This list of the best Christmas trees in New York City was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps) and a NYC local.
The Big Apple’s holiday decorations are hard to beat, and nothing embodies the holiday spirit quite like the awe-inspiring Christmas trees in New York City. But you might be wondering — where can I find the best Christmas trees in New York City?, well I’m here to help you.
As a local with a love for the holiday season I’ve put in the work to find the best Christmas trees in NYC that you can’t afford to miss. From jam-packed lighting ceremonies to hidden gems, we’re going to cover it all.
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 (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Where to Find the Best Christmas Trees in NYC
Table of Contents: New York City Christmas Trees
Table of Contents: Best Decorated Trees in NYC
- Where to Find the Best Christmas Trees in NYC
- Rockefeller Center
- Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
- Lotte New York Palace
- New York Stock Exchange
- Washington Square Park
- Avenue of the Americas
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Bloomberg Tower
- Radio City Music Hall
- Hudson Yards
- New York Public Library
- Manhattan West
- Brookfield Place
- Columbia University
- The Plaza Hotel
- New York Botanical Garden
- Zuccotti Park
- Best Christmas trees in New York City (Post Summary)
- Map to the best Christmas trees in NYC
Rockefeller Center
Neighborhood: Midtown
Location: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
Putting up a Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center is a tradition that dates back to 1933, officially (unofficially, construction workers put up the first tree in 1931). The fact that even during the Great Depression New Yorkers understood the importance of holiday cheer, it should come as no surprise that in the present this is the most popular Christmas tree in NYC.
A new tree is selected every year with an impressive requirement: the tree must be at least 75 feet tall. Decorated with more than 50,000 lights and topped with a breathtaking (and super bright) Swarovski star, this is one of the most unforgettable Christmas trees in New York City.
For the best experience, visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. Plus, the tree is lit as early as 6AM so you’ll still be able to see the lights.
For those wondering, the date of the 2024 tree lighting has yet to be released.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Neighborhood: Midtown
Location: Bryant Park
Bryant Park turns into one of my favorite NYC holiday markets each year, featuring one of the city’s most beautiful Christmas trees. The 9-acre park transforms into a European-style market with 100 vendors surrounding an ice skating rink, attracting both locals and tourists throughout the day.
The stalls offer festive decorations, handmade crafts, unique jewelry, and delicious food. Enjoy hot chocolate or mulled wine under the dazzling lights of one of NYC’s cherished Christmas trees. The lighting ceremony, featuring Olympic ice-skaters and fireworks, is nothing short of spectacular.
Lotte New York Palace
Neighborhood: Midtown
Location: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
Lotte New York Palace is a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan made popular thanks to the TV show Gossip Girl. It’s not uncommon to see fans gathered out front, hoping to catch a glimpse of Chuck Bass.
The real star of the show however is one of the most elegant Christmas trees in NYC adorning the front courtyard. The decorations always feel regal and it’s hard not to feel like one of Manhattan’s socialites while taking photos in front of this magnificent New York Christmas tree.
If you’re a die hard Gossip Girl fan and are looking for the full holiday experience consider booking a night at Lotte New York Palace, but fair warning, it’ll cost you a pretty penny.
New York Stock Exchange
Neighborhood: Financial District
Location: 11 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
If you’re looking for a fun evening full of holiday festivities look no further than the New York Stock Exchange’s (NYSE) 101st annual tree lighting. Located at Experience Square, right in front of the New York Stock Exchange, you’ll find one of the the most massive Christmas trees in NYC.
Not only is this one of the tallest Christmas trees in NYC, it’s usually very full and fluffy. Not to mention it’s one of the most colorfully decorated Christmas trees which is a nice touch to the usually gray Financial District. This is a great Christmas tree lighting ceremony in NYC to bring your kids to. Enjoy some cocoa while taking photos with costumed performers and take the time to write a letter to Santa.
Washington Square Park
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Location: Washington Square, New York, NY 10012
Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is easily one of the most popular parks in NYC. The park is best known for the grand marble arch that celebrates the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration.
During the month of December the park’s main attraction is one of the most popular Christmas trees in NYC. In fact, this annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is the second longest running in New York City (the first being Madison Square Park). The massive 45 foot tree is perfectly framed by the arch.
Visitors can expect to find Christmas caroling, both at the tree lighting ceremony as well as on Christmas Eve. Washington Square Park is lively and full of energy year-round, and adding the one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in NYC helps draw bigger crowds.
Avenue of the Americas
Neighborhood: Midtown
Location: 1211 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036
The Christmas tree at Avenue of the Americas stands tall as one of the best Christmas tree in NYC. The captivating holiday spectacle adds a festive charm to the iconic avenue. Adorned with twinkling lights, vibrant ornaments, and a cut-out at the base of the tree for photos, this tree becomes a seasonal centerpiece.
Surrounded by the bustling energy of Midtown, it stands out as a symbol of holiday celebration, attracting locals and visitors alike to revel in the unparalleled magic of one of the top Christmas tree in New York City.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) is one of the most popular destinations for those visiting the Big Apple. Those who do in December are in for a treat, one of the best decorated Christmas trees in NYC. Standing tall over an 18th century Italian nativity scene (called a Neapolitan Baroque Crèche) the tree is adorned with sculpted 18th century angel ornaments.
As if one of the most history-packed Christmas trees in NYC wasn’t enough, the museum further decorates the exhibit by adding a Spanish choir screen built in 1763. Essentially – the screen was used to separate the choir from the rest of a church.
Bloomberg Tower
Neighborhood: Midtown
Location: Beacon Ct, New York, NY 10022
The Bloomberg Tower hosts one of NYC’s underrated Christmas trees in Beacon Court. Amidst additional smaller trees, the colossal centerpiece, surrounded by the building, remains relatively unknown. Despite passing by the tower multiple times, I was unaware of this hidden gem.
For a crowd-free photo opportunity, this Christmas tree is a great find. While not entirely secluded, the lack of crowds provides a refreshing experience compared to other popular NYC Christmas trees. Nighttime adds to the enchantment, as the building’s lights contribute to the illuminated atmosphere.
Radio City Music Hall
Neighborhood: Midtown
Location: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
The Christmas tree atop the Radio City Music Hall marquee is one of the most iconic in NYC, instantly recognizable despite being made of lights rather than an actual tree. The location has been featured in numerous films, from Home Alone 2 to the Godfather, making it a quintessential Christmas symbol in the Big Apple. Don’t miss the chance to snap a picture next to the giant red ornaments across the street while you’re in the area.
Local’s tip: The Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree is less than a block away. Make sure to add both to the day’s itinerary.
Hudson Yards
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Location: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Hudson Yards is a massive mall adjacent to the art project known as the Vessel, featuring tons of high-end shops and restaurants (time for some Christmas shopping!). And if there’s one thing true about malls in America, you’ll usually find Christmas trees and Hudson Yards is no different. However here you won’t find just one, you’ll find multiple NYC Christmas trees.
The street outside is lined with trees year-round, but during the holiday season they’re adorned with strings of lights. Furthermore, once you’re inside the mall, look up, and you’ll find Christmas trees hanging from the ceiling of the mall.
The unique light and music installation at Hudson Yards Mall is called Shine On, and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. You’re going to want to admire the largest array of Christmas trees in NYC and the more than 2 million Christmas lights adorning the mall!
New York Public Library
Neighborhood: Midtown
Location: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
She’s baaaackkkk!!
The New York Public Library has one of the best Christmas trees in New York City, but recently took an unexpected hiatus. As of 2023 the tree has made a triumphant return, and it’s as beautiful as ever!
Manhattan West
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Location: 395 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Manhattan West is a plaza consisting of shops, restaurants, office buildings, and one of the best ice skating rinks in New York City. I can think of few better places to find one of the most impressive Christmas trees in NYC!
Although they only opened in the fall of 2021, Manhattan West has made quick work of getting on board with holiday traditions. The big Christmas tree in the lobby is decorated with golden ornaments to go along with the magical winter wonderland vibe.
When I’m feeling extra-festive I love to stop by for the best hot chocolate in New York City from Daily Provisions while I get my Christmas shopping done. And the tree in the lobby isn’t the only one with lights, the courtyard is home to more illuminated NYC Christmas trees.
Brookfield Place
Neighborhood: Financial District
Location: 230 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281
Brookfield Place calls themselves NYC’s best kept secret, and I can’t say I disagree. The shopping mall is run by the same folks in charge of Manhattan West and as beautiful as it is, I rarely find crowds.
Outside, on the upper plaza Brookfield Place has some of the brightest Christmas trees in NYC. They aren’t traditional pine trees, rather re-purposed year-round trees, but the sheer quantity is magical. Strangely enough, this mall has palm trees (which are not decorated) and can make you forget you’re in Manhattan. But rest assured, when you catch glimpses of the One World Trade Center it’ll bring you back to reality.
Columbia University
Neighborhood: Morningside Heights
Location: 535 West 116th Street New York, New York 10027
Although Columbia University doesn’t put up a real Christmas tree, they do decorate the trees on their NYC campus with lights. College Walk is the main thoroughfare of the Ivy League school, and the trees that line the path make for one of the best backdrops of Christmas trees in NYC.
Sometimes I wonder if the notable alumni (Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Barack Obama, Jake Gyllenhaal) also took evening strolls through the lit trees. The fact that the private university opens its doors to visitors for free makes it an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
The Plaza Hotel
Neighborhood: Midtown
Location: 5th Avenue at, Central Park S, New York, NY 10019
A premier New York City institution and world famous hotel, The Plaza has been featured in countless classic films. Perhaps the most famous film is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York that showcases the hotel well decorated for the holidays.
What many folks may not know is that the Plaza Hotel is open to the public (the main floor) and in the lobby you’ll find one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in NYC.
As a 5-Star hotel, the Plaza has come to be recognized as a status symbol, so getting a photo here is sure to impress your friends. F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Beatles, Tommy Hilfiger, and Simon Fuller have all stayed at the Plaza adding to its lore as a celebrity playground.
New York Botanical Garden
Neighborhood: Bronx
Location: 2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10458
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is home to NYBG Glow, an immersive display of lights and music. You’ll have an opportunity to see many of the best decorated Christmas trees in NYC and make memories with your friends.
It seems there’s a never ending supply of decorations and the attention to detail the staff puts into the displays is impressive to say the least. Even the buildings of the New York Botanical Garden light up with colorful beams of light that dance to a music number.
Tickets can be purchased on NYBG’s website, click here to learn more info including dates.
Zuccotti Park
Neighborhood: Financial District
Location: 112 Trinity Pl, New York, NY 10006
Walking through Zuccotti Park feels like walking through a winter wonderland, thanks in large part to one of the largest arrays of Christmas trees in NYC. The lights encircle not only the NYC Christmas trees, but also the 54 Honey Locusts that are year-round residents of the park. Finding a crowd-less tree to snap a selfie in front of is a breeze!
In the Financial District, full of concrete and skyscrapers, Zucotti Park offers ample seating and serves as reprieve to those looking to rest their feet. Therefore it’s not uncommon to see folks in business suits eating their lunch under the cheery NYC Christmas trees (properly bundled up, course).
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Best Christmas trees in New York City (Post Summary)
- Rockefeller Center
- Bryant Park Winter Village
- Lotte New York Palace
- New York Stock Exchange
- Washington Square Park
- Avenues of the Americas
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Bloomberg Tower
- Radio City Music Hall
- Hudson Yards
- New York Public Library
- Manhattan West
- Brookfield Place
- Columbia University
- The Plaza Hotel
- New York Botanical Garden
- Zuccotti Park
Map to the best Christmas trees in NYC
Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Find the Best Christmas Trees in NYC
Rockefeller Center
Bryant Park Winter Village
Lotte New York Palace
New York Stock Exchange
Washington Square Park
Avenues of the Americas
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Bloomberg Tower
Radio City Music Hall
Hudson Yards
New York Public Library
Manhattan West
Brookfield Place
Columbia University
The Plaza Hotel
New York Botanical Garden
Zuccotti Park
The Rockefeller tree lighting in 2023 will be held on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023.
The most famous Christmas tree in NYC is located at the Rockefeller Center in Midtown, Manhattan.
Helpful (Related) Links
Christmas in New York City: 20 MAGICAL Things to Do (And 5 to Avoid!)
Winter Packing Tips: What to Wear in New York City in the Winter (+Packing List)
Where to Shop for Christmas: 10 Cheerful Christmas Markets in New York City (Worth the Visit!)
Ice Skating in New York: 10 Impressive Ice Skating Rinks in New York City (+ Where to Skate For FREE!)
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
Festive Cocktails: 15 Christmas Pop Up Bars in New York City (Worth Waiting in Line For)
Restaurants open on Christmas: 20 Toothsome Restaurants Open on 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)
Dyker Heights Guide: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Guide
Best Christmas Decorations: 15 Epic New York City Christmas Restaurants You’re Sure to Love
What to Gift a New Yorker: New York Gifts | For New Yorkers & Die-Hard NYC Lovers
Best Hot Cocoa: 20 Best Cups of Hot Chocolate in NYC (Local’s Guide)
And there you have it my friends, the list of the best Christmas trees in NYC.
Happy holidays!
don connolly says
there is no tree at the public library anymore, they stopped last year(2021). last year they said they ” ran out of time”. this year no excuse.
New York Simply says
Hey Don thanks for the heads up, we’ve removed it from our list to avoid any further confusion.