As a local, there’s nothing I love more than Christmastime in New York City when the city transforms into a winter wonderland. I get asked about New York Christmas decorations all the time, so I finally wrote down everything I know. The magical holiday feeling gets me every time! As such, I’ve spent the past six years on the hunt for the best Christmas decorations in New York City, here’s a quick roundup of my favorite spots.
Note from Antonina about 2025 Christmas Itineraries. Some longtime readers have asked if I’ll be offering the custom 4-day itineraries that sold out last year.
It’s hefty (30 pages to be exact) but it includes non-negotiable Christmas activities and a handful of iconic NYC landmarks you can’t afford to miss if you’re visiting NYC for four days (in addition to personalized restaurant recommendations).
You can find more information here.
New York City’s Best Christmas Decorations
(Click Here for the Table of Contents)
Table of Contents. Where to Find the Best Christmas Decorations in New York City
- New York City’s Best Christmas Decorations
- Rockefeller Center
- Macy’s Herald Square
- Hudson Yards
- Bryant Park Winter Village
- The New York Stock Exchange
- Oscar Wilde
- South Street Seaport
- Industry City
- Dyker Heights
- Fifth Avenue Window Displays
- Papillion Bistro
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
- New York Botanical Garden
- Lotte New York Palace
- Radio City Music Hall
- List of Cool New York City Christmas Decorations
- Map to Christmas Decorations in New York
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods for First Timers & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Rockefeller Center
Website.Rockefeller Center
Address. 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York
At the heart of Rockefeller Center stands the most beautiful Christmas tree in New York City. Crowned with a dazzling Swarovski star, the famous fir is draped in five miles of lights and serves as a breathtaking backdrop to a picturesque ice skating rink.
If that wasn’t enough, Saks Fifth Avenue’s popular light show (arguably the most famous Christmas light display in NYC) plays directly across from the tree. Admire the synchronized lights as they dance to classic Christmas music and fill the air with contagious holiday spirit.
As a local, I can confidently say that Rockefeller Center has the best Christmas decorations in New York City, this the one place you don’t want to miss while exploring the city for the holidays.
For a complete roundup, read.10 Festive Things to Do at the Rockefeller Center at Christmas
Macy’s Herald Square
Website.Macy’s Herald Square
Address. 151 W 34th St, New York
Macy’s is responsible for the city’s most cherished holiday traditions, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, legendary window displays and Santaland. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without them!
If you’re exploring NYC during the holidays with kids, make reservations to see Santa on the 8th floor. The entire floor is transformed into a magical winter village, creating a magical walk-through experience that leaves you wondering what looms around every corner.
Visit the store to experience some of the best New York Christmas decorations firsthand (plus, a little retail therapy never hurts anybody). Of, if you don’t feel like braving the crowds, admire the window displays from outside, the adventure is up to you.
You might enjoy reading. Visiting New York City for Christmas With Kids (15 Festive Festive)
Hudson Yards
Website.Hudson Yards Shine On
Address. 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY
If you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.
Hudson Yards is a luxury mall brimming with high-end shops and great restaurants. During the holidays, the mall is decked to the nines with more than two million lights. Embellished trees and festive hot air balloons hang from the ceiling, it’s a whimsical experience for all.
Keen to dazzle children and adults alike, when it comes to the best Christmas decorations in New York City, Hudson Yards doesn’t play second fiddle.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Website.Bryant Park Winter Village
Address. 42nd Street and 6th Ave, New York, NY
I brought my mom here on her first visit. She still talks about it.
Bryant Park is a worthwhile destination year-round, but there’s something special about the holiday season when the park transforms into a European-inspired holiday market.
Home to more than 100 vendors selling crafts out of endearing glass-enclosed stalls, the market lines one of the most popular ice skating rinks in New York City. Christmas decor abounds as cheery locals meander from one stall to the next, admiring the unique knick-knacks on offer.
Vendors span the gamut, from hand-painted ornaments to wooden chopsticks repurposed as bowls, you’ll find a tons of unique souvenirs and holiday gifts. Likewise, the food options are some of the best of all the holiday markets in New York City.
The New York Stock Exchange
Website.The New York Stock Exchange
Address. 11 Wall St, New York, NY
Skip the tourist version and do it like a local. here’s how.
A stark composition to the gray-washed buildings that define the Financial District, the dazzling Christmas decorations at the New York Stock Exchange are a sight for soar eyes. The stunning tree soars to heights of 60 feet, which makes it one of the tallest Christmas trees in New York City, reason alone to visit.
If you can brave the crowds, consider attending the tree lighting festival. A tradition dating back to 1923, it’s the oldest tree lighting festival in NYC. Soak up the holiday spirit with warm hot chocolate while the kids take photos of costumed performers and write letters to Santa.
Oscar Wilde
Website.Oscar Wilde
Address. 45 W 27th St, New York, NY
Oscar Wilde decorates nearly every conceivable surface during the holidays, earning it a prime spot on our list of the best Christmas restaurants in New York City. Holiday decor aside, the restaurant houses an impressive art collection dating back to the 1800s and a cozy French fireplace from the 1840s.
Making reservations at this outlandishly decorated restaurant during the holidays is non-negotiable in my book, especially if you’re looking to experience New York City’s best Christmas decorations.
Local tip. Here’s something most visitors don’t know. the best time to visit is right when they open.
South Street Seaport
Website.South Street Seaport
Address. 19 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
A subset of the Financial District, the South Street Seaport is a historic area with cobblestone streets, unique shops and a charming pier great for evening strolls. During the holidays, the Seaport is dressed with some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in NYC.
The Seaport Christmas Tree sets the tone as you wander down Fulton Street to admire garlands, wreaths and cozy vibes. Pier 17 typically hosts a seasonal skating rink, making it easy to get into the holiday spirit!
Industry City
Website.Industry City
Address. 220 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Industry City is a sprawling 35-acre waterfront complex of converted warehouses in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Full of restaurants, breweries, art galleries and stores, the area seems to get cooler by the day so nobody was too surprised when a skating rink was added to the mix.
Today, visiting Industry City is one of the most popular things to do during the holidays. The hallways are decked out in lights, baubles, and garlands. Better still, the courtyard’s (surprisingly affordable) ice skating rink neighbors a charming little outdoor bar selling mulled wine, hot chocolate and snacks.
Dyker Heights
Address. 1072 80th St 1st. Floor, Brooklyn, NY
When it comes to the best Christmas decorations in New York City, Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood takes the cake. Outlandishly decked out for the holiday season, more than 100 houses participate in the annual tradition. Homeowners spare no expense trying to outshine (pun definitely intended) their neighbors.
Wandering the neighborhood is an annual tradition for many locals, but trekking out to the neighborhood is no easy feat. If you’re interested, I wrote a quick guide on everything you need to know about seeing the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights.
Fifth Avenue Window Displays
Address. Fifth Avenue (Between 42nd & 59th Streets), New York
Come December the luxury department stores along Fifth Avenue unveil impressive window displays and turn the popular shopping corridor into a runway of holiday spirit. Meticulously crafted, the displays take up to a year to design.
The friendly competition gives spectators a chance to enjoy some of the best New York Christmas decorations for free. Themes vary by year, but they’re always festive and tailored around winter wonderland vibes.
Drawing millions of visitors during the holidays, this undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in New York City at Christmas, so brace for crowds.
Papillion Bistro
Website.Papillion Bistro
Address. 22 E 54th St, New York, NY
Those looking for over-the-top Christmas decorations in New York City need to know about Papillion Bistro. The restaurant is covered head-to-toe with garlands, string lights, oversized ornaments and decorated Christmas trees.
Operating as a restaurant and bar, the menu is tailored for both cocktails and proper meals. With a commitment to uncompromising quality, the restaurant serves delicious fare and doesn’t rely on holiday decorations alone to stay busy (don’t sleep on the French onion soup).
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Website.Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Address. 249 W 49th Street & 13 E 17th Street
Aptly named, Lillie’s Victorian Establishment is an ornate Victorian-era restaurant completely decked out during the holidays. Think shiny garlands, life-sized nutcrackers, and decorated Christmas trees. As for food, expect to find everything from classic pub favorites like cheeseburgers and chicken wings to more refined dishes like ceviche and tartar.
New York Botanical Garden
Website.New York Botanical Garden
Address. 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY
Home to more than 12,000 plant species from around the world, the New York Botanical Garden is a sight to behold year-round, but the holidays feel extra special. From mid-November through the end of the year, the 250-acre garden is illuminated with some of the best Christmas lights in New York City.
Billed as New York City’s largest outdoor holiday light experience, you’ll be privy to synchronized light shows and festive art installations throughout the evening.
Local’s Recommendation.The additional admission required for the Holiday Train Show is worthwhile. The monolithic display of trains running through iconic NYC skyscrapers is a masterpiece.
Lotte New York Palace
Website.Lotte New York Palace
Address. 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY
Lotte New York Palace is a luxury hotel known for being a favorite of President Obama and a slew of celebrities. Or perhaps it looks familiar to you from Gossip Girl? Regardless, during the holiday season the real star of the show is the embellished tree in the hotel’s courtyard. Ornate and majestic, the Christmas decorations never cease to impress.
Radio City Music Hall
Website.Radio City Music Hall
Address. 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY
There are few New York Christmas decorations as recognizable as Radio City Music Hall when it gets dressed up for the holidays. The glowing lights and Christmas tree above the marquee draw folks in like a magnet.
So many popular New York City Christmas movies have used the locale as a backdrop for NYC during the holidays. From Home Alone 2 to The Godfather, the famous marquee makes cameos left and right, so snap a photo while you’re in the area.
List of Cool New York City Christmas Decorations
In sum, here’s a quick rundown of the top New York Christmas Decorations.
- Rockefeller Center
- South Street Seaport
- Hudson Yards
- Bryant Park Winter Village
- The New York Stock Exchange
- Oscar Wilde
- Industry City
- Dyker Heights
- Macy’s Herald Square
- Fifth Avenue
- Papillion Bistro
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
- New York Botanical Garden
- Oculus Center
- Lotte New York Palace
- Radio City Music Hall
Map to Christmas Decorations in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
The best Christmas decorations in New York can be found at the famous Rockefeller Center.
Christmas decorations typically go up in New York City shortly after Thanksgiving, around late November or early December.
The Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn is famous for its extravagant Christmas decorations.
Yes, Christmas decorations typically start appearing in New York City in November, especially after Thanksgiving.
Central Park doesn’t decorate for Christmas, but vendors in the park will sometimes sell holiday related items and performers will play Christmas music.
New York City Christmas Guides
Christmas in New York City. 20 MAGICAL Things to Do (And 5 to Avoid!)
Christmas Packing Tips. What to Wear in New York City in the Winter (+Packing List)
What to Watch in NYC for Christmas. 15 Charming Christmas Shows in New York City (2024 Guide)
Christmas on a Budget. 20 Free Things to Do During Christmas in New York City
Where to Drink on Christmas.10 Bars Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in New York City
The Capital of Christmas. 10 Festive Things to Do at the Rockefeller Center during Christmas
Prettiest Window Displays. 10 Wonderful Window Displays in New York City (Local’s Guide)
What to Gift a New Yorker. New York Gifts | For New Yorkers & Die-Hard NYC Lovers
Best Hot Coco. 20 Best Cups of Hot Chocolate in NYC (Local’s Guide)
New York City Christmas Inspo. 15 Charming Christmas Movies Set in New York City
New Years Eve in Times Square. 2024 Guide to Celebrating New Years Eve in Times Square
The Most Chaotic Day of the Year. Everything You Need to Know About SantaCon NYC
There you have it, our list of the best spots for New York Christmas decorations. Hope you enjoyed this list as much as we enjoyed making it.
Cheers!
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to Epic Spots for Christmas Decorations In New York City. Have a favorite spot we missed?
Have you been here before?
If you liked this guide, you might also enjoy exploring my other local recommendations.
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