Ultimate Guide to a New York City Christmas
One of my favorite holidays is Christmas — so many beautiful lights and decor everywhere, a time for giving, a time for cheer! What makes the holiday even more special is spending it in New York City each year. No other city does Christmas like NYC, which is why I’ve created this guide for you all, with all the best spots to visit and experience a true New York City Christmas!
Rockefeller Center
Of course, you have to start with Rockefeller Center. The tree here is one of the most famous Christmas trees, so much that there is even a televised lighting ceremony, which unofficially marks the beginning of Christmas time in the city. Visitors from all over the world flock to Rockefeller Center during the holidays, so expect lots of crowds. You can also ice skate under the tree, for the perfect winter experience!
Fifth Avenue
Fifth avenue is probably the most decorated of all the city. There are so many spots just along this one avenue to keep you busy during the day. The most famous is Saks Fifth Avenue, which you can see right in front of Rockefeller Center. Not only is there a beautiful holiday window display, but also, starting at around 4:30pm, every 15 minutes, Saks lights up the street with its stunning holiday light show. The light show truly is something one of a kind, which is no wonder there are so many people crowding around Rockefeller Plaza at all times.
After stopping by Saks, walk about two blocks north on 5th to the Cartier store. The Cartier store gets decorated each year a bright red bow, perfect backdrop for photos. For the best photos, wait for the traffic lights to turn red and stand in the middle of the street. If you’re lucky, you might even get a taxi cab drive behind you in the shot!
Keep walking north on Fifth Avenue for more holiday decor! This year, the Fifth Avenue Association came up with the Make it Bright display, featuring giant ornaments and figures that light up at night time. Starting at around 50th St all the way to the Plaza Hotel, you can find a giant toy box, a menorah, a hot air balloon and more.
The best display though is across from the Plaza Hotel, with giant ornaments surrounding the famous Pulitzer Fountain, which you might recognize from a little old show called Friends.
Just a block away from Pulitzer Fountain, make sure to check out the Louis Vuitton store. Each year, the store decorated the exterior for the holidays.
Radio City Music Hall
What better way to enjoy Christmas time in New York than with a holiday spectacular. Each year, the Radio City Rockettes perform their Christmas spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Unfortunately due to the pandemic this 2020, this year’s shows were cancelled, but if you’re in the city next year, make sure to check them out. Shows start in November through early January. Afterwards, snap some photos across the street where you’ll find giant ornaments on display. This year, there’s a new addition too: giant candy canes!
For another pretty Christmas tree, walk a couple of blocks past Radio City, on the corner of 6th Av and 48th St.
Lotte New York Palace
While we’re on the topic of pretty Christmas trees, here’s my favorite tree in all the city. Located in the courtyard of the Lotte Palace Hotel, you’ll find this beautiful Christmas tree which lights up in the evening. It’s a “secret” in the sense that because it’s so close to Rockefeller Center, just about two blocks away, not many people are here because they’re all at Rockefeller Center, even though this tree is prettier (I think so, anyway). Make sure to visit inside the lobby as well for more Christmas decor!
Washington Square Park
Not much decor here, but if you want to check off all the best Christmas trees in the city, don’t miss the tree under the famous arch at Washington Square.
Upper West/East Side
Both the UWS and UES are good areas for a holiday stroll, as the owners like decorate their brownstones with pretty Christmas decor each year. Of course, not all the homes are decorated, so if you’re already walking around Central Park, exit and spend a couple of hours wandering around the neighborhood. My favorite home is just outside Central Park on the Upper West Side, on 82nd st between Columbus & Amsterdam Ave.
Macy’s Herald Square
The world’s largest department store is also known for its Christmas decor. The 9th floor is home to holiday lane, a great spot for getting all your tree ornaments and decor. The windows are also decorated differently each year and don’t forget to get a photo on the side of the building with the big “believe” sign!
Wall Street
Another beautiful Christmas tree where you won’t find many crowds is in the financial district. Even though it’s not as popular, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Also worth visiting in the Financial District near the Wall St tree are Zuccotti Park and the Four Seasons Downtown, which are both decorated with bright beautiful lights!
Hudson Yards
New to the New York City Christmas scene is Hudson Yards. For the first time this year, Hudson Yards is beautifully decorated and dripping in over 2 million lights both in and outdoors. There simply are no words, Hudson Yards at Christmas time is the best place for decor in all the city. For the best view, head on up to the 3rd floor!
In the Chelsea Area:
Chelsea is also a good neighborhood for some holiday decor. Check out the Peace, Love, Chelsea display at 314 W 22nd St. The building is decorated seasonally, and this year it’s decorated as a “Christmas tree farm.”
Also worth visiting in the area, especially during the holidays is the Chelsea Market and the High Line Hotel.
Industry City
Industry City is located in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. It’s a complex made up of old factory buildings which have been turned into restaurants and shops. The complex also has courtyards in between each building, and you can find Courtyard 3/4 decorated differently each season. Such a cute photo spot!
Dyker Heights
Dyker Heights has to be my favorite spot for Christmas decor in NYC. This neighborhood is famous during the holidays for it’s over the top decor, which has become a neighborhood tradition. Dyker Heights attracts crowds every year. For the best homes, walk around 84th-86th St between 11-13th Avenues. The famous Spaia home is located at 1152 84th St! Make sure to visit before 9pm, as the homes start shutting off their lights after that time.
Christmas in NYC truly is a great time, and there’s so much more to experience — this guide is just the beginning. Once things get back to normal (hopefully next year) I can’t wait to explore some of the city’s beautifully decorated restaurants during the holidays, as well as the many Christmas markets around the city! Hope this guide helps you plan your trip for next year (fingers crossed!)
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