The holidays at Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) are nothing short of spectacular. In fact, some years are so spectacular, even the Rockettes from The Radio City Spectacular can’t resist the festive pull of the House on East 73rd Street. And if there’s one thing RMH-NY knows how to do, it’s celebrating every holiday that falls between late November and the moment the ball drops in Times Square.
Picture this: a Santa trades in that trusty old sleigh for a rappel line or perhaps an FDNY fire truck bucket, a Mrs. Claus that redefines “fitspo” in her North Pole Pilates studio she built to train for Repelling Season (aka. The Holiday Season), cocoa so rich it makes Swiss chocolatiers weep, a brightly lit gigantic menorah and enough glitter and lights to outshine any theater marquee on Broadway. For families staying at RMH-NY, the holidays are less about tradition and more about discovering joy in new, unexpected ways—right when it’s needed most.
For those navigating a season far from home and from their loved ones, RMH-NY’s 31 Days of Cheer offers a daily lifeline of laughter, community, and connection wrapped in a bow of holiday magic.
Santa Goes Full Action Hero
Forget sleighs and chimneys. At RMH-NY, Santa’s entrance involves a harness, a rappel line, and a level of bravery that puts action movie stars to shame. On December 14, St. Nick will rappel down the 11-story House, flanked by Mrs. Claus (rumored to bench press her own weight) and a crew of “reindeer” that might moonlight as acrobats.
“Watching Santa wave through the windows as he rappels is pure magic,” says Caitlin Conklin, the creative force behind much of RMH-NY’s holiday events. “It’s like Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible but jollier and with more sequins.”
For the kids, it’s unforgettable. For the parents? It’s a much-needed escape from the stress of hospital visits and treatments. The sheer joy of watching Santa scale the building is a moment of pure delight that reminds everyone at RMH-NY that they’re part of something extraordinary thanks to our wonderful partners at Skyline Access who are able to pull this off each year.
Hot Cocoa Time: When Sugar Meets Spectacle
The Hot Chocolate Bar at RMH-NY isn’t your average wintertime indulgence—it’s a sugar-coated, marshmallow-stacked extravaganza. Whipped cream towers, sprinkles in every shade imaginable, and marshmallows the size of basketballs turn a simple cup of cocoa into a masterpiece.
“It’s not just hot chocolate,” Caitlin laughs. “It’s an experience. Some of these kids could probably apply to architecture school with the marshmallow towers they build.”
But wait, there’s more: enter the Reindeer Games. Think marshmallow-stacking contests, cookie-on-the-face balancing acts, and enough laughter to drown out the sound of sleigh bells.
“It’s not about who wins,” Caitlin explains. “It’s about letting go, laughing, and just being kids—even if only for a little while.”
These moments are powerful. They remind families that even in challenging times, joy and creativity can thrive. And for parents, hearing their child laugh over a cocoa spill or a wobbly marshmallow sculpture is the kind of magic no holiday movie could replicate.
Holiday Gifting, RMH-NY Caregiver Style
What’s a holiday celebration without gifts? At RMH-NY, the Secret Shopper Event ensures that caregivers, not Santa, get to play the role of holiday hero too. This pop-up shop features donated toys, allowing caregivers to handpick gifts for their children—a small but deeply meaningful moment of empowerment.
“One mom told us how her child’s crafts from our events—paper snowflakes, wreaths, and little snowmen—transformed their room into a reminder of home,” says Lindsay Capehart, Volunteer Manager. “She was in tears, explaining how these small creations brought back the feeling of family traditions.”
Volunteers assist caregivers in wrapping the chosen gifts, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness. And sometimes, older siblings pitch in to wrap for their younger brothers and sisters, turning the event into a full-family affair.
“It’s not just about the presents,” Lindsay adds. “It’s about restoring a sense of normalcy during an anything-but-normal holiday season.”
Volunteers: The Unsung Heroes of Holiday Cheer
Behind every marshmallow tower and perfectly wrapped gift is a team of tireless volunteers. These holiday elves are the backbone of RMH-NY’s 31 Days of Cheer, bringing energy, warmth, and enthusiasm to every event.
“Our volunteers go above and beyond,” Caitlin says. “Sometimes, I think they’re having even more fun than the kids!”
Corporate partners like Bloomberg and R-Cano join in serving up gourmet holiday meals. The result? A community-powered celebration that spreads joy to every corner of RMH-NY.
“It’s about more than decorations or events,” Lindsay says. “It’s about creating a space where families feel supported, loved, and at home.”
Miracle on 73rd Street Event Coverage 2023
A Global Holiday Extravaganza
With families from all over the world, RMH-NY ensures its holiday celebrations are as diverse as its residents. From Hanukkah menorah lightings to Kwanzaa craft sessions to learning about holiday traditions from across the globe, every family is included.
“The holidays here are about connection, not just glitter and garland,” Caitlin explains. “When a family teaches us their tradition, it’s a gift in itself.”
This cultural exchange creates bonds that last far beyond December. “It’s incredible to see families light up when they share their own traditions,” Lindsay says. “Those moments remind everyone that no matter where they’re from, they’re part of something bigger here.”
Don’t Forget the Honorary 32nd Day of Cheer
Let’s talk about the 32nd Day of Cheer—a.k.a. Thanksgiving Day, the secret prologue to RMH-NY’s month-long holiday marathon. Somehow, it almost got overlooked. Why? Because it happens before the other 31 days, which, honestly, feels like a clerical error in the holiday scheduling department. But don’t worry—RMH-NY treats it with just as much fanfare, food, and fabulousness as every other day of the season.
Thanksgiving Eve: The Great Balloon Mission
Thanksgiving at RMH-NY kicks off the day before, with a little help from the NYPD. And when we say “a little help,” we mean a full-blown VIP police escort to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation event. Yes, you read that right. These kids don’t just see the balloons—they get up close and personal, standing right under the Snoopy on steroids and Pikachu-sized Pikachu.
“VIP” doesn’t even begin to cover it. It’s like getting backstage passes to a concert, except the headliners are helium giants, and nobody’s charging $15 for a bottle of water.
Thanksgiving Morning: The NYPD Strikes Again
The NYPD doesn’t stop there. On Thanksgiving morning, they’re back, bright-eyed and caffeinated, ready to escort families to their front-row seats for the parade. No early alarm clocks, no jockeying for a decent spot—just prime real estate to watch Broadway dancers defy physics on a moving float and see Santa give a solid wave to the VIP families he knows they are.
Rumor has it, the officers secretly love this gig. After all, how often do they get to swap high-stakes patrols for a chance to say, “Look, kids, there’s SpongeBob!”?
The Feast of Feasts
After a morning of parade magic at the New York Athletic Club, families return to RMH-NY for the main event: Thanksgiving dinner. And it’s not just any dinner. It’s a monstrously delicious feast courtesy of Bloomberg Corporate Volunteers and the culinary wizards at R-CANO.
These volunteers don’t mess around. They give up their entire Thanksgiving Day—while the rest of us are dodging kitchen timers and uncles debating football stats—to whip up a meal that would make even a Food Network judge weep with joy.
The second that turkey hits the table, it’s game over. There’s no formal carving ceremony or polite wait for seconds. It’s like a Thanksgiving Black Friday sale: fast, joyous, and slightly chaotic. And honestly? That’s the kind of energy the holiday deserves.
Why Thanksgiving Gets a Bonus Day
So yes, Thanksgiving earns its honorary title as the 32nd Day of Cheer. It’s the official pre-game to the holiday season, the ultimate warm-up act. More importantly, it’s a day that reminds everyone at RMH-NY that even miles away from home, they’re surrounded by community, care, and really, really good stuffing.
And let’s be real—if Santa himself had a front-row parade seat and a turkey dinner like this, he’d be lobbying for Thanksgiving to join the official 31 Days of Cheer, too.
Join the Magic
The joy of RMH-NY’s 31 Days of Cheer isn’t just in the glittery events or daring stunts—it’s in the generosity that makes it all possible.
“When you support RMH-NY, you’re giving families so much more than a holiday,” Caitlin says. “You’re giving them hope. You’re reminding them that they’re not alone.”
This December, you can be part of the magic. Donate today and help RMH-NY light up the season for families navigating pediatric illnesses.
Because when it comes to holiday cheer, no sleigh or chimney is required—just a little love, some laughter, and maybe a marshmallow or two.
