The 8 Best Locations for Christmas Lights in New York City
Are you looking to get in the holiday spirit? Well, NYC is the place to be. The Christmas lights in New York alone will leave you amazed with all of the different neighborhoods.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and despite the city being a little empty, their is no lack in magic this year when it comes to the holidays. The big apple has always and (always will be) one of the best places to get in the holiday spirit.
Draped with lights, and covered in beautiful décor, there are so many great spots to check out. Here are the best spots to see the Christmas lights in New York City.
Our Travel Planning Recommendations
Skyscanner (flights)
Booking.com (hotels)
🎫 Get Your Guide (tours)
Ticket Master (events)
📸 Best Buy (equipment)
🚗 Rental Cars (car rentals)
Train Line (train tickets)
Bus Bud (bus tickets)
Direct Ferries (ferries)
Cruise Direct (cruises)
Best Decorations & Christmas Lights in New York #1: Rockefeller Center
The number one place to head to during the holidays is to Rockefeller Center. Each year you can see the famous tree that is covered in colorful lights right next to the ice skating rink.

Everything You Need For This Christmas in NYC
We´ve gathered over 120 bars, restaurants, activities and markets to enjoy the holiday season like never before.
With photos, timetables, prices, and links, this guide is the easiest way to avoid FOMO this holiday season in New York!
You missed out!
Hurry up, and get it while you have time!
There is also a light show that is projected onto the storefront of Saks 5th Avenue. The show is accompanied by Christmas music and is on every few minutes!

Rockefeller Center is one of the best spots to check out around the holidays.
Best Decorations & Christmas Lights in New York #2: Fifth Avenue Storefronts
Speaking of impressive store fronts, The high-end shops lined along 5th avenue such as Coach, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton really go all out with their Christmas decorations! Admire the stores covered in Christmas lights and complete with some of the best holiday window displays in NYC.

5th Avenue has some of the best displays during the holidays.
Best Decorations & Christmas Lights in New York #3: Macy's Store Window Displays
While admiring the lights of all of the big stores, don't miss out on the best window displays in the city! Macy's has the most famous displays that originated back in 1874!
For over 100 years this department store takes pride in its intricate designs. You can find everything from animated animals to motivational and heartwarming words, all shown in the most flashy and cheerful way.


Don't Miss Out On This Christmas Season In NYC
Download our FREE LIST with the best bars, restaurants, activities and markets to enjoy the holiday season like never before.
You missed out!
Hurry up, and get it while it's still available!
Best Decorations & Christmas Lights in New York #4: Sixth Avenue Ornaments
Right near Rockefeller center is an annual display that is not to be missed. Head to 1251 Sixth Avenue to visit the giant red Christmas ornaments. Every year the area is also decorated with a few others to compliment it, and this year there is a display of giant candy canes!

The Christmas ornaments are one of the spots that is there every year.
Best Decorations & Christmas Lights in New York #5: Hudson Yards
Want to see the most elegant Christmas decorations in all of NYC? Head over to Hudson yards to admire the Vessel tastefully lit up, surrounded by lights on the trees, as well as other Christmas décor.

Want to see the most impressive part though? Head into the mall here and you will find the most classy and gorgeous display of lights there is. From the escalators and banisters draped in lights, to the giant hot air balloon display, visiting the mall at Hudson yards is a truly jaw-dropping experience.



Hudson yards has some of the best Christmas lights in New York.
Best Decorations & Christmas Lights in New York #6: Winter Village at Bryant Park
Right in Midtown, Bryant park is one of the most magical places during the holiday season. There are many kiosks set up with Christmas ornaments, gifts, and winter treats such at hot cocoa and baked goods.
Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!



You can also go ice-skating right in the middle of the square, while being surrounded by all of the holiday magic.

Bryant Park is truly magical in the winter, and you can enjoy ice skating in the middle of the skyscrapers.
Best Decorations & Christmas Lights in New York #7: Dyker Heights in Brooklyn
Looking for the most beautifully decorated houses with Christmas lights in New York? The homes in Dyker heights each year elaborately decorate with the most flashy and festive Christmas décor.
Head from 83rd to 86th street between 11th avenue and 13th avenue, and admire all of the beautiful Christmas displays.


Head there before 9 pm as many turn their lights off then to save electricity.
Best Decorations & Christmas Lights in New York #8: NYGB Glow in Harlem
Head to the most spectacular light show in all of the city! Harlem's botanical gardens each year are draped in thousands of lights and decorations, and it is quite the experience. Tickets are $30 and sell out quick so make sure you book early!
The Best Christmas Lights in New York City: Final Thoughts & What's Next
Experiencing the Christmas lights in New York City is one of the most magical things you can do during the holiday season. The entire city transforms with twinkling lights, making every moment that more magical.
The lights are especially beautiful at night, and the later you visit them the better chance you have to enjoy them without the crowds.
No matter where you go or which Christmas Lights in NYC you choose to see, you're going to love spending December in New York. Bundle up, grab your camera, and enjoy the festive magic that makes New York one of the best places in the world to celebrate the holiday season.
What's Next?
Now that you know where to find all of the best Christmas lights in New York, let's help you explore all of the other places to enjoy New York!
Here are some other New York guides that we have for you:
17 Christmas Restaurants in NYC
29 Christmas Activities in NYC
The Top Christmas Trees in NYC
Where to Find the Best Christmas Decorations in NYC
🪟 13 Best Holiday Window Displays in NYC
52 Fun Things to Do This December in New York
30 Cool Restaurants in New York City You Need to Try
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC
The 19 Best Waterfalls in New York
Our 16 Favorite Instagrammable Places in NYC
The Best Valentine's Day Date Ideas in NYC
10 Things to Do in NYC for Free
The Ultimate New York City Travel Guide
...and more coming each week!




Travel Planning Tools
Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!
New York City is one of the most magical and festive places when it comes to the holidays. The Christmas lights in New York and lavish decorations create a vibrant atmosphere all over the city. Enjoy these spots and add them to your bucket list for your next holiday season in New York.
Want to see more great things to do in New York year-round? We have plenty of other New York articles for you to have the best trip to NYC.
Need help planning your trip? We're here to help! With Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning Services you can now explore more, while spending much less! Want to learn more? Take a look at our travel planning packages.

You'll also love:
Like this article? Please share it with your family and friends, so that we can continue to keep creating free travel guides for you! It takes just a second, and would mean the world to us. Thanks for being here!


