As a local, I’m always on the lookout for the best Christmas lights in New York City. Luckily, the city is full of dazzling displays that never cease to impress. Over the past few years, I’ve accumulated a little list of my favorite spots in New York City for Christmas light shows and holiday decorations, let’s dive in!
Where to See Christmas Lights in New York City
(Click Here for the Table of Contents)
Table of Contents: Where to See Christmas Lights in New York City
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 (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
Where: Saks Fifth Avenue
Address: 611 5th Ave, New York
When: November 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Of all the impressive lights you’re bound to see while celebrating the holidays in New York City, nothing tops the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show where synchronized lights play in tandem with classic Christmas music, dazzling children and adults alike.
To keep things interesting, Saks Fifth Avenue changes the display every year. In 2023, the department store collaborated with Dior to create the Carousel of Dreams, a unique display centered around the twelve zodiac signs.
I’m curious to see what the designers have up their sleeves in 2024! Most folks stick around and enjoy a few rounds of this popular Christmas light show in New York City, so prepare for crowds, especially after sunset.
Details: The light show starts at 5pm and runs in 10-minute intervals until 11pm. Each show lasts 3 minutes (featuring 2-4 popular Christmas songs), followed by a five minute break.
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Address: Next to Prospect Park, Multiple Entrances
2024 Dates: November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Visiting a botanic garden might not be the first thing that comes to mind when looking for the best Christmas lights in New York City, but skipping Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden would be a mistake. Explore in amazement as an illuminated trail takes you through impressive light installations designed by international artists.
Seasonal treats and festive music are par for the course, everyone in the family will feel the holiday spirit in no time. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in New York City with kids, my five-year-old niece has a blast every time.
NYC Christmas Lights Tip: Tickets sold out last year, so make reservations well in advance.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Where: Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
2024 Dates: November 29 – December 30
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.
Glow at the New York Botanical Garden
Where: New York Botanical Garden
Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY
Dates: November 17, 2024 to January 13, 2025
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.
Shine On at Hudson Yards
Where: The Shops at Hudson Yards
Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY
Dates: November 13, 2024 to January 7, 2025
Hudson Yards is a shopping mall adjacent to the infamous Vessel, a $220M honeycomb structure now closed to the public. Home to high-end shops and restaurants, the mall is worth a detour because it’s decked out with more than two million Christmas lights from floor to ceiling. The display is called Shine On, and it’s one of the most beautiful Christmas light displays in New York City.
The Winter Lantern Festival
Where: Queens County Farm Museum
Address: 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY
Dates: November 17, 2024 to January 7, 2025
The New York Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum is an illuminated self-guided walk through the museum’s storied farm. Handmade lanterns and tunnels made from kaleidoscopic LED lights swallow up the trail and immerse you in a magical holiday experience you won’t soon forget.
Chelsea Market
Where: The Chelsea Market
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York
Dates: Early December to Early January
The Chelsea Market is a popular food hall mixed with unique shops and restaurants. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the holidays you’ll get to see one of the most beautiful displays of Christmas lights in NYC. Whether you plan on doing some shopping or merely admiring the great decorations, you won’t be disappointed.
Fun Fact: The Chelsea Market is housed in the old Nabisco factory building, the birthplace of the Oreo cookie!
The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Where: Bronx Zoo
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
2024: November 17, 2024 – January 7, 2025
At 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country, reason alone to visit. But if you need an extra nudge, the zoo’s holiday show is among the best Christmas light displays in NYC. Visit during Holiday Lights to see the zoo’s beloved animals celebrated through festival handmade lanterns.
The roster is a roll call of everyone’s favorites, you’ll find lions, walruses, giraffes and penguins (to name a few). In addition to the breathtaking display of lights, there’s tons of entertainment, seasonal treats and a chance to ride the holiday train!
The interactive displays and animated light shows guarantee a great night, which is why locals consider this one of the best Christmas light displays in New York City for kids.
Radio City Music Hall
Where: Radio City Music Hall
Address: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY
Dates: Mid-November to Early January
There are few NYC landmarks as recognizable as Radio City Music Hall, especially during the holidays when an illuminated tree takes residence above the marquee. While Radio City doesn’t go over the top with holiday lights, it’s a great place to see an iconic New York City Christmas light display. The reason? The building is heavily featured in popular Christmas movies filmed in NYC (like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York).
Luminaries
Where: Brookfield Place (Financial District)
Address: 230 Vesey St, New York
2024 Dates: November 28 – January 1, 2025
LED-embedded lanterns take over Brookfield Place’s atrium as part of a unique art installation called Luminaries. The breathtaking display features 650 color-changing lanterns that create one of the most mesmerizing Christmas light shows in New York City.
The best part? It’s an interactive experience that encourages kids to make a wish at a designated wishing station. When a child releases their wish the lanterns respond with a dynamic display of colors. Better still, Arts Brookfield makes a donation to charity for every wish made.
Visiting NYC During the Holidays Tips
- Bring warm shoes: It’s no secret that winter in New York City is cold, and the most miserable place to be cold is in your toes. I recommend insulated/waterproof footwear (here’s the pair I live in) and the only socks you need.
- Be mindful of the ice: If you’re visiting New York City in winter be sure to keep an eye on the weather, if it drops below 32°F there’s a possibility of ice on the streets. Tread lightly or, better yet, pick up a pair of this handy invention.
- Portable chargers are handier than you think: Cold weather depletes batteries on electric devices quicker than you’d expect, so when heading out for the day make sure you’re at full charge. If all else fails, it’s never a bad idea to lug a portage charger around, here’s the one I’ve been using for the past six years (still holding up nicely!).
Where to See the Best New York Christmas Lights (List Summary)
- Dyker Heights
- Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape
- Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
- Winter Lantern Festival
- Hudson Yards
- Radio City Music Hall
- Chelsea Market
- Glow at the New York Botanical Garden
- Luminaries
Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Find the Best Christmas Lights in NYC
NYC Christmas Lights FAQ
If you’re up for the commute Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is the best concentration of Christmas lights in New York City. Otherwise, Fifth Avenue is the most famously decorated street in Manhattan.
The Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show is the most famous place to watch Christmas lights in New York City.
The giant, red baubles are on 6th Avenue, also known as the Avenue of the Americas between 49th and 50th Streets (across the street from Radio City Music Hall).
The Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show happens at regular, 10 minute intervals between 5PM and 10PM.
Coolest Christmas Lights in NYC (Map)
Helpful (Related) Links
- Celebrating Christmas in NYC: 20 MAGICAL Things to Do (And 5 to Avoid)
- What to Wear in New York City in the Winter (+Packing List)
- 10 Best Holiday Performances in New York City (2024 Guide)
- 10 Best Holiday Markets in New York City (Worth the Visit)
- 10 Impressive Ice Skating Rinks in New York City
- 20 Free Things to Do During Christmas in New York City
- 10 Bars Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in New York City
- 10 Captivating Christmas Trees in NYC and Where to Find Them
And there you have it, my list of the best Christmas lights in New York City. Hope you found my quick roundup helpful!
Happy Holidays!
We are coming with grandaughter Nov. 26th. Was a little dissapointed to see that the Rockefeller Xmas doesn’t light till then and tht The Plaza Hotel tree does noty light till later either. Will we still be able to see some lights around mid town walking most of the time WE are staying at the Sheridon Times Square. Thank you
Hi Nancy! Lights and decorations are slowly going up all around the city as of last week. We have no doubts that you and your granddaughter will get to see festive decor around. We highly recommend swinging by Hudson Yards to check out some of our favorite lights in NYC!