Christmas in New York is one of the most magical times of the year! If you have decided to visit Manhattan in December, you are most likely in search of the best Christmas decorations the city has to offer! So, get ready because I am sharing some of the best NYC Christmas decorations and photo spots to see from a local…me!
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Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is one of the most iconic places to see Christmas decorations. First, check out the big artificial Christmas tree right above the Radio City Sign.
Additionally, they have giant candy canes across the street, as well as, the classic big red Christmas ornaments that are iconic to the city.
While you are there, you may even want to consider seeing the Radio City Rockettes! They have been performing at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, New York City, since 1932.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree
Next, head over to see the Christmas decorations at the most famous Christmas tree. Every year, Rockefeller Center lines up angel-like decorations that line the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
It is one of my favorite places to enjoy Christmas lights in the city despite the crowds. It is also super romantic since so many people get engaged under the tree each year. The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is lit daily from 6 AM to 12 AM. On Christmas Day, their Tree is lit for 24 hours!
Saks on Fifth Avenue Christmas Lights Display
Right across the street from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is the one and only Saks 5th Avenue light show. It starts around sundown and plays for about 5 minutes.
The Christmas light show will repeat for about 10-15 minutes, so if you don’t see it playing, it will! You won’t want to miss this one.
5th Ave. Cartier Christmas Decorations
Cartier always does one of the best Christmas decorations and lights in the city, so it’s definitely worth checking out! This spot is also considered one of the most photo-worthy places in the city to take photos during the holiday season!
To get your epic photo, I’d recommend going diagonally across from the storefront and then waiting for the walk signal so you can take a photo in the street. Lately, the Louis Vuttion Store has also been doing a fun Christmas display.
Pulitzer Fountain (Plaza Hotel Fountain)
Next, make sure to check out the Christmas decorations at the Pulitzer Fountain! They generally always have something new and unique. Plus, I am sure all of you Home Alone lovers will want to stop by the Plaza Hotel, which is right here.
While you’re in the area, Central Park is just across the street, along with Wollman’s Ice Skating Rink.
Columbus Circle Shopping Mall
If you are looking to warm up from the freezing cold New York streets, check out Columbus Circle Shopping Mall, where they put up fun hanging star Christmas decorations every year.
You get the best of both worlds by being able to warm up, go shopping, and enjoy Christmas decorations!
After, head across the street for the Columbus Circle Christmas market. There are several Christmas Markets across the city, including Union Square, Bryant Park, and Grand Central. These holiday markets are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit!
Dior Christmas Display
Directly across the street from the Pulitzer Fountain, Dior has been putting up a really fun Christmas decoration above their entrance. Just look left of the glass Apple store across from Pulitzer Fountain.
In general, you will find that 5th Avenue offers some of the best Christmas Decorations in NYC. While it can be cold, one of the best ways to see lots of Christmas decorations is by walking down and around 5th Ave. since so many stores do marvelous decorations.
Bergdorf Goodman 5th Ave. Christmas Window Displays
Also, near the Pulitzer Fountain, you will find one of the best Christmas window decoration displays. Bergdorf, in my opinion, does the best job. They have yet to disappoint with fabulous and interesting windows!
Other popular Department Store Christmas windows include Macy’s and Bloomingdales. I still love seeing the Macy’s “Believe” Christmas lights.
Lotte Palace
If you are looking for one of the most Instagrammable Christmas trees in the Big Apple, make sure to check out the Lotte New York Palace Hotel! They put out one of the most spectacular Christmas trees.
The hotel itself is also supposed to be absolutely beautiful if you are looking for somewhere to stay!
Bank of America Winter Village hosted at Bryant Park
Beautiful Christmas Tree, decorations, ice skating, and Christmas Markets, what more could you ask for?! During the holidays, Bryant Park hosts a whole Winter Village that has tons of food vendors, Cozy Igloos to rent, Christmas Market shops, and an ice rink for one of the only places you can ice skate for free in Manhattan (you need your own skates for free Ice skating)!
If you want to rent an igloo, click here!
NYC Tip: If you visit during the weekend, the Winter Village will be packed with people, so if you don’t want crowds, I recommend going early.
The Hudson Yards
The Hudson Yards keep giving us new and exciting things to enjoy. First, there is the Vessel, then the Edge, and now there are some of the best Christmas decorations! They deck out the whole shopping mall with Christmas lights and have a giant air balloon decoration hanging with over 2 million lights!
Then outside, they added additional air balloons and more Christmas lights and decorations. You will definitely want to add Hudson Yards to your Christmas bucket list!
Chelsea Market
From the Hudson Yards, you can take a stroll down the Highline over to Chelsea Market for a bite to eat and to look at their Christmas decorations inside.
I always add the High Line and Chelsea Market to all my New York Guides because I love the area.
Wall Street Christmas Tree & Stock Exchange
Heading downtown? Make sure to check out the Wall Street Christmas Tree and decoration lights. They have a beautiful Christmas tree, and this year actually marked the 99th annual lighting.
They are located opposite the New York Stock Exchange at the corner of Wall and Broad Streets.
Washington Square Park Christmas Tree Photo Spot
Washington Square Park is great all year, but during Christmas time, they also put up a beautiful Christmas tree. It makes for a cute photo! On Christmas Eve, they even do Christmas Carols.
While you are in the Greenwich Village neighborhood, take a stroll around this quaint neighborhood, and you will be sure to see more brownstone decorations. You will also be right by the NYU campus.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
One of the best places in NYC to see homes decked in Christmas decorations and lights is located in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn! Every year, the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are a huge fan favorite! It basically looks as if Christmas exploded on their houses.
The best houses with Christmas lights are around 11th Ave. to 13th Ave. and from 83rd to 86th Street. You can take the train, Uber, rent a car, or take a tour.
If you’re not from New York, visitors enjoy the tours through Dyker Heights the most, since they will bring you to the best houses. The lights go on around 5 PM and off around 10 PM. Expect crowds on the weekends and closer to Christmas.
NY Tip: When driving, make sure to put WAZE on! There are Red light camera tickets, as well as, Speeding light tickets, meaning you need to go 25 MPH just about everywhere in Brooklyn. Very annoying, I know! This is actually the same for Manhattan and the rest of the boroughs. Dyker Heights tour!
Christmas Decorated Bars and Restaurants
If you are in search of Christmas decorations, why not add some Christmas Spirited restaurants and bars!
Some of the most popular Christmas-decorated bars and restaurants are:
- Rolfs Restaurant: This German Restaurant is decorated with Christmas Spirit year-round and is one of the most popular places to visit during the holidays.
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment: This pub has one of the most beautiful Christmas window displays and really cute decorations inside. It is located right by Union Square.
- Oscar Wilde: They are New York’s longest bar at 118.5 ft, and they have a whiskey bar with over 300 varieties of whiskey! They have a really unique space and dress it all up for Christmas.
- Miracle on 9th Street Pop-up Bar: Another fun and festive pop-up bar in Manhattan. Click here to book!
- Igloo Bar at 230 Fifth Rooftop: This bar is super popular during the holiday season since you get to be on the rooftop in the Igloos with views of the Empire State Building. It is a staple to the holiday list. Need reservations.
- The Greens at Pier 17: These clear cabins are really popular for their see-through cabins and are another fun place to eat. Need reservations.
New York City’s Botanic Gardens
This holiday season, you can find incredible Christmas decorations at 3 of New York’s gardens.
The New York Botanical Garden has its annual train show every year along with NYBG GLOW event where the garden is decked out in holiday lights! Furthermore, they even have a 21+ event with drinking in the garden at night!
Then, at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, you can explore Lightscape, which has dazzling lights situated all around the garden, and the famous light arch that people love taking pictures under.
May not come back: Last but not least is the new Astra Lumina at the Queens Botanical Garden. This festive lighting event is an immersive experience that involves all-around celestial star walking. You can learn more and get tickets now!
Wrap-up
This covers some of the best places to enjoy Christmas decorations during your trip!
Want to do fun tours and attractions? New York passes allow you to receive a discount for major tourist attractions like the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, etc. The best passes and tours can be found at:
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