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When winter arrives, New York City becomes a real-life snow globe, sparkling with lights, festive music, and excitement around every corner. If you’re spending Christmas break with your family, there’s no better place to make memories together. From skating under the Rockefeller Center tree to soaring above the skyline in a helicopter, the city is packed with activities for winter break that kids and parents alike will love.
Below, we’ve rounded up the most unforgettable things to do with your family this season, complete with a sky-high adventure that takes holiday magic to new heights.
Want to make your family’s Christmas break truly extraordinary? Take your adventure to the air with HeliNY, New York’s premier helicopter tour operator. Their flights allow kids and adults to see the city’s most iconic sights, such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Freedom Tower, and Central Park, from a bird’s-eye view.
HeliNY’s The Deluxe Tour is ideal for families, offering a thrilling yet comfortable ride across all five boroughs. For those wanting a more exclusive adventure, the Private Charter option lets you customize your flight for birthdays, milestone trips, or surprise holiday gifts.
Every flight offers something for everyone: excitement for the kids, incredible photo ops for the parents, and pure joy for the entire family. It’s easily one of the most unique activities for winter break in New York.
It’s the quintessential Christmas break activity—gliding across the famous Rockefeller Center rink as carols play and lights shimmer above. For families, this experience feels straight out of a holiday movie.
Book an early session to avoid the crowds, then warm up with hot cocoa nearby. It’s an essential part of any New York holiday trip, and the perfect way to cap off a HeliNY helicopter ride earlier in the day.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village is a family paradise in December. The park transforms into a bustling market filled with local artisans, holiday food stalls, and one of the city’s most beloved skating rinks.
Parents can shop for unique gifts while kids enjoy fresh waffles or s’mores by the fire pits. It’s a relaxed, budget-friendly stop for families exploring Manhattan—and one of the coziest activities for winter break to enjoy together.
New York takes on a new kind of magic as the sun sets. HeliNY’s evening flights let families experience the city lights like never before—sparkling bridges, glowing skyscrapers, and the Empire State Building dressed in holiday colors.
HeliNY operates a state-of-the-art fleet of Bell 407 helicopters, known for their smooth, quiet rides and spacious seating for up to six passengers—just right for families. Each aircraft is equipped with GPS, Synthetic Vision Display Units, and Terrain Warning Avoidance Systems (TWAS), ensuring every flight is as safe as it is breathtaking.
What sets HeliNY apart is its impeccable reputation for excellence and guest satisfaction. The company proudly holds a 4.6-star rating on Google, a 4.8-star rating on TripAdvisor, and an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars on Viator—a testament to thousands of happy travelers who have experienced its top-tier service, breathtaking views, and unmatched commitment to safety and comfort.
Families consistently praise the friendly staff, experienced pilots, and unforgettable views. When your loved ones’ safety and comfort matter most, HeliNY delivers both with confidence and care.
For a dose of neighborhood cheer, head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn—home to the city’s most over-the-top Christmas light displays. Entire blocks are covered in twinkling lights, giant Santas, and snow machines that turn the streets into a North Pole fantasy.
Kids will be amazed, parents will love the photo ops, and everyone will feel the season’s joy. It’s one of the most delightful activities for winter break, and it’s free to explore.
If you’re craving a break from the city bustle, hop aboard a Metro-North train (or book a HeliNY private charter) to explore the snowy landscapes of the Hudson Valley.
Charming towns like Cold Spring and Beacon offer cozy cafés, small-town holiday markets, and stunning river views. With HeliNY’s custom charters, you can skip traffic altogether and experience the journey as part of the adventure—your family will love seeing New York’s wintry countryside from above.
Yes, your family can dine inside a heated igloo overlooking the skyline! Restaurants like 230 Fifth and City Winery offer rooftop domes where you can enjoy hot cider and snacks while staying toasty warm.
Pair it with a daytime helicopter ride from HeliNY for a perfect mix of excitement and relaxation—sky views by day, skyline lights by night.
New York’s holiday markets, especially those at Union Square, Columbus Circle, and Grand Central, are packed with festive energy. Kids love browsing the booths for ornaments and handmade toys, while parents can grab warm cider or locally made gifts.
Make it a full day: start with a HeliNY helicopter tour to see the city’s grandeur from above, then end on the ground exploring its holiday charm together.
Flying with your family should feel as safe as it is thrilling, and that’s precisely what you get with HeliNY. Every helicopter is inspected daily and maintained to the highest FAA standards. Pilots undergo extensive training specific to New York’s busy airspace, giving parents peace of mind while their kids marvel at the views.
From check-in to landing, the HeliNY team treats every guest like family, making sure even first-time flyers feel at ease.
Looking for a meaningful gift that beats another toy or gadget? HeliNY gift cards let you give the gift of adventure, redeemable for any helicopter tour or private charter.
Whether it’s a surprise for your spouse, a treat for your kids, or an unforgettable shared experience, this gift brings families together.
There’s something truly special about Christmas break in New York. It’s the laughter echoing off the ice rink, the wonder in your kids’ eyes as they look up at the Empire State Building, and the quiet awe as you all watch the city from the sky.
So bundle up, grab your mittens, and make this the year your family experiences New York in all its wintry glory. When it comes to unforgettable winter break activities, nothing compares to seeing the city together—from above.
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Recognition from the Tour Operators Program of Safety underscores HeliNY's aviation safety and operational excellence leadership 1HeliNY - helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- HeliNY, New York City's premier provider of helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded certification from the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS)—the nation's most respected safety accreditation program for helicopter tour operators. This distinction marks a significant milestone in HeliNY's commitment to safety, pilot training, and operational integrity. HeliNY is the sole helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region holding this elite certification. TOPS is an independent nonprofit organization that sets the gold standard for air tour safety—surpassing even FAA requirements. Earning the designation requires compliance with a comprehensive set of safety benchmarks covering pilot qualifications, maintenance programs, risk management systems, and overall safety culture. Certified operators must also undergo annual third-party audits to ensure full compliance and continuous improvement. “We congratulate HeliNY for passing our stringent air tour certification process and becoming a member operator,” said Christopher Young, Executive Director at the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). “All of our member operators voluntarily hold themselves to a much higher safety standard than other industry operators, and we are thrilled to welcome HeliNY into this organization.” "Being recognized by TOPS is a tremendous honor," said Paul Blodgett, CEO of HeliNY. "It reinforces our belief that unforgettable experiences start with uncompromising safety. As the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metro area, maintaining the highest levels of safety training and oversight is not just our responsibility—it's our identity." Since 1994, HeliNY has served the New York City metro area with a state-of-the-art fleet of Bell helicopters, operating from two key departure points: the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and Linden Municipal Airport in New Jersey. With over 80,000 collective pilot hours and 78,000 passengers flown annually, HeliNY has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted names in urban air tourism. The achievement of TOPS Certification provides an additional layer of confidence for passengers who choose HeliNY for sightseeing tours, private charters, regional getaways, or medical transportation—knowing their experience meets the industry's highest safety and operational standards. Key Standards Required for TOPS Certification - Annual independent safety audits - Implementation of proactive Safety Management Systems (SMS) - Pilot training and maintenance programs that exceed federal regulations - Transparent reporting and continuous safety enhancement To learn more about the Tour Operators Program of Safety, visit topssafety.org. About HeliNY Founded in 1994, HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) is the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region. The company provides world-class sightseeing tours, private charters, and medical transport services from Manhattan and New Jersey. Known for its modern Bell 407 fleet, experienced pilots, and exceptional service, HeliNY delivers a range of unforgettable flight experiences—from scenic skyline tours to luxurious regional escapes. Learn more at heliny.com. About TOPS The Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) is the leading independent safety certification for helicopter tour operators across the United States. Through rigorous standards, transparent audits, and a collaborative approach to risk management, TOPS ensures that participating operators maintain the highest levels of safety, maintenance, and operational excellence. Learn more at topssafety.org. Bert Solivan HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) berts@heliny.com
