The Best Christmas Decorations in NYC, 15 Spots I Go Back To.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

My advice 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 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.

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.