I love New York City every single day of the year; however, it’s during the Holidays that it truly shines. With its dazzling lights, holidays decorations, window displays, Christmas songs everywhere, and festive trees on every corner, you’ll feel like you’re on the set of a Hallmark movie.
Beyond the most-photographed Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, there are so many other spectacular ones you won’t want to miss!
🌟 Since moving to NYC in 2007, I’ve been immersing myself in the magic of Christmas here. In 2011, I created the first draft of this guide on my Italian blog to help everyone experience the full wonder of NYC during the holidays. Over the years, I’ve updated it to include all the iconic NYC trees, hidden gems, and the most enchanting hotels.
🎄 Most Christmas trees in NYC are lit after Thanksgiving, from 6 AM to midnight, and remain lit until early January.
💡 PRO TIP: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the most Instagrammable shots. You can even have your personal tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center daily at 5 AM, when the lights turn on – it’s an unforgettable experience!
Let’s dive into the most comprehensive guide to NYC’s holiday trees you’ll find anywhere! 🎅
MOST ICONIC NYC CHRISTMAS TREES – Listed by Lighting Dates/Times 🌟
1. Radio City Music Hall
📍 Location: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave, New York – between 50th and 51st Streets.
The Christmas tree atop Radio City Music Hall’s marquee is usually the first one to be lit every season, and it has been featured in numerous movies, including Home Alone 2.
While you’re there, walk along Sixth Avenue from 47th to 53rd Streets to see the traditional giant red balls and candy canes. And why not watch the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes? ✨ Book your tickets though my link ti support my work at NO extra cost for you (this helps me keep sharing NYC’s best experiences with you – THANK YOU! 🫶). Viator guarantees the lowest price: if you find the same product cheaper online up until 48 hours before your trip, they’ll refund the difference!!! 😊
2. The Avenue of the Americas Tree
📍Location: 1211 6th Ave, New York – between 47th and 48th Streets.
This lesser-known tree on the Avenue of the Americas is a twinkling beauty with a lighted tunnel at its base – perfect for a whimsical photo-op! 📸
3. Tavern on the Green Tree
🗓️ Lighting Date: December 2, 2024, 5:30-8pm.
📍 Location: Enter at W 67th St and Central Park West , New York – inside Central Park .
The iconic Central Park’s Tavern on the Green is hosting the annual tree lighting ceremony with warm cookies and carolers.
4. Bryant Park Winter Village Christmas Tree
🗓️ Lighting Date: December 3, 2024, 6-7pm.
📍 Location: Bryant Park, 6th Ave, New York – between 40th & 42nd Streets.
The stunning Norway spruce is a centerpiece of Bryant Park’s Winter Village, surrounded by boutique holiday shops and NYC’s BEST ice skating rink (FREE admission when you bring your own skates!). ⛸️
The lighting ceremony is an hour-long spectacle, featuring Broadway performances, ice skating under the stars, Santa’s appearance and a stunning fireworks display!
🎤 Celebrity Appearance: Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga will host this year!
💡Pro Tip: Arrive by 4 PM to secure a spot for the show.
5. South Street Seaport Christmas Tree
🗓️ Lighting Date: December 3, 2024 – events start at 3pm; lightning from 6-7pm.
📍 Location: 19 Fulton St., New York – between Front and Water Streets.
Located in the historic Seaport District, this charming tree is surrounded by cobblestone streets, and a magical waterfront setting. Expect live performances, cozy drinks for adults, a Seaport Kids x Gingerbread cookie decorating experience at The Gingerbread City, and a backdrop of ships in the harbor.
Hidden Gem: Visit the rooftop Winterland Skating Rink at Pier 17 for breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
6. Madison Square Park Christmas Tree
🗓️ Lighting Date: December 3, 2024, 4:30-5:45pm.
📍 Location: Madison Ave & E 23rd St, New York.
Did you know that Madison Square Park’s Christmas Tree was the first public holiday tree in the U.S., illuminated by 3,500 electric lights back in 1912? It’s perfect for a quieter, more intimate holiday vibe.
🍫 Insider Tip: Grab a decadent hot chocolate at nearby Lavazza Bar inside Eataly – it’s one of my favorites!
7. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
🗓️ Lighting Date: December 4, 2024, 7-10pm.
📍 Location: Rockefeller Plaza, New York – between W 48th & W 51st Streets.
The Rockefeller Center Tree is the world’s most iconic holiday tree, adorned with 50,000 LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski star. Did you know the first unofficial tree here was set up by construction workers during the Great Depression in 1931? The “official” tradition began in 1933.
🌟 Best Time to Visit: Just before 5 AM to experience the magical, daily tree lighting!
8. New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Christmas Tree
🗓️ Lighting Date: December 5, 2024, 3-7pm.
📍 Location: NYSE, 1 Wall St, New York.
The tradition of NYSE Christmas Tree dates back to 1923, making it one of NYC’s oldest! It was also one of the first trees in the city to feature electric lights. The tree lighting event includes live music performances, snacks, and refreshments for a festive experience.
9. The Floating Christmas Tree in Central Park
🗓️ Lighting Date: December 5, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm..
📍 Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Central Park, New York – next to the Harlem Meer.
For over 25 years, the Central Park Conservancy has dazzled visitors with a floating flotilla of Christmas trees on the Harlem Meer. This event includes Santa’s appearance, hot cocoa, and caroling, making it a truly heartwarming tradition.
10. Washington Square Park Christmas Tree
🗓️ Lighting Date: December 11, 2024, 5-6pm.
📍 Location: Washington Square Arch.
This elegant tree is beautifully framed beneath the iconic Washington Square Arch, with the Empire State Building twinkling in the background. The tree will be lit from 4pm to 1am throughout December. Experience the old-fashioned caroling before the tree lighting – lyrics will be provided! This year marks the 100th anniversary of this beloved neighborhood tradition.
🎅 Bonus: Miss the lighting ceremony? Come back on Christmas Eve at 5pm for another round of caroling!
INDOOR TREES YOU CAN’T MISS
1. New York Public Library (NYPL) Christmas Tree
📍 Location: New York Public Library, 476 Fifth Ave, New York – between 40th and 42nd Streets.
Located in Astor Hall, the NYPL’s Christmas tree is probably the most charming and elegant holiday displays. While you’re there, don’t miss the library shop, which offers hand-painted ornaments inspired by NYC landmarks!
2. Brookfield Place Winter Garden – Luminaries ✨
📍 Location: 230 Vesey St., New York.
Step into the stunning Winter Garden at Brookfield Place, where the holiday season comes alive under the mesmerizing Luminaries installation and beautiful Christmas Trees. This interactive display features a canopy of hundreds of glowing lanterns suspended high above, illuminating the space with vibrant, ever-changing colors.
Make a wish at the touchless wishing stations, and watch your wish light up the canopy! For every wish made, Brookfield Place donates $1 to local charities, spreading even more holiday cheer. 🎁❤️
🌴 Bonus: Snap a selfie with Santa in a tropical-themed setting during the Holiday Under the Palms event.
3. The Tree at Swarovski’s 5th Avenue Flagship
📍 Location: Swarovski Flagship Store, 680 Fifth Ave, New York.
The newly opened Swarovski flagship store on Fifth Avenue (Swarovski’s largest store worldwide) features an extraordinary Christmas tree that matches its opulent decor. Designed in pastel pinks, greens, yellows, and creams, the space feels like stepping into a luxurious jewelry box. 💎✨
4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Angel Tree and Nativity
📍 Location: 1000 Fifth Ave, New York.
The Met’s Christmas tree is a true work of art, featuring 18th-century Neapolitan angels and a detailed nativity scene with over 200 figures. Cherubs and angels hang delicately from its branches, creating a heavenly display.
Set in the Medieval Sculpture Hall, the tree stands before a heavenly 18th-century gold Spanish choir screen from the Cathedral of Valladolid, adding extra grandeur to the holiday scene.
5. American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Origami Tree
📍 Location: 200 Central Park W, New York – Central Park West & 79th Streets.
Since the 1980s, the AMNH Origami Tree has celebrated the holidays with creativity and wonder. Decorated with over 1,000 hand-folded origami ornaments, the tree showcases dinosaurs, fossils, whales, and more – think Blue Whale, Tyrannosaurus Rex, kangaroos, and elephants!
Each year, the tree follows a unique theme, highlighting the artistry of origami creators from around the world. You’ll find this magical display in the Ellen V. Futter Gallery on the first floor.
6. Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
📍 Location: 30 Hudson Yards, New York.
Prepare to be dazzled by Hudson Yards’ 725 evergreen trees, each illuminated to create a gleaming forest. The display includes a 16-foot tall illuminated hot air balloon and two million twinkling white lights!
It’s probably one of my favorite holiday destinations, with plenty of photo ops: snap a picture with Santa or surrounded by the glittering lights – it’s a magical spot for your holiday Instagram feed. Read more about it in the Best of Christmas in NY blog post.
With plenty of shopping options, it’s also perfect for tackling your Christmas gift list! 🎁
BEST CHRISTMAS TREES IN NYC’S HOTELS
New York City hotels go all out to deck their halls and get everyone in the holiday spirit. Here are some of the most iconic ones:
1. The Plaza Fairmont Hotel
📍 Location: 768 Fifth Ave, New York – at 59th Street.
A timeless classic that never gets old! This quintessentially New York hotel is a must-see – not just for Home Alone fans. If you are a fan, you can even experience “getting lost in New York” just like Kevin McCallister by booking the Plaza Hotel’s “Home Alone: Fun in New York” special offer (Rates vary by room type and availability). Package Highlights include:
- A 4-hour limousine ride (complete with hot cheese pizza 🍕, of course!) to visit Kevin’s favorite NYC spots.
- A 16-scoop ice cream sundae to indulge in your “extra-large bed,” just like Kevin! 🍨
Heads Up: Access to the lobby is limited to hotel guests during the day, and a doorman told us you can visit before 9 AM or after 9 PM.
2. Lotte New York Palace
📍 Location: 455 Madison Ave, New York- between 51st & 52nd Streets.
Known for its glamor (yes, you might recognize it from Gossip Girl!), the Lotte New York Palace’s Christmas tree is a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. It’s one of the city’s most photographed holiday spots!
Inside the hotel, smaller trees decorate the grand lobby, while the holiday magic continues with the Gingerbread Palace – a stunning creation crafted by the hotel’s pastry team in over 300 hours of dedicated work
3. The Peninsula Hotel
📍 Location 700 Fifth Avenue, New York- at 55th Street.
When Luca and I stayed at The Peninsula New York during Christmas, it was a dream come true. From the “Afternoon Tea” to the stunning room, the tree lighting ceremony on the rooftop, and the spa with its gorgeous pool overlooking Fifth Avenue and Central Park – it was an unforgettable experience!
And truth is, you don’t actually have to be a hotel guest to perspire all its magic!!! Everyone can step in and take all its beauty in. You can start admiring the very festive and elegant exterior, and once you’re in, you’ll be wowed by the majestic Christmas Tree, the holiday decor and the hotel red stairs. Everything feels like a very chic Christmas Wonderland! 🎅✨
💡 Pro Tip: Visit the rooftop Salon de Ning, transformed into a cozy Swiss chalet. Sip champagne in the heated igloos while enjoying breathtaking views of the bustling Fifth Avenue holiday vibe below.
🎁 Insider Tip: Treat yourself to a Winter Wellness Escape! When you book a 60-minute (or longer) spa treatment, you’ll enjoy full access to The Peninsula’s serene pool, steam room, and saunas – the perfect urban oasis for hectic New York days!
MAP: PLAN YOUR PERFECT HOLIDAY ROUTE
👉 Explore all the trees mentioned in this guide with my custom Google Map. 📍
DYKER HEIGHTS HOLIDAY LIGHTS MEET-UP 🎉
Dive into the ultimate Christmas Spirit by joining me on December 3rd for a VivereNewYork get-together stroll through the magical lights of Dyker Heights!
Known for its extravagant holiday lights, this Brooklyn neighborhood transforms into a winter wonderland with larger-than-life decorations. Since 2010, I’ve been hosting this FREE and OPEN-to-everyone meet-up, and it’s one of my favorite traditions! Come along to capture the most Instagrammable decorated houses and enjoy the festive vibes.
🌟 Read all details here.
FINAL THOUGHTS
🎅❤️ Christmas in New York City is a magical experience like no other.
Which tree are you most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments or tag me in your holiday photos on Instagram – I can’t wait to hear more about your holiday adventures! ✨
