20 Places in New York City with the Best Christmas Decorations
'13.11.2024'
ForumDaily New York
The festive atmosphere in New York is unmatched! The stunning lights of the city will take your breath away. SecretNYC tells where you can immerse yourself in the festive mood of the magnificent lights of the Big Apple.
It’s not just about light shows. You can attend a festive candlelit concert, where twinkling lights illuminate unusual musical performances. If you’re looking for a cool Instagram shot or just want to enjoy spectacle, here are 20 perfect places for this.
1. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
- Where: 12th Ave & 84th St, Brooklyn.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is world famous and lights up the streets of Brooklyn every holiday season! The spectacular light display show has become a tradition in this area. For 30 years, it covers three avenues and several streets. The houses in the block are decorated with all sorts of decor - from magnificent Santa Clauses to glowing snowflakes.
On the subject: Journey to Christmasland: Where and Where the Polar Express Trains Go in New York
The decorations usually go up the weekend after Thanksgiving. Experts recommend visiting mid-December to see them in full bloom! Learn more here.
2. Rockefeller Center
- Where: 45 Rockefeller Plaza.
It's one of the most iconic light shows of the holiday season in New York City! The magnificent Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and its 50 colorful lights will once again sparkle in the center of the square! It will be officially lit on December 000th!
3. Bronx Zoo Holiday Light Show
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx.
This year, you can explore a glowing forest at the Bronx Zoo's holiday light show! There will be millions of lights and nearly 100 giant lanterns featuring animals and plants! The zoo has created the perfect trail of twinkling lights and uniquely illuminated wildlife.
In addition to the lights, you can find a holiday train, ice carving, animal performers, seasonal treats, and more! This year's events run from November 22 to January 5! Learn more about the Bronx Zoo's Holiday Light Show here.
4. Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn
- Where: 990 Washington Ave.
Stroll under a million sparkling lights on the amazing holiday trail at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Stroll through the garden to a carefully selected soundtrack and enjoy incredible light sculptures and colorful effects. 18 different installations will amaze you with numerous trees and bodies of water under the festive moonlight. It is open from November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025! Learn more about Lightscape here.
5. Bryant Park Winter Village
- Where: Bryant Park.
What could be better than looking at the holiday lights while shopping for gifts and ice skating for free? Location already open.
6. Shine Bright Hudson Yards
- Where: 20 Hudson Yards.
Hudson Yards' annual holiday installation, Shine Bright, is stunning. The area is decked out in over 2 million twinkling lights, and the mall's interior is covered in 185 miles of twinkling lights. Step outside to see the Vessel, glittering gold, alongside other holiday trees and beautiful balloons suspended in the Great Room at The Shops & Restaurants! Learn more here.
7. Radio City Music Hall
- Where: 1260 6th Ave.
Radio City Music Hall — is an iconic place in New York, especially during the holiday season. Be sure to visit it this year, as well as the magnificent Christmas tree that stands on the roof of this building.
8.Washington Square Park
- Where: Washington Square Park.
This year the Washington Square Tree will be lit on December 11th, so be sure to stop by at 18pm or anytime after that!
9. Chelsea market
- Where: 75 9th Ave.
On the Chelsea Market You will see dazzling lights along the outside of the market. Expect decorative gifts, illuminated Christmas trees and glittering decorations inside.
10. Fifth Avenue
- Where: 767 Fifth Avenue (between 58th and 59th Streets).
As you stroll through the shops, windows and lights of Fifth Avenue, be sure to check out the 9-foot-tall, 1,5-ton snowflake floating above the famous street! It will be officially lit on November 22 and will twinkle throughout the holiday season.
11. Grand Army Plaza's Menorah
- Where: Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn.
Brooklyn's largest menorah will shine again at Grand Army Plaza this year when Hanukkah begins on December 25! The lighting of the menorah will be accompanied by live music and a hot meal to celebrate the holiday.
12. Central Park
- Where: Central Park.
New York City's magical Central Park is decked out in festive lights every year. The unique flotilla of illuminated Christmas trees at Harlem Meer is the centerpiece of their light show!
13. New York Lotte Palace
- Where: 455 Madison Ave.
New York Lotte Palace — one of the best Christmas hotels in New York City to book this year. Every room in the hotel is decorated with lights! From the iconic Christmas tree in the courtyard to the stunning lights in the lobby, this place is a dream! The holiday decor usually comes out in late November/early December!
14. The Shops at Columbus Circle
- Where: 10 Columbus Cir.
The Shops at Columbus Circle is best known for its annual Holiday Under the Stars installation. It features 4-foot stars that illuminate the atrium and are synchronized to holiday music! The light show typically plays every half hour from 17:00 PM to 23:00 PM daily. This year, it will begin on November 18. Learn more about all the holiday programming happening at Columbus Circle. here!
15. Lincoln Square
- Where: Lincoln Square.
Last year Lincoln Square hosted a sensory light show called Magical Lights. This year they are planning something incredible as well.
16. Brownstones Neighborhood
- Where: (zip codes) 10023, 10024, 10025, 10069.
Take a stroll along the Upper West Side to see the magnificent facades elegantly decorated with wreaths and garlands. The glittering lights will enchant you. The perimeter is decorated with vibrant shades of red and green.
17. Restaurants in New York
- Where: Various locations in New York City.
Many restaurants in the Big Apple are very particular about their lighting. Whether it's Rolf's or Oscar Wilde, there are plenty of places in the city where you can admire the lights while enjoying a meal or a holiday cocktail!
18. Santa's Winter Wonderland, Seaport
- Where: 19 Fulton St.
Santa's Winter Wonderland at Watermark is a great place to enjoy waterfront views, seasonal drinks, holiday decorations, light snacks, and a visit from Santa himself! You can take photos in front of the tree or dine in the illuminated greenhouse. Tickets can be purchased here.
19. Brookfield Place, Battery Park City
- Where: 230 Vesey St.
Brookfield Place is introducing a brand new concept for 2024 called Holiday Under the Palms. There will be lots of twinkling lights in the Winter Garden and throughout the mall!
The twinkling lights will be set against a tropical backdrop, making them the perfect cold weather escape!
20. LuminoCity Festival, Long Island
- Where: 1899 Park Blvd., East Meadow.
Just outside of New York City, LuminoCity is a dazzling journey through illuminated sculptures and art installations! Take a stroll through Long Island to see all sorts of festive lights. Learn more about LuminoCity here.
