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The Best of New York · Seasonal · Christmas

The best Christmas decorations in New York City

Updated September 2026. 13 places.

As a local, there’s nothing I love more than Christmastime in New York City when the city transforms into a winter wonderland. 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.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best Christmas decorations in New York City, 2026

  1. Bryant Park Winter VillageMarket · Midtown
  2. Dyker HeightsStreet · Dyker Heights, BrooklynWhen it comes to the best Christmas decorations in New York City, Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood takes the cake.
  3. Industry CityLandmark · Sunset Park, BrooklynToday, visiting Industry City is one of the most popular things to do during the holidays.
  4. Lotte New York PalaceHotel · MidtownOrnate and majestic, the Christmas decorations never cease to impress.
  5. Macy's Herald SquareStore · MidtownMacy’s is responsible for the city’s most cherished holiday traditions, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, legendary window displays and Santaland.
  6. Papillion BistroRestaurant · MidtownThose looking for over-the-top Christmas decorations in New York City need to know about Papillion Bistro.Closed since a July 2026 kitchen fire, no reopening date yet (NBC New York; Papillon Bistro, checked October 28, 2026).
  7. Radio City Music HallTheater · MidtownThere are few New York Christmas decorations as recognizable as Radio City Music Hall when it gets dressed up for the holidays.
  8. Rockefeller CenterLandmark · MidtownAs 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.
  9. South Street SeaportLandmark · South Street SeaportDuring the holidays, the Seaport is dressed with some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in NYC.
  10. The New York Stock ExchangeLandmark · Financial DistrictSkip the tourist version and do it like a local. here’s how.
  11. Fifth Avenue Window DisplaysStreet · MidtownDrawing 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.
  12. Hudson YardsLandmark · Chelsea
  13. Oscar WildeRestaurant · MidtownMaking 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.

On the map

Where they are

6 neighborhoods, Midtown and Dyker Heights, Brooklyn most of all.

Midtown

Chelsea

Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

Financial District

South Street Seaport

Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 17 Epic Spots for Christmas Decorations In New York City.