In this bustling city, Christmas is more than just a day—it’s a spectacle that spans across its boroughs. Each neighborhood offers its own charm, showcasing a unique blend of traditions, events, and delights that capture the magic of the season.
December 7, 2024
There’s something magical about how New York City embraces the holiday season. From the iconic Rockefeller Center Tree to the festive window displays on Fifth Avenue, the city sparkles with holiday cheer. Christmas in NYC is an experience that stretches across its five boroughs, with each neighborhood offering unique traditions, events, and delights. Whether you're exploring holiday markets, skating in urban parks, or admiring stunning light displays, there's a sense of wonder at every corner.
To help you plan your visit, here’s a guide to the best holiday lights and lighting ceremonies around the city.
Note: As of 2024, Saks Fifth Avenue will not be hosting their famous annual light show due to budget cuts.
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Ok … On to the list
When: December - Mid-January
Where: Midtown Manhattan
Following the special tree-lighting ceremony that happens every fall, the renowned tree will be illuminated daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. On Christmas Day, the tree will be lit for 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve, it will be lit from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The tree will be turned off for the season in mid-Jauary. Around Rockefeller Center you'll also find NYC's luxury shopping district, 5th Avenue covered in lavish lights such as the Cartier Mansion's annual light display, and other holiday displays filled with animatronics and other holiday fun for passersby.
When: December - Early January
Where: Midtown Manhattan
The tree at the Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park was illuminated on November 28th at 6 p.m. The holiday market will close on January 2nd, but the general winter fun will continue until March 3rd, with activities such as ice skating and bumper cars.
When: December - End of the Holiday Season
Where: Midtown / Central Park
The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center in Central Park has been adorned with holiday lights by the Central Park Conservancy for over two and a half decades. To see it, go to the northeastern part of Central Park. You can also see the glowing tree flotilla in the Harlem Meer across from the boathouse.
When: Mid-December - December 31
Where: Brooklyn
During the holiday season, Dyker Heights is a popular destination due to its reputation for extravagant decorations. This historically Italian-American neighborhood is known for its elaborate Christmas lights and decorations, which are put up by homeowners and professional decorating companies starting the weekend after Thanksgiving. The best time to view the lights, however, is from mid-December through New Year’s Eve, when most homeowners have finished decorating. If you plan to walk around, go anytime between dusk and 9 p.m. The decorations also typically stay up until the end of the first week of January. The entire neighborhood participates in the event, so expect the chance to enjoy streetside hot cocoa.
When: Mid-November - January
Where: Midtown
SimilarSimilar to the over-the-top displays along 5th Avenue, Macy's holiday displays and lights, located near Madison Square Garden, are loved by commuters, locals, and visitors alike. Be sure to stop into the store, even if you're not shopping—Macy's Flagship goes above and beyond for the season, both inside and out.
When: December - End of the Holiday Season
The tree in Washington Square Park is a sight to behold, perfectly framed by the park's famous arch. Even if you miss the tree lighting, you can still see the beautifully lit 45-foot tree throughout the holiday season. The tree is lit from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily throughout December.
When: December - End of the Holiday Season
Where: Midtown
This time-honored tree lighting, which celebrates its 111th anniversary this year, will feature festive jazz music. The festivities will take place on Wednesday, December 6 from 4-6pm at the park's Northern Reflecting Pool.
When: December - Early January
Where: Hell’s Kitchen / Midtown West
Hudson Yards' Shine Bright event features two million twinkling white lights, 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees, 16-foot tall illuminated hot air balloon decorations, and a 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece. The event also includes ice skating, photo opportunities with Santa, a speakeasy, shopping, dining, and more.
When: December - Early January
Where: Brooklyn / Prospect Park
The Brooklyn Botanical Garden, a 52-acre botanical garden in the borough of Brooklyn, New York, has illuminated its grounds for the holidays. The gorgeous, after-dark illuminated spectacular runs through January 1.
When: Select Dates Throughout December and January
Where: Brooklyn / Prospect Park
The Bronx's outdoor light experience will illuminate the grounds with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights and festive installations. GLOW is open on select dates through January 13.
When: Throughout Hanukkah
Where: Midtown Manhattan Grand Army / Plaza Brooklyn Grand Army Plaza
It is well known that New York City is home to many impressive public menorahs. However, did you know that it is also home to two of the world's largest menorahs? Technically, no menorah should be larger than 32 feet, so they are the "largest" with some caveats. You can decide for yourself how to interpret that, but the ceremonies are definitely worth attending, the Brooklyn lightings always include live music and hot latkes. The menorah lightings take place from December 7-15 during Hanukkah.
When: December - Early January
Where: The Bronx
The Bronx Zoo is alight with 400 wildlife lanterns, representing 100 species, through January 7. The illuminated displays, custom-designed animal lanterns, and animated light shows will transform the park into a winter wonderland. This year, there will be new lantern displays showcasing the wildlife of New York's ocean waters and wetlands, as well as a new interactive experience celebrating bioluminescent creatures.
When: December - Early JanuaryEarly January
Where: Brooklyn / Coney Island
Luna Park in Coney Island celebrated its inaugural Frost Fest with its first ever tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 18. The park will continue to be open on select dates from now until January 7, featuring 20 of its iconic rides, including the Cyclone, a mid-amusement park skating rink, holiday lights, a holiday market, and photos with Santa.
When: December - End of the Holiday Season
Where: Brooklyn
Thanks to extensive revitalization efforts, Industry City has transformed from a decaying industrial complex into a thriving waterfront hub for businesses, artists, and residents. Since then, it has become one of NYC's best holiday hot spots, having held its first-ever tree lighting ceremony on November 25th. The entire area is decked out, the ice skating is fantastic, and local businesses get involved as well, including hot cocoa and cider served up in The Wheelhouse by local grill Frying Pan.
For more NYC holiday travel tips, check out our guides to NYC's Best Holiday Tours, Must-Do Christmas Activities When Visiting NYC with Kids, The Best Ice Rinks in NYC, and The Best Hotels for Christmas in NYC.
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