Hellobee Boards

Ice skating in Bryant Park, Window shopping at FAO Schwarz (my parents told me it was a toy museum LOL), Max Brenner Chocolate by the Bald Man (great chocolate based restaurant that reminds me of willy wonkas chocolate factory)

I love the Central Park zoo-- both the main one and the petting zoo which is a few yards away. The 5 yo will get a kick out of it and the 6 mo old will be entertained a little, at least There are some indoor spots in case it's too cold-- penguins, rainforest, cafe. I went with an 18 month old and 8 month old and both were thorough entertained.

@mauri: FAO Schwartz is a toy museum?! Your parents are geniuses.

- The big tree at Rockefeller Center
- 5th Ave holiday windows
- FAO Schwartz
- Train exhibit & light show at Grand Central Terminal
- Visit Santa at Macy's Santaland on 34th St, ABC Carpet & Home and/or Bloomingdale's

with all of the above, try to go at off-peak times if it all possible have fun!

@junebugmama: well if this is your kids' first time there during the holidays, yeah it sounds like those mentioned above would be must-see's and can definitely fill up a 2-day trip! I have other suggestions, but some of them are not holiday-centric and can be done during the year at any time... But for more ideas, here are some:

-MoMA is a great museum for adults and kids. I take my girls to the Materials Lab downstairs and they have fun exploring different art media (digital painting, dioramas, construction paper & tape, light box, etc...). The 2nd floor cafe is also pretty yummy and they have Stokke high chairs for the little ones.

- Central Park: horse & carriage ride, Wollman Rink, Belvedere Castle... You can check the theater at the Swedish Cottage to see of any kids' shows are playing right now. Last time I was in the city, there was a puppet show going on.

- Gazillion Bubble Show

- Holiday Markets: these are dispersed throughout the city, but one you might like to go to is by Columbus Circle since it's near the Time Warner Center where you can grab some lunch and go shopping at too. The holiday markets are like Etsy come to life and they have yummy food there too.

ETA link: http://urbanspacenyc.com/columbus-circle-holiday-market/

- Children's Museum of Manhattan - if you just want a big indoor playground for the kids to stay warm in and run around... Go here!

I have a cousin who is visiting this winter with her toddler son so I'm thinking of ideas for her too. If I come up with more, I'll post here