My favorite time of year in New York is here! The weeks leading up to Christmas in New York are always filled with events, and so many travelers choose to make their way to this city for the holidays.
If you are planning a Christmas in New York vacation, here are my top 14 picks for you to see during December and the holiday season in New York.
Where are the best Christmas Lights in New York City?
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
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.
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.
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
Here’s the popular Christmas in New York: Private Holiday Tour: that will take you through the heart 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 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
Shop This Dress: Sweater Knit Dress
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 to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the hotel’s Champagne Bar, with unlimited Champagne, a raw bar, and caviar.
HOLIDAY AFTERNOON TEA AT THE PLAZA: The Palm Court’s holiday menu is available from November 1s to December 31st, and it includes a selection of festive flavors, elegant canapés and sandwiches, with a selection of loose-leaf teas from their extensive collection.
Address: 768 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
See the rooms at The Plaza Hotel or book your stay here.
7. 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 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: 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
10. Macy’s Flagship Store
Macy’s holiday windows at their Herald Square flagship location have been unveiled and will be on display through January 1, 2024. I love the wreaths with the 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 staying 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 that 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!).
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 are visiting during the holiday season. It is easy to follow, everyone always 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
These two Brooklyn Dyker Heights Christmas Tours are very popular, take a look at each below. 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.
Follow along for more holiday videos on Instagram and TikTok!