This list of the best Christmas decorations was written by Yana Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps) and a NYC local.
New York City doesn’t do anything halfway, and its incredible Christmas decorations prove it year after year. Stores, neighborhoods, and restaurants spare no expense in adorning their spaces with lights, giant ornaments, wreaths, and garlands, giving the entire city a palpable holiday buzz.
As a local who’s spent years looking for the best Christmas decorations in NYC, I wrote this article to try to share some of the holiday magic. This guide will tell you everything you need to know; let’s dive in!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
New York Christmas Decorations
Table of Contents: The Best Holiday Decorations NYC
Table of Contents: Where to Find the Best Christmas Decorations in New York City
- New York Christmas Decorations
- Rockefeller Center
- South Street Seaport
- Hudson Yards
- Bryant Park Winter Village
- The New York Stock Exchange
- Oscar Wilde
- Industry City
- Dyker Heights
- Macy’s Herald Square
- Fifth Avenue
- Papillion Bistro
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
- New York Botanical Garden
- Oculus Center
- Rolf’s
- Loreley’s Beer Garden
- Lotte New York Palace
- Radio City Music Hall
- New York City Christmas Decorations (Post Summary)
- Map to Christmas Decorations in New York
Rockefeller Center
Website: Rockefeller Center
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
At the heart of Rockefeller Plaza stands the Rockefeller Christmas tree, a 75+ foot spectacle draped in more than 50,000 lights and topped with a breathtaking Swarovski star. Underneath the tree is the Rink at Rockefeller Center, chock-full of families, couples, and tourists ice-skating around and around.
Directly across from the Rockefeller Center is the most famous Christmas lights display in NYC, the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show. The holiday lights dance to the tune of classic Christmas music at regular 10-minute intervals. For those with only enough time to visit one place for Christmas decorations in New York City, the Rockefeller Center should be priority #1.
South Street Seaport
Website: South Street Seaport
Address: 19 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
The South Street Seaport is next-door neighbors with the Financial District and is a historic area with cobblestone streets, small unique storefronts, and Pier 17, a multi-use venue. During the holiday season, the Seaport is adorned with some of the most charming Christmas decorations in NYC.
There’s a Christmas tree at the Seaport’s entrance, and if folks work their way down Fulton Street, they’ll notice the shops hanging wreaths and garlands, creating a cozy atmosphere. In years past, Pier 17 has had an ice-skating rink (they put it on the roof in 2023) for folks to partake in the timeless winter activity.
Hudson Yards
Website: Hudson Yards Shine On
Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Hudson Yards is a massive luxury mall brimming with high-end shops and restaurants. During the holiday season, Hudson Yards hangs up some of the best Christmas decorations in New York City in an event called Shine On, which boasts more than two million lights.
Trees and hot air balloons hang from the ceiling, and the trees outside the mall get wrapped in thousands of lights. The decorations are so extraordinary that the mall is one of the most Instagrammable Christmas spots in NYC, attracting locals for photo-ops and not even for shopping.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Website: Bryant Park Winter Village
Address: 42nd Street and, 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Bryant Park is a 9.6-acre park in New York City that is transformed into one of the best holiday markets in NYC every year. Designed after a European-style market, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park features 100 vendors that line one of the most popular ice skating rinks in New York City.
The Christmas colors of green and red are everywhere, and cheery locals in warm clothing hop from stall to stall, enjoying the one-of-a-kind knick-knacks for sale. Moreover, a Christmas tree stands in the park with giant baubles available for pictures!
The New York Stock Exchange
Website: The New York Stock Exchange
Address: 11 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
Experience Square is home to a striking Christmas tree and the New York Stock Exchange (which lights up in shades of green and red). The Christmas decorations in New York City attract tourists and locals alike, especially for the tree’s lighting ceremony.
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is great for kids. While you enjoy the festive New York Christmas decorations, your kids can warm up with cocoa, take photos with costumed performers, and write letters to Santa!
Oscar Wilde
Website: Oscar Wilde
Address: 45 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
One of the most viral Christmas restaurants in New York City, Oscar Wilde decorates nearly every conceivable surface for the holidays. The animatronics, lights, and baubles all fit into the Victorian-era restaurant where craft cocktails are the specialty. However, due to the restaurant’s fame, reservations go quickly, so book them as soon as possible.
Industry City
Website: Industry City
Address: 220 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Comprised of 16 buildings across 35 acres, Industry City sits on the Brooklyn waterfront in Sunset Park. The large industrial space opened in the 1890s and was used for manufacturing and distributing.
Today, visiting Industry City for epic New York Christmas decorations is one of the most popular things to do during the holidays. The hallways are decked out in lights, baubles, and garlands. The courtyards are home to an ice skating rink and some of the best heated outdoor dining in NYC (with cozy fireplaces!).
Dyker Heights
Address: 1072 80th St 1st. Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11228
The Dyker Heights Christmas lights consist of around 100 houses in south Brooklyn, decorated for the holiday season with bright lights, blow-up figurines, and lawn decorations. The entire neighborhood turns into a holiday wonderland full of the best Christmas decorations in New York City.
Lucy Spata started the festive tradition in the 1980s (the photo above is of her home), affectionately known as the Queen of Christmas. Over the years, neighbors joined in, elevating the decorations to extravagant levels. Some residents personally adorn their homes, while others opt for specialized companies, albeit at a steep starting cost of $1,000.
Macy’s Herald Square
Website: Macy’s Herald Square
Address: 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Covering an entire city block and spanning 1.1 million square feet, the largest Macy’s in the world is as impressive as it sounds. Visiting for the best New York Christmas decorations is a must (and a little retail therapy never hurts anybody). The decorations span both the interior and exterior of the store.
Macy’s Christmas window displays are legendary, and the Santaland event has some of the best Christmas decorations in NYC for kids. For Santaland, Macy’s transforms the 8th floor of their massive department store into a free Christmas palooza. Visitors will meander through charming villages, Santa’s workshops, and other fun displays before meeting Santa face-to-face.
Fifth Avenue
Address: Fifth Avenue (Between 42nd & 59th Streets), New York, NY 10022
Fifth Avenue is the most popular shopping area in NYC and one of the most popular shopping areas in the world. It’s always chock-full of people, especially during Christmas in New York. The shopping district is marked by luxury brands competing with stunning window displays.
Lucky us! The competition lets us enjoy some of the best New York Christmas decorations. Some stores and hotels do it better than others. If you’re short on time, the best decorations are at Cartier, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., and the Peninsula Hotel (whose lobby is open to the public).
Papillion Bistro
Website: Papillion Bistro
Address: 22 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022
Those looking for over-the-top Christmas decorations in New York City need look no further than Papillion Bistro. The restaurant is covered in all types of decorations from floor to ceiling. Illuminated angels and a life-size Santa adorn the outside, and the inside looks like a Hallmark movie. Since Papillon Bistro is a bar and restaurant, I always take the chance to order their French onion soup or an espresso martini.
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Website: Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Address: 249 W 49th Street & 13 E 17th Street
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment is an easy-going and ornate Victorian-era restaurant that completely decks out in true New York holiday spirit. Think shiny garlands, life-sized nutcrackers, and countless Christmas trees. As for food, expect to find everything from classic pub favorites like cheeseburgers and chicken wings to more refined dishes like ceviche and tartar.
New York Botanical Garden
Website: New York Botanical Garden
Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
Home to more than one million living plants, the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is a sight to behold. The garden is located within Bronx Park on 250 acres of land, giving ample space for the garden to spread its roots (pun intended).
Furthermore, the NYBG also hosts an annual event called GLOW, where they illuminate the garden with some of the best New York Christmas decorations. The New York Botanical Garden’s buildings are lit with colorful beams of lights that dance to a music number. The experience is truly immersive since you get to walk through the thick of it.
Oculus Center
Website: Oculus Center
Address: 185 Greenwich St LL3110, New York, NY 10006
Located right next to the One World Trade Center, Oculus Mall is quite the architectural feat and one of the most popular attractions in NYC. Many may not know that the mall’s main concourse annually transforms into a Christmas market with some of the best New York Christmas decorations.
What sets this Christmas market apart is the beautiful decorations on display. The photo opportunities are endless; giant ornaments, festive lights, and Christmas trees make the perfect setting for a picture.
Rolf’s
Website: Rolf’s
Address: 281 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
Although I (personally) don’t consider having a holiday meal at Rolf’s a must-do during a trip to the Big Apple, I have to include them on this list because it’s hard to argue there’s a restaurant with better Christmas decorations in New York. Truthfully, the food is sub-par and can feel like a tourist trap, but the restaurant’s decorations are second to none.
Loreley’s Beer Garden
Website: Loreley Beer Garden
Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Home to the largest heated outdoor patio in the Lower East Side, Loreley’s Beer Garden spares no expense in decorating its interior and exterior. The patio has an entire wall adorned with greenery, ornaments, and lights, serving as a backdrop for photos. With that said, Loreley Beer Garden is one of the most famous holiday bars in New York City, so making reservations is highly encouraged.
Lotte New York Palace
Website: Lotte New York Palace
Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
Lotte New York Palace is a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan made famous thanks to the TV show Gossip Girl (Chuck Bass owns the hotel in the show). With that said, during the holidays, the real attraction is one of the most elegant Christmas trees in NYC adorning the front courtyard.
The New York Christmas decorations always feel regal, and it’s hard not to feel like one of Manhattan’s socialites while taking photos in front of this grandiose Christmas tree.
Radio City Music Hall
Website: Radio City Music Hall
Address: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
There are few displays of New York Christmas decorations as instantly recognizable as those at Radio City Music Hall. The glowing lights and Christmas tree above the marquee draw folks in like a magnet. Not to mention, across the street are giant red baubles that have also become popular.
So many holiday movies have used the locale to establish time and place. From Home Alone 2 to The Godfather, the lights are instantly recognizable. It’s also not uncommon to see visitors taking photos in front of the world-famous venue.
New York City Christmas Decorations (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a quick rundown of the top New York Christmas Decorations:
- Rockefeller Center
- South Street Seaport
- Hudson Yards
- Bryant Park Winter Village
- The New York Stock Exchange
- Oscar Wilde
- Industry City
- Dyker Heights
- Macy’s Herald Square
- Fifth Avenue
- Papillion Bistro
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
- New York Botanical Garden
- Oculus Center
- Rolf’s
- Loreley’s Beer Garden
- Lotte New York Palace
- Radio City Music Hall
Map to Christmas Decorations in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
The best Christmas decorations in New York can be found at the iconic Rockefeller Center.
Christmas decorations typically go up in New York City shortly after Thanksgiving, around late November or early December.
The Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn is famous for its extravagant Christmas decorations.
Yes, Christmas decorations typically start appearing in New York City in November, especially after Thanksgiving.
Central Park doesn’t decorate for Christmas, but vendors in the park will sometimes sell holiday related items and performers will play Christmas music.
Helpful Christmas Links
Christmas in New York City: 20 MAGICAL Things to Do (And 5 to Avoid!)
Christmas Packing Tips: What to Wear in New York City in the Winter (+Packing List)
What to Watch in NYC for Christmas: 15 Charming Christmas Shows in New York City (2024 Guide)
Christmas on a Budget: 20 Free Things to Do During Christmas in New York City
Where to Drink on Christmas: 10 Bars Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in New York City
The Capital of Christmas: 10 Festive Things to Do at the Rockefeller Center during Christmas
Prettiest Window Displays: 10 Wonderful Window Displays in New York City (Local’s Guide)
What to Gift a New Yorker: New York Gifts | For New Yorkers & Die-Hard NYC Lovers
Best Hot Coco: 20 Best Cups of Hot Chocolate in NYC (Local’s Guide)
New York City Christmas Inspo: 15 Charming Christmas Movies Set in New York City
New Years Eve in Times Square: 2024 Guide to Celebrating New Years Eve in Times Square
The Most Chaotic Day of the Year: Everything You Need to Know About SantaCon NYC
There you have it, our list of the best spots for New York Christmas decorations. Hope you enjoyed this list as much as we enjoyed making it.
Cheers!
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