Seasonal · Christmas · 2026
The best Christmas lights in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 9 places.
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.
For more on festive christmas 2025, see my guide to 20 FESTIVE Things to Do for Christmas in NYC (2025 Guide).
- Chelsea MarketMarket · Chelsea, ManhattanIf 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.
- Dyker Heights Christmas LightsStreet · Dyker Heights, BrooklynWhen it comes to the best Christmas decorations in New York City, Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood takes the cake.
- Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic GardenEvent · Prospect Park area, BrooklynBut skipping Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden would be a mistake.
- LuminariesEvent · Financial District, ManhattanThe breathtaking display features 650 color-changing lanterns that create one of the most mesmerizing Christmas light shows in New York City.
- Radio City Music HallLandmark · Midtown ManhattanWhile 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.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Light ShowLandmark · Midtown Manhattan
- Shine On at Hudson YardsEvent · Hudson Yards, ManhattanIf you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.
- The Bronx Zoo Holiday LightsEvent · BronxThe 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.
- The Winter Lantern FestivalEvent · QueensI brought my mom here on her first visit. She still talks about it.
Chelsea Market
Market · Chelsea, Manhattan · 75 9th Ave, New York
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.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Street · Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
When it comes to the best Christmas decorations in New York City, Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood takes the cake.
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Event · Prospect Park area, Brooklyn · Next to Prospect Park, Multiple Entrances
But skipping Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden would be a mistake.
Luminaries
Event · Financial District, Manhattan · 230 Vesey St, New York
The breathtaking display features 650 color-changing lanterns that create one of the most mesmerizing Christmas light shows in New York City.
Radio City Music Hall
Landmark · Midtown Manhattan · 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY
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.
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
Landmark · Midtown Manhattan · 611 5th Ave, New York
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.
Shine On at Hudson Yards
Event · Hudson Yards, Manhattan · 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY
If you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.
The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Event · Bronx · 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
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.
The Winter Lantern Festival
Event · Queens · 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY
I brought my mom here on her first visit. She still talks about it.
Best Christmas lights in New York, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 13 Best New York City Christmas Light Displays (2025 Guide).