

Our professional photographers will capture every precious moment so you can relax and enjoy seeing your child’s excitement, wonder, and pure joy in this magical setting.

This Christmas, step into a place where imagination and reality merge, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Santa’s Secret Workshop isn’t just an event—it’s an experience, a story, and a gift that your family will carry forever.

Holiday planning and Christmas preparation at Santa's Secret Workshop.

Don’t wait!

Book your family’s unforgettable journey today and give your child a Christmas they’ll always believe in.

Save $125 thru 11/10 only!

Use code EARLYBIRD!

Don’t wait!

Book your family’s unforgettable journey today and give your child a Christmas they’ll always believe in.

Save $100 thru 11/30 only!

Use code FESTIVE