The 8 Best Locations for Christmas Lights in NYC
Are you looking to get in the holiday spirit? Well, New York is the place to be. The Christmas lights in NYC alone will leave you amazed with all of the different neighborhoods, and just how much the city shines this time of year.
As a local to the area, I’ve spent 36 years going into New York City for the holiday season. Each year I make it a point to find new places and hidden gems across the five boroughs.
Draped with lights, and covered in beautiful décor, there are so many great spots to check out all over the city, and here are our absolute favorite spots to see the Christmas lights in NYC.
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Finding the Christmas Lights in NYC
Before diving into the top locations to find Christmas lights in New York, we’re going to share when the lights typically go up, and the best places to base yourself if you’re looking to enjoy the holiday lights in NYC.
📆 What Dates Do the Christmas Lights Go On in New York?
Every area of the city does things a little different, but the closer you get to Christmas the more lights and decorations you’ll see across the city. Pretty much anytime in December is a safe bet for enjoying the most dazzling displays, but you’ll actually notice that lights start going up slowly right when Halloween is over!
I just went into Midtown November 2nd, and Herald Square and Macy’s were already covered in lights! Generally speaking though, you’ll see the majority of shops and streets starting to shine once Thanksgiving passes.
📍 Where is the Best Place to See Christmas Lights in NYC?
The most popular places to experience impressive Christmas lights in NYC are generally surrounding Midtown. However, you can find gorgeous Christmas decorations and holiday displays in all five boroughs!
My personal favorite is Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, and Hudson Yards also tends to put on quite the show.
Our guide will cover the absolute must-visit Christmas lights in NYC, but we also encourage you to explore in other neighborhoods and stumble across your own hidden gems. Every year is a bit different, and each year it appears there are more and more families and businesses joining in on the holiday spirit.
Best Christmas Lights in NYC
Ready to explore the top Christmas lights in NYC? Here are our favorite 8 locations across the city to experience.
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.
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! It’s definitely one of our favorite Christmas activities in New York that we make sure to experience each year!
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.
3. Macy’s & Herald Square
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 Herald Square, which is right next to Macy’s. It also has some beautiful lights, and is already up the first week of November!
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!
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.
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.
You can also go ice-skating right in the middle of the square, while being surrounded by all of the holiday magic.
7. Dyker Heights in Brooklyn
Looking for the most beautifully decorated houses with Christmas lights in NYC? 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.
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 NYC: 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.
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know where to find all of the best Christmas lights in NYC, let’s help you explore all of the other places to enjoy New York!
Here are some other Christmas in NYC guides that will help you plan your trip:
🍸 22 Christmas Bars in NYC
🍴 17 Christmas Restaurants in NYC
🏨 Top 10 Hotels in NYC for Christmas
🎅🏻 29 Christmas Activities in NYC
🎄 The Top Christmas Trees in NYC
🪟 The Best Window Displays in NYC
🎁 Where to Find the Best Christmas Decorations in NYC
📆 52 Fun Things to Do This December in New York
⛸️ 13 best ice rinks in NYC
❄️ A guide for winter in NYC
📕 The ultimate guide for experiencing Christmas in NYC
Want to learn more about visiting NYC? Here are our other New York guides:
✈️ How to Get from EWR to NYC
🛫 How to Get from LGA to NYC
🛬 How to Get from JFK to NYC
🌷 Guide for Spring in NYC
📆 Unmissable Spring Events in NYC
🍝 30 Cool Restaurants in New York City You Need to Try
🌸 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC
💧 The 19 Best Waterfalls in New York
❄️ Visiting NYC in Winter
📸 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
🚇 How to Get Around NYC Like a Local
🎾 Experiencing the US Open in New York
🍁 20 Amazing things to do in fall in NYC
🎟️ 25 Fall events in New York
🍂 A guide for visiting New York in Fall
🎃 Halloween in NYC guide
🪦 Sleepy Hollow day trip from NYC
👻 Halloween in the Upper West Side
…and more coming each week!
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.
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