Seasonal · Christmas · 2026
My favorite Christmas photo spots in New York.
In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 10 places.
If you’re spending the holidays in New York City, chances are you’ll want to share the magic with everyone. And who can blame you? The city is every bit as enchanting as you’ve imagined, so why not make your friends at home a tad envious? To capture the perfect NYC Christmas photos and evoke some friendly jealousy, you’ll need to know the prime photo spots, and that’s where I step in to help.
I’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas photo spots to spruce up your Instagram feed. So without further ado, let’s get into it!
- Hudson YardsLandmark · Hudson YardsThis is thanks to the fact that Hudson Yards uses over two million Christmas lights when decorating for the occasion.
- Radio City Music HallTheater · Midtown ManhattanFew Christmas photo spots in NYC are as instantly recognizable as Radio City Music Hall.
- Rockefeller CenterLandmark · Midtown ManhattanOne of the most iconic spots for NYC Christmas photos is Rockefeller Center, especially during the holiday season.
- Bryant ParkPark · Bryant ParkThe Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park stands out as one of the best NYC Christmas photo spots, thanks to its diverse backgrounds.
- CartierStore · Fifth AvenueCartier on Fifth Avenue draws locals and tourists alike thanks to their elegant display of holiday cheer.
- The New York Stock ExchangeLandmark · Financial DistrictFull of colorful lights and bright baubles, the NYSE holds its own when searching for the best NYC Christmas photo spots.
- Lotte New York PalaceHotel · Midtown ManhattanThe regal tree stands brightly in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by twinkling lights wrapped around the nearby shrubbery.
- Fifth Avenue Window DisplaysStreet · Fifth AvenueSo many delightful stores and small shops make it their personal mission to stop folks in their tracks and force them to slow down and linger, gawking at the window displays.
- Neighborhood StoopsStreet · Upper East Side and West VillageMy favorite neighborhoods for Christmas decor are the Upper East Side and the West Village.
- Zuccotti ParkPark · Financial DistrictThe decorations may be simple, but the lighting here is magical making this one of the best NYC Christmas photo spots.
- 1
Hudson Yards
Landmark · Hudson Yards
This is thanks to the fact that Hudson Yards uses over two million Christmas lights when decorating for the occasion.
- 2
Radio City Music Hall
Theater · Midtown Manhattan
Few Christmas photo spots in NYC are as instantly recognizable as Radio City Music Hall.
- 3
Rockefeller Center
Landmark · Midtown Manhattan
One of the most iconic spots for NYC Christmas photos is Rockefeller Center, especially during the holiday season.
- 4
Bryant Park
Park · Bryant Park
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park stands out as one of the best NYC Christmas photo spots, thanks to its diverse backgrounds.
- 5
Cartier
Store · Fifth Avenue
Cartier on Fifth Avenue draws locals and tourists alike thanks to their elegant display of holiday cheer.
- 6
The New York Stock Exchange
Landmark · Financial District
Full of colorful lights and bright baubles, the NYSE holds its own when searching for the best NYC Christmas photo spots.
- 7
Lotte New York Palace
Hotel · Midtown Manhattan
The regal tree stands brightly in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by twinkling lights wrapped around the nearby shrubbery.
- 8
Fifth Avenue Window Displays
Street · Fifth Avenue
So many delightful stores and small shops make it their personal mission to stop folks in their tracks and force them to slow down and linger, gawking at the window displays.
- 9
Neighborhood Stoops
Street · Upper East Side and West Village
My favorite neighborhoods for Christmas decor are the Upper East Side and the West Village.
- 10
Zuccotti Park
Park · Financial District
The decorations may be simple, but the lighting here is magical making this one of the best NYC Christmas photo spots.
Antonina’s favorite Christmas photo spots in New York, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 10 EPIC NYC Christmas Photo Spots (Perfect For Instagram).