New York City is a magical place during the holidays, and if you are considering a Christmas in New York, it is best to start planning it early! Look at the list below and have a gorgeous holiday season in New York!
I’ve spent several holiday seasons in New York City, and if you enjoy pretty decorations and lights, you’ll love everything about Christmas in New York. Here are the photos I’ve taken in the city.
Where are the Best Christmas Lights in New York City?
Below are some of the best attractions and sights to see in New York City during the holiday season. Many of these are available for several weeks.
If you want to stay within the city limits for holiday fun, here are the best spots in New York during the Christmas season suitable for everyone:
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree is one of the best NYC 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 92nd lighting ceremony on NBC and Rockefeller Center’s social media channels. This annual ceremony marks the beginning of the holiday season at the end of November.
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.
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
TOUR: This popular Christmas in New York: Private Holiday Tour will take you through the best of Manhattan:
Or enjoy this New York City Holiday Lights Tour.
2 Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show:
The unveiling of Saks Fifth Avenue’s iconic holiday windows usually takes place in November of every year.
Last December, Saks and Dior debuted “Dior’s Carousel of Dreams at Saks,” and in my opinion, it was an outstanding work of art! I saw the show a few times, and was mesmerized by the bright botanical icons and flowers of the store’s legendary facade. The display and light show was up until January 5, 2024.
UPDATE NOVEMBER 2024: On November 11, 2024, Saks announced that their holiday light show will not be taking place this year, but the luxury retail store will still have holiday looks displayed in their iconic windows along 5th Avenue.
Address: 611 5th Avenue, New York, NY
3. Lotte New York Palace Christmas Tree
The Christmas Tree at the Lotte New York Palace is my favorite in New York City! It is usually up right before Thanksgiving.
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 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. The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza Hotel is a world-renowned hotel that offers luxurious lodging, fine dining, afternoon tea, and a champagne bar. In the photo above you can see their current holiday display!
HOLIDAY HOTEL STAY AT THE PLAZA: If you’d like to spend the holiday season at The Plaza Hotel, you can book a Home Alone 2: Escape to New York experience, or enjoy the ultimate holiday getaway by booking their special “Suitest Season of All” offer. Another option is celebrating New Year’s Eve at the hotel’s Champagne Bar, with unlimited champagne, a raw bar, and caviar.
See my article about the Champagne Bar here.
HOLIDAY AFTERNOON TEA AT THE PLAZA: The Palm Court’s holiday menu is available from November 1st to December 31st, and it includes a selection of festive flavors, elegant canapés, and sandwiches, with a great selection of loose-leaf teas from their extensive collection.
Address: 768 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Book a room at The Plaza Hotel here.
7. Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion
Cartier is a luxury brand founded in 1847 specializing in jewelry and accessories.
Here is a photo of their decorations for the 2023 holiday season!
Address: 653 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10022
8. The Peninsula New York
Address: 700 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
9. 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: You can take your children to take complimentary photos with Santa at Hudson Yards. 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
10. Macy’s Flagship Store
Macy’s holiday windows at their Herald Square flagship location were unveiled and displayed through January 1, 2024.
How pretty are those wreaths and bows?!
Address: 151 W 34ths St., New York, NY 10001
Shop Macy’s Holiday Gifts Under $25
11. The New York Public Library
The New York Library is one of the most gorgeous buildings in New York City, and with 53 million items it is the second-largest public library in the United States and the fourth-largest in the world.
If you are in New York City for a while, stop by and see their iconic Rose Reading Room, or spend an afternoon with your favorite book – it’s beautiful.
Address: 476 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10018
12. Bloomberg Tower Christmas Tree
Bloomberg Towers opened in 2004 and houses Bloomberg’s headquarters in New York.
The beautiful tree at this location in Midtown Manhattan is not as well known as the other Christmas trees I mentioned above, but it is quite impressive at night!
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
13. Upper East Side New York City
Along Madison Avenue, between 74th and 77th Street, you will find many homes with impressive holiday decorations like in the photo above!
See another decorated home in this recent post here.
Which is your favorite?!
Address: Madison Avenue, New York
14. Ralph’s Coffee at Ralph Lauren’s Flagship Store
After checking out the homes on Madison Avenue, walk 5 minutes north and stop at Ralph’s Coffee to enjoy a matcha latte, coffee, or a cappuccino, and their croissants (so good!). The holiday decor at this store is always a sight to see.
Address: 888 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021
Christmas in New York – Midtown Itinerary
Here is the Christmas in New York Itinerary that I recommend. I do it every year, and whenever friends and family visit during the holiday season. It is easy to follow, everyone loves it, and I enjoy it!
- Start at The Plaza Hotel
- Walk four blocks south towards The Peninsula Hotel
- Continue three blocks south and stop across from Cartier on 5th Avenue
- Walk two blocks south towards St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Grab coffee at Ralph’s Coffee Truck
- Check out Saks Fifth Avenue’s Light Show
- Make a right on 50th towards Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall
- Or make a left on 50th towards Lotte New York Palace’s Christmas Tree
- Optional: Walk nine blocks south to see the tree at The New York Public Library
Christmas in New York – Map
Here is a map that includes all the Christmas in New York spots that I mentioned in this article so that you can easily find each location:
More Things To Do in New York City
Book a Brooklyn Dyker Heights Christmas Tour, and you’ll see breathtaking light displays from 11th to 13th Avenues, from 83rd to 86th St. in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
Dyker Heights is a residential neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City. You can go by subway, take the D Train to 79th St and New Utrecht Ave, Brooklyn. You will have to walk 15 minutes to get to the houses (during winter). Parking is limited.
New York City Hotels
Get the best offers by booking a hotel in New York in advance here.
New York City Observation Decks
Reserve your ticket in advance:
Follow along for more holiday videos on Instagram and TikTok 🙂
