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 lights up on Wednesday, December 3 and stays on through mid-January. On Christmas Eve, the tree is lit for 24 hours and on New Year’s Eve it is lit from 5am to 9pm. 

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 this Brooklyn neighborhood 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 28 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 gift 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 runs from October 24, 2025 through March 1, 2026.

Best for: A complete holiday experience—lights, shopping, ice skating, and cocoa.

Lightscape, Brooklyn Botanic Garden's gorgeous, after-dark illuminated spectacular promises a glittering winter wonderland where you'll feel like you're strolling through an enchanted forest. More than 1 million lights combine to form illuminated trail of art by local and international artists.

Don't miss the iconic Winter Cathedral, where you'll definitely want to snap a selfie. Plus, expect firefly fields, glowing bluebonnets, flocks of luminous birds and a reimagined Sea of Light.  

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

Lightscape runs from November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026.

Best for: All ages, but it's especially fun for families pushing strollers. 

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 and 44 floating stars illuminating the entire complex in holiday cheer. Holiday Under the Stars runs from November 10 to January 3, 2026.

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. Color-changing stars will perform choreographed light shows every 30 minutes from 5pm to midnight, casting a kaleidoscope of color across the shopping center. Also look for illuminated stars at the 58th Street and 60th Street entrances and sparkling photo moments throughout the complex.  

It's free to visit, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants to stop by along the way. 

See it from November 10-January 3, 2026.

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

After a hiatus in 2024, the beloved Saks Fifth Avenue New York holiday light show will return with a reimagined spectacle this holiday season. Expect a dazzling state-of-the-art show where "the lights will dance to a curated medley of uplifting music, creating a luminous celebration of light and sound," Saks announced. 

The light show projects thousands of synchronized lights across the building's façade in time with festive music. The light-and-sound experience complements the store's six windows along Fifth Avenue. Each window display will bring enchanting New York City moments to life, from a snowy Central Park boat scene to a resplendent holiday tree.

The show returns on November 24 and plays daily. It repeats every few minutes after sunset until about 11pm. 

Best for: A free holiday spectacle.

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

New this year, look for a series of ten 11-foot-tall toy soldier statues, as well as photo opps with Santa's sleigh. On December 15, don’t miss the Hanukkah Menorah lighting celebration in partnership with the local Chabad of Midtown.

In addition to the awe-inspiring light display indoors and outdoors at the Vessel, there are plenty of stores to shop for everyone on your list (including yourself). The lights will be up through January 7, 2026. 

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. 

This tree lighting may not get the same pomp and circumstance as the Rockefeller Center tree lighting, but we think it's just as beautiful.

It's on view December 4 through the holiday season.

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

Framed perfectly inside the park's famous arch, Washington Square Park's beautiful tree is a sight to behold. It officially lights up on Thursday, December 11 (6-7pm), 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 December 24 at 5pm. 

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.

Jamaica, Queens' annual three-day celebration is back for its 11th year, running from December 5 through 7. Expect food vendors, an artisan holiday winter village, Christmas displays, the largest Christmas tree lighting in Queens on Friday night, a parade on Saturday, and toy giveaways on Saturday. 

The Parade on Rockaway—the biggest parade in the whole borough—will take place on Saturday, stretching from 130th Street to 143rd Street on Rockaway Boulevard. 

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 millions of lights and hundreds wildlife lanterns spread across six lantern trails. 

Beloved favorites return, including the holiday train and Enchanted Sea, plus look for new additions such as snow tube slides, an illuminated ice-themed throne and virtual snowball throwing.

Holiday Lights will run at the Bronx Zoo on select dates from November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026

Best for: Families and kids of all ages.

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.

Do it up right and make a reservation for afternoon tea or evening cocktails to get the full experience.

The lights are on throughout the holiday season.

Best for: Those who want an elevated holiday experience.

‘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.