NYC Winter Adventure

December 26-30, 2025

Travel & Accommodations

Outbound Flight - Friday, December 26

• Flight Number: F2YDBD (United Airlines)
• Route: Wilmington (ILM) → Newark (EWR)
• Departure: 6:00 AM from Wilmington
• Arrival: 7:59 AM at Newark
• Duration: ~2 hours
• Terminal: Newark Terminal C

Return Flight - Tuesday, December 30

• Flight Number: AA4792 (American Airlines)
• Route: LaGuardia (LGA) Terminal B → Wilmington (ILM)
• Departure: 8:00 PM from LaGuardia
• Arrival: 10:01 PM in Wilmington
• Duration: ~2 hours
• Aircraft: Embraer EMB 175
• ⚠️ Important: Need transportation from hotel area to LaGuardia (different from arrival airport)

Hotel - InterContinental New York Barclay

• Address: 111 E 48th St, New York, NY 10017
• Phone: (212) 755-5900
• Check-in: Friday, December 26, 2025
• Check-out: Tuesday, December 30, 2025
• Location: Midtown East - walking distance to Grand Central Terminal

Daily Schedule

Friday, December 26, 2025

Early Morning Arrival

Flight arrives Newark (EWR) at 7:59 AM. Transfer to Manhattan hotel (NJ Transit train or car, ~45-60 minutes). Check into InterContinental Barclay or store luggage.

Ragtime at Lincoln Center (Tentative)

Time: ~8:00 PM | Status: To be confirmed

Full Day Ideas:

• Take NJ Transit train from Newark Airport to Penn Station, then taxi/subway to hotel
• Request early check-in or store bags with concierge
• Classic NYC breakfast/brunch at a diner in Midtown East
• Walk to Grand Central Terminal (just 5 minutes from hotel) - see the Whispering Gallery
• Explore Bryant Park and check if Winter Village is still operating
• Stroll Fifth Avenue to see the famous holiday window displays
• Afternoon rest at hotel before evening show
• Dinner before or after Ragtime (Lincoln Center area has great restaurants)

Saturday, December 27, 2025

Maybe Happy Ending (Broadway Matinee)

Time: 2:00 PM | Attendees: Erik & Lauren | Get Tickets

Big Apple Circus

Time: 2:30 PM | Attendees: Bobpa, Peter, Eloise, and Liam | Location: Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center

Fill the Day Ideas:

• Breakfast at a classic NYC diner
• Morning walk through Central Park to see winter scenery
• Visit the holiday windows on Fifth Avenue before the shows
• Hot chocolate break at a cozy café between events
• Regroup for family dinner and share stories from the day

Sunday, December 28, 2025

The Nutcracker Ballet

Time: 5:00 PM | Attendees: Bobpa & Eloise

Daytime Adventure Ideas:

• American Museum of Natural History - dinosaurs, space exhibits, the famous blue whale!
• Brunch on the Upper West Side near the museum
• Central Park playground time for the kids to burn energy
• Columbus Circle holiday market (if still open)
• Special dinner after the ballet performance

Monday, December 29, 2025

Morning Adventure Ideas:

• Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast
• Canal Street exploration - shops, markets, unique finds
• Authentic dim sum brunch in Chinatown
• Walk through Little Italy
• Chinatown Ice Cream Factory for unique flavors

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Time: 1:00 PM | Attendees: Bobpa, Peter, Erik, Lauren, Eloise, and Liam (whole family!)

After the Show:

• Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
• Tour St. Patrick's Cathedral
• Check if Bryant Park Winter Village is still open
• Late afternoon snack or early dinner in Midtown
• Last-minute souvenir shopping
• Ice skating at Rockefeller Center or Wollman Rink

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Morning & Afternoon

Hotel check-out. Final NYC moments - leisurely brunch, last activities. Store luggage at hotel if needed.

Evening Departure

Depart for LaGuardia Airport around 5:30-6:00 PM. Flight AA4792 departs at 8:00 PM from Terminal B. Arrive home in Wilmington at 10:01 PM.

Kid-Friendly Activities by Neighborhood

Upper West Side

• American Museum of Natural History - World-famous dinosaur fossils, planetarium shows, and the iconic blue whale
• Central Park West Playgrounds - Diana Ross Playground (best for younger kids) and Adventure Playground
• Levain Bakery - Legendary chocolate chip cookies that are practically NYC landmarks
• Riverside Park - Less crowded than Central Park, great open spaces for kids to run

Midtown East (Near Your Hotel!)

• Grand Central Terminal - Whispering Gallery, beautiful celestial ceiling, great food court options
• New York Public Library - Famous Patience and Fortitude lion statues, stunning Rose Main Reading Room
• Bryant Park - Winter Village with shops, carousel, and holiday activities
• United Nations Headquarters - Quick exterior visit to see the iconic building and sculpture garden

Midtown

• Rockefeller Center - Christmas tree, ice skating, Top of the Rock observation deck
• Times Square - Bright lights and energy, M&M's World, Disney Store
• Radio City Music Hall - Stunning Art Deco architecture, backstage tours available
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - Interactive installations and sculpture garden
• Central Park South - Horse carriage rides, Wollman Rink ice skating

Greenwich Village & SoHo

• Washington Square Park - Iconic arch, street performers, musicians, and a fun playground
• Joe's Pizza - Classic New York slice experience (as seen in Spider-Man!)
• Magnolia Bakery - Famous cupcakes and banana pudding
• SoHo Cast-Iron Architecture - Beautiful historic buildings, fun window shopping
• Children's Museum of the Arts - Hands-on art making for kids of all ages

Chinatown & Canal Street

• Canal Street - Bustling street markets, shops, souvenirs, and unique finds
• Chinatown - Authentic dim sum restaurants, bubble tea shops, Asian bakeries
• Columbus Park - Local playground and park where kids can run around
• Chinatown Ice Cream Factory - Unique flavors like black sesame, lychee, and green tea
• Little Italy (nearby) - Italian pastries, cannoli, and festive decorations
• Museum of Chinese in America - Interactive exhibits about Chinese-American history

Central Park (All Ages Welcome!)

• Wollman Rink - Ice skating with spectacular skyline views
• Central Park Zoo - Compact size perfect for young kids, see penguins and sea lions
• Alice in Wonderland Statue - Climbable bronze sculpture that kids love
• Belvedere Castle - Miniature castle with nature exhibits and great views
• Conservatory Water - Model sailboat pond, beautiful even in winter
• The Mall - Tree-lined walkway perfect for strolling and people watching

Restaurant Recommendations

Near Hotel (Midtown East)

• The Smith - American comfort food, great for families
• Pershing Square - Near Grand Central, American cuisine
• Eataly NYC Flatiron - Italian market with multiple restaurants

Family-Friendly

• Ellen's Stardust Diner - Singing waitstaff, fun for kids (Times Square)
• Joe's Pizza - Classic NY pizza, multiple locations
• Shake Shack - Burgers and shakes, multiple locations
• Junior's - Famous cheesecake and classic diner food (Times Square location)

Chinatown

• Nom Wah Tea Parlor - Historic dim sum spot
• Jing Fong - Large dim sum hall, great for groups
• Vanessa's Dumpling House - Affordable dumplings

Still To Plan & Pack

• Confirm Ragtime at Lincoln Center tickets
• Make dinner reservations (book ASAP for holiday season!)
• Purchase MetroCards or budget for taxis/Uber
• Plan transportation: Newark Airport → Manhattan on arrival
• Plan transportation: Hotel → LaGuardia for departure
• Check weather forecast week before trip
• Pack winter gear: warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves
• Download offline maps of NYC
• Charge portable phone chargers
• Bring entertainment for kids during travel