Where to see stunning holiday lights in NYC

The fabulous holiday icon of NYC, The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a must-see for both locals and visitors during the holiday season, whether you’re visiting before ice-skating on The Rink at Rockefeller Center or just passing through.

More than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights wrap around the branches. It’s topped with a three-dimensional Swarovski star that weighs 900 pounds and sparkles in 3 million crystals.

The tree will be lit daily from 5am to midnight after a special light-up night ceremony on Wednesday, December 4. On Christmas Eve, the tree is lit for 24 hours and on New Year’s Eve it is lit from 5am to 9pm. The tree goes dark for the season in mid-January.

The tree is lit up 5am-midnight from December 4-mid January.

Best for: Lovers of Christmas tradition.

On the day after Thanksgiving, the neighborhood of Dyker Heights undergoes a transformation, as residents along several blocks in the area festoon their homes with elaborate holiday decorations.

And we're not talking about a Christmas tree or a simple nativity scene: Among the kitschy pieces you might see are life-size reindeer, huge inflatable Santas and snowmen, Christmas carols blaring from loudspeakers and tens of thousands of lights.

See the lights from November 29 through New Year's Eve.

Best for: Anybody looking for a free, walkthrough experience. 

Bryant Park transforms into a winter wonderland each year with ice skating, hot drinks, a cozy lodge, and a spectacular Christmas tree. 

While you're there admiring the decor, also check out holiday shops where you can check off everyone on your list. Even if you’re simply passing by this Christmas utopia, take a moment to grab some hot cocoa, sit back and admire the magic.

It's open through March 2, 2025.

Best for: A complete holiday experience—lights, shopping, ice skating, and cocoa.

The Tianyu Lights Festival has made its debut Citi Field and it’s got the glowy magic we all want in a light show. It differentiates itself by merging traditional Chinese lantern-making with modern technology (using steel, LED lights, and other colorful fabrics) to create sculptures is the storyline that inspires the entire festival.

All the sculptures tell a story called "Koda’s Adventure," which explores the Amazon rainforest. Even cooler, there are live performances of traditional Chinese plucked string instruments the guzheng and pipa, the peakcock dance and artwork using traditional Chinese styles.

The Tianyu Lights Festival is open every day from 5 to 10pm (the last entry is 9pm), except for December 9, December 16, December 20, January 6 and January 13. You can snag tickets at tianyuculture.us/nyc, which start at $22.

The Meatpacking District will be packed with holiday lights this year, perfect for some photo opps. Sparkling lights, larger-than-life snowpeople, glowing dandelions, geometric photo frames and neon decor will take over the neighborhood's streets starting on December 11. 

See it all along Ninth Avenue between 14th Street and Gansevoort Street. If you want a taste of pristine nature without having to step foot ouside of the city, check out the debut of the enchanting “Gansevoort Forest,” in which over 100 deciduous and evergreen trees of various shapes and sizes up to 25 feet will be spread throughout Gansevoort Plaza in tadem with the spectacular holiday lights. 

Home to the incredible, high-kicking Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall is one of the most cheerful and well-lit landmarks during the merriest time of year. It’s no shock since the venue is known for its always-packed holiday show: Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Its twinkling Christmas tree is certainly captivating enough to make us want to stop and take a photo or two.

Visit anytime during the holiday season.

Best for: Those who want to check a holiday icon off their bucket list.

While taking a winter stroll through the iconic Central Park, it’s worth stopping by the Plaza Hotel to enjoy the hospitable venue’s lovely holiday decorations. From Christmas wreaths adorned with ornaments, to pine-covered trimmings covered with rows of white lights, the view could cheer up even the Scroogiest New Yorker.

The lights are on throughout the holiday season.

Best for: Those who want an elevated holiday experience. Book a reservation for tea or drinks in advance.

‘Tis the season for tinsel, ornaments, and all things merry and bright. In true New York fashion, some hotels simply go above and beyond when it comes to the most wonderful time of the year. Even if you feel more like Scrooge or the Grinch this holiday season, we have a feeling these hotels and their over-the-top decor will manage to make you smile thanks to their festive charm whether you stay there or visit for a tipple.

From FiDi to Brooklyn and beyond, here's where to go to admire the lights and snap some holiday photos.

See the lights all December long.

Best for: Finding holiday cheer across the city. Check out our guide to find a spot near you.

This bar and grill combines traditional German food and beer with a healthy serving of kitsch, notably with its annual Christmas decorations. Year-round, you can enjoy a wide range of German dishes, especially meats and sausages, while an array of faux medieval paintings peeks out behind meticulously entwined oak branches. 

The decor at Rolf's is up all year long!

Best for: Dinner and drinks with your holiday cheer.