The Best Christmas Lights NYC Offers And Festive Attractions

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Photograph: Courtesy Brooklyn Botanic GardenWhere to see stunning holiday lights in NYC

The most stunning holiday lights NYC has to offer make spending the holidays in the city even more magical.

Tuesday November 18 2025ShareCopy LinkFacebookTwitterPinterestEmailWhatsAppWritten by Rossilynne Skena CulganThings to Do EditorAdvertising

Since New York City transforms into a magical wonderland with millions of holiday lights right after Thanksgiving, it's helpful to know where to find the best Christmas lights in NYC.

Expect to see over-the-top inflatable Santas at the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn and iconic displays at Central Park and Rockefeller Center. Take it all in and get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” at these landmarks, holiday markets and neighborhoods that create the most picturesque holiday light displays during the holiday season.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in New York

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Best Christmas lights in NYC

1. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree

• Things to do
• Festivals

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 Centeror 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.

Read more

2. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

• Things to do

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.

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3. Winter Village at Bryant Park

• Things to do
• Markets and fairs

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.

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4. Saks Fifth Avenue's holiday light show

• Things to do
• Events & Festivals

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.

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5. Radio City Music Hall

• Midtown West

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.

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6. The Plaza Hotel

• Hotels
• Spa hotels
• Midtown West

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.

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7. Hotels with over-the-top holiday decor

• Hotels

‘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.

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8. Rolf’s Restaurant

• Austrian
• Gramercy

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.

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Need to get into the Christmas spirit?

Best Christmas things to do in NYC for a magical time this holiday season

• Things to do

Make the most of the holidays with our list of Christmas things to do in NYC, including tree-lightings, classic holiday shows and festive bars.

Read more

Unforgettable experience gifts in NYC for adventurous people

• Shopping

Finding the perfect gift in NYC can be a challenge, especially for the person who has everything. That’s where an experience gift can come in handy.

Read moreAdvertising

The best photos of Christmas in New York

• Things to do

Lovers of snow, ice-skating and all things glittery, get ready to swoon at the sight of our fair city at its festive best.

Read more

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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