Best Christmas Lights in New York City
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree is one of the best New York City holiday lights and a must-see in Manhattan! The 80-foot-tall Norway Spruce hails from Vestal, New York, and it is stunning for tourists and locals alike.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting: You can watch the 91st lighting ceremony on November 29, 2023, on NBC and Rockefeller Center’s social media channels. This annual ceremony marks the beginning of the holiday season.
How to see Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree: The Tree will be lit daily from 5 am to 12 am until January 13th at 10:00 pm. On Christmas Day, the Tree is lit for 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve, it is lit from 5 am to 9 pm.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree Location: The tree is located at Rockefeller Center Plaza, on 49th St between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Here’s the popular Christmas in New York: Private Holiday Tour that takes you through the heart of Manhattan:
Or enjoy a New York City Holiday Lights Tour by limousine.
2 Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show:
The unveiling of Saks Fifth Avenue’s iconic holiday windows took place on Monday, November 20th, 2023.
Saks and Dior debuted “Dior’s Carousel of Dreams at Saks,” and in my opinion, it is an outstanding work of art. I recently checked it out and was mesmerized by the bright botanical icons and flowers of the store’s legendary facade.
You can see the display and light show from now through January 5, 2024.
Address: 611 5th Avenue, New York, NY
3. Lotte New York Palace Christmas Tree
The Christmas Tree located at the Lotte New York Palace is my favorite in all of New York City!
Address: 455 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022
4. Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is a 1932 art deco theater in the heart of New York City, well known for hosting the Christmas Spectacular with the Radio City Rockettes.
The holiday decorations by Radio City Musical Hall are iconic and you can’t miss them!
Address: 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020
5. Ralph’s Coffee Truck
Right across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, you will find Ralph’s adorable green Coffee Truck serving espresso, coffee, tea, muffins, and cookies! Their croissants and matcha latte with almond milk are my absolute favorites.
Address: Atlas Court on 5th Avenue.
6. Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion
Cartier is a luxury brand founded in 1847 that specializes in jewelry and accessories.
Here is a photo of their decorations for this holiday season!
Address: 653 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10022
7. Hudson Yards Shopping Mall
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards illuminates the neighborhood with over two million twinkling lights! The holiday decorations and lights at this spot are a must-see!
Photos with Santa at Hudson Yards: From November 24, 2023, until December 22, 2023, you can take your children to take complimentary photos with Santa. This is available from 5-8 PM, from Monday to Friday, and it is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required!
Places to Eat: Make a reservation at Queensyard overlooking the Vessel.
Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
8. Bloomberg Towers Christmas Tree
Bloomberg Towers opened in 2024 and houses Bloomberg’s headquarters in New York City.
The beautiful tree at this location in Midtown Manhattan is not as well known as the other Christmas trees that I mentioned above, but it is quite impressive at night, and I often walk by it during this time of year, so I decided to include it.
The tree stands 40 feet and is decorated with 70,000 lights and 30 floating stars, with 21 trees around the base.
Address: 731 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Holiday Decorations in New York City – Itinerary
Here is the Christmas in New York Itinerary that I do every year, and whenever friends and family are visiting during the holiday season! Everyone always loves it, and I look forward to it every year!
- Start at Cartier on 5th Avenue
- Continue South towards St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Grab coffee at Ralph’s Coffee Truck
- Check out Saks Fifth Avenue
- Make a right on 50th towards Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall
- Or make a left on 50th towards Lotte New York Palace
More Things To Do in New York City
While I have not personally done the holiday tours below, I hear that they are very popular and always sell out!
Follow along for more holiday videos on Instagram and TikTok!
