The Best New York City Christmas Spots To Visit This Year

There is nothing like Christmas in New York City! Millions of tourists visit NYC every year to see the most spectacular holiday decorations around the city. There are many beautiful Christmas Trees, stand alone decorations, epic restaurants and malls with holiday transformations and more.

You can wonder around and always find some ornaments. But you can also use this guide from a local to find the best Christmas spots in the city and be sure you won’t miss anything!

Have a nice reading and a wonderful time in New York City this holiday season.

Don’t forget to check out my other post: Christmas In New York City – Holiday Guide

Rockefeller Center

45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111

Starting the New York City Christmas guide with the most iconic tree at Rockefeller Center. No doubt this is a must see attraction when in NYC.

You can see the tree at Rockefeller Center from November 30th, 2022, until the first week in January 2023. The tree will be lit daily from 5:30pm until 12am. On Christmas Day, December 25th, the tree remains lit for full 24 hours.

Saks Fifth Ave

611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022

The first light show of 2022 takes place on Nov 22nd when the Saks Fifth Avenue holiday windows are unveiled. The show runs every 10 minutes from 5 pm to 11 pm each night.

Cartier

635 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022

Definitely one of the most photographed stores on 5th Avenue. Every year Cartier changes its decorations and there are always people taking snaps of the iconic building. The best photo opportunity is when you are crossing the intersection across from the store’s corner.

Lotte New York Palace

4555 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022

Personally this is my favorite Christmas Tree in the city not only because it’s simply gorgeous but also because there is less crowd most of the time compared to any other place (although with every year there are more and more people visiting this spot). The tree is located in the hotel’s outdoor courtyard but make sure to visit the lobby where you will be surprised with two more trees and even a Santa Claus mailbox.

The Peninsula New York

700 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

When you will be walking along 5th Ave don’t forget to stop by The Peninsula Hotel. Right after first step into the hotel you will be presented with a fairytale like Christmas decoration. You can also check their fun Salon De Ning rooftop with outstanding city views.

Pulitzer Fountain

764 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019

The Pulitzer Fountain which is just a few steps away from the famous Plaza Hotel gets a fabulous makeover for the holiday season. Make sure this place is on your bucket list since the decoration becomes better and better every year.

Radio City Music Hall

1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10022

Every year Radio City Music Hall installs a huge Christmas Tree right between the famous signs on the corner of 6th Avenue. You can snap a photo on the intersection but I highly recommend you walk behind the fountain with large red ornaments for a better frame.

6th Ave Red Ornaments

Between 49th & 50th Street

Giant red ornaments by the fountain (mentioned above) across the street from Radio City Music Hall are definitely an amazing addition to the 6th Avenue Christmas vibe. Come here to take a photo and rest before you explore more holiday attractions in Manhattan.

6th Ave Candy Canes

Between 50th & 51st Streets

This sweet decoration will remind you of your childhood for sure. Located just across the street from Radio City Music Hall attraction, it will grab your attention immediately.

6th Ave Christmas Trees

Between 52nd and 53rd Streets

Two gorgeous golden identical Christmas Trees are waiting for you here. Surprisingly this place does not get so crowded so you can easily take some good shots.

All-American Christmas Tree

1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY

Beautiful Christmas Tree in patriotic colors of red, blue and white. You can take a great shot from the front of the courtyard or snap a shot like me from the side of 48th street.

One Beacon Court

731 Lexington Ave (courtyard of Bloomberg Tower)

Another beautiful Christmas Tree surrounded by mixed-use glass skyscraper development. The best time to visit this place is after sunset when the lights are more visible.

Bryant Park

5th Ave, Ne York, NY 10018

So much to see and experience in Bryant Park. You can ice skate, do holiday shopping, try some food, or simply walk around and admire beautiful Christmas Tree and the holiday vibe.

The annual Tree Lighting ceremony returns this year to the park on Nov 29th at 6pm. The in-person event is free and open to the public, however the space is limited (entry begins at 4pm on a first-come, first-serve basis).

You can also watch the full livestream here.

Hudson Yards

20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

Another must visit spot when in New York during Christmas. Every year Hudson Yards holds “Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards” starting from Nov 14th 2022 through Jan 8th 2023. You will be able to enjoy an indoor-outdoor light and music installation that features more than 2 million white lights illuminating The Shops, Public Square & Gardens, The Edge and Vessel.

Every day at 5pm there is a visual spectacle that is synchronized with festive music.

The Vessel

20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

The original NYC’s attraction, located in Hudson Yards, is surrounded by millions of lights during the holiday time. This is definitely a great opportunity for a very unique photo and souvenir from your visit to New York City during Christmas.

New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree

11 Wall Street, New York, NY

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

27 Barclay St, New York, NY 10007

Oculus Center

185 Greenwich St LL3110, New York, NY 10006

Dyker Heights

Brooklyn, New York

Dyker Heights is the most magical residential area that looks like a holiday fairytale. The best lights are from 11th Ave to 13th Ave and from 83rd to 86th Street

Upper East Side House’s Decorations

One of my favorite activities during Christmas time is just wandering around Upper East Side to see amazing home decorations. There are many different locations so just walk around and discover them by yourself. You can also get more information on my Christmas on the Upper East Side post.