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.

Talk about shining bright! Two million twinkling white lights will adorn Hudson Yards for the shopping center’s fifth annual holiday display. This year's seasonal illumination includes 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees dressed to create a gleaming forest, 16-foot tall illuminated hot air balloon decorations and a massive 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece suspended in The Great Room of The Shops & Restaurants. 

In addition to the awe-inspiring light display, there are plenty of free photo opportunities, chances to visit Santa and stores to shop for everyone on your list.

See it through January 5, 2025.

Best for: Selfie seekers—the photo opps here are on point!

For more than 25 years, the Central Park Conservancy has been draping the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center in holiday lights, which are illuminated every night during the season. Don't miss the flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer, which light up for the season on Thursday, December 5 at 5:30pm. 

If you can make it there on December 5, join your fellow revelers (and Santa!) for an evening of carol singing, seasonal activities and, of course, hot chocolate. As is tradition, the festivities wrap up with the lighting of a flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer. Extra tip: Print out this songsheet so you're prepared for the carols!

It's on view December 5 through the holiday season.

Best for: The unconventional light-seeker who wants to see a different light display.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden's gorgeous, after-dark illuminated spectacular is back this holiday season. Lightscape, an illuminated trail of art from local and international artists, features the iconic Winter Cathedral and a larger Fire Garden—all set to over a million lights, color and music.

As always, a curated playlist of music brings the light art to life, and there will be food concessions along the trail that will still offer seasonal treats like hot cocoa, hot cider, and mulled wine as well as light bites, cookies and sweets.

See it through January 5.

Best for: Those who need a little awe this holiday season. Each display truly dazzles.

The Bronx Zoo's sparkling seasonal outdoor celebration featuring animated lights and LED displays of animals from around the world is back.

Expect the zoo to dazzle with 400 wildlife lanterns representing 100 species spread across an expansive area of the zoo. This year, the display spreads across six different trails, focusing individually on wildlife from North America, Africa, Latin America, and more. 

The zoo is introducing an interactive lights section this year with bright stepping stones and sparkling lights. Also don't miss the park’s holiday train, new snacks like apple pie nachos and warm spiked apple cider, and ice carving demonstrations. 

Holiday Lights will run at the Bronx Zoo on select dates through January 5.

Best for: Families and kids of all ages.

The weather outside is, indeed, getting frightful, so this holiday season, cozy up to the "Island of Warmth" activation at Manhattan West. Along with an electrifying urban bonfire, there will be music and dance performances (from Harlem Lite Feet with Chrybaby Cozie, the Maimouna Keita School of Dance, and Music from the Sole), memorable holiday photo opportunities, and a show-stopping winter lights display that is sure to mesmerize the whole family.

Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate by Daily Provisions on December 4, caroling around the campfire on December 11 and a Hanukkah celebration featuring the Brooklyn Klezmer Trio Plus on December 18. 

Visit through January 8, 2025.

Best for: Folks who want to cozy up by a bonfire of sorts.

Take a break from Christmas shopping and check out the state-of-the-art holiday light display at The Shops at Columbus Circle. This year, the seasonal spectacle has been pumped up with 300,000 shimmering lights, 44 new LED stars, and over 3,000 feet of sparkling garland illuminating the entire complex. 

You’ll be so moved, you won’t even care that you maxed out your MasterCard getting Aunt Judy that back massager she’s been wanting. Along with daily light and music shows (which run every half hour from 5pm to 11pm), the Shops will also host festive activities and events throughout the season, including free live Broadway performances and children’s programming, a gingerbread village and more. 

See it through January 5, 2025. 

Best for: Those who want to get a little shopping done alongside the festive awe.

This holiday season, escape to an island paradise without ever leaving Manhattan. Celebrate the first-ever Holiday Under the Palms at Brookfield Place. Running through the end of the year, the brand-new concept will transport visitors to a warm, tropical oasis in the heart of frigid New York, thanks to the recent arrival of 16 new palm trees to BFPL’s iconic Winter Garden.

Among the "sunny" lineup of free events and family-friendly programming are waterfront ice skating, selfies with Santa, a tropical holiday cocktail crawl, festive giveaways and live performances of that Christmas classic, The Nutcracker, by the New York Theatre Ballet.  

See is through January 3, 2025.

Best for: New Yorkers who'd rather be on the beach.

Framed perfectly inside the park's famous arch, Washington Square Park's beautiful tree is a sight to behold. It officially lights up on Wednesday, December 11 (5-7pm), and all are invited to the festivities. The tree lighting ceremony includes carols by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet and vocalist Linseigh Green. Santa Claus himself has promised to appear, candy canes in hand, to lead the illumination countdown. 

If you miss the tree lighting, you can see the beautifully lit 45-foot tree throughout the holiday season, lit from 4pm-1am daily.

Also mark your calendar for Christmas Eve caroling on Friday, December 24 at 5pm. 

On view December 11 and through the holiday season.

Best for: Carol singers. 

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.

Bronx Little Italy’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will return to Ciccarone Park on Saturday, December 7, inviting all revelers to embrace the spirit of the season with an opportunity to meet Santa, enjoy holiday carols, and savor delicious Italian cookies and hot chocolate from local small businesses.

During the ceremony, the Belmont Business Improvement District will also co-host a toy giveaway for local families with The Children’s Cancer Society of America. (Toys will be available on a first come, first served basis and the child must be present.)

See it December 7 through the holiday season.

Best for: Lovers of Italian cookies!

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.