In my opinion, New York is THE place to be for Christmas. There’s lots of movies and shows that showcase New York City as a winter wonderland and I swear it lives up to the hype! New York will be the place I can go year after year for the holidays and I will never get tired of it. I promise you will absolutely love Christmas in New York.
In this post we’ll go over where to see amazing Christmas trees, experience New York Christmas Markets, look at Christmas lights and window displays, and go ice skating at the city’s multiple rinks. There is something for everyone to love and enjoy when spending a Christmas in New York.
If you’re looking for a Christmas Holiday Tour, then you won’t want to miss this one!
Don’t feel like walking to see all the holiday lights? Opt for this guided Night Bus Tour!
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Christmas Trees
New York is known for its many epic Christmas trees, particularly the largest one right in Rockefeller Center. Here’s a list of the best trees you can’t miss.
Rockefeller Tree
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree located right in Rockefeller Plaza is one of the biggest and most popular trees in NYC. If you’ll be experiencing Christmas in New York then this is one that needs to be on your radar.
The Rockefeller tree is always lit up the Wednesday after Thanksgiving so this year it will happen on Wednesday, December 4th. From that date forward, it will be lit daily from 5am to midnight. On Christmas Eve the tree will be lit for 24 hours. You can view the tree through mid-January.
Location: Rockefeller Center between 5th and 6th avenues and E 49th and E 50th streets.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park has lots of Christmas offerings for you, one of them being their Christmas Tree and lighting. You get a view of the tree with the skating rink and Christmas market!
This year the lighting will take place on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6pm. This is a free event but with limited space. Entry will begin at 4pm and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location: Between 5th and 6th avenues and E 40th and E 42nd streets.
Lotte New York Palace
Call all Gossip Girl fans for this one! Don’t miss this Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour for even more iconic spots from this amazing show.
This Christmas tree is at an iconic location seen throughout the show. Feel like a true Upper East Sider at this year’s new outdoor bar, Winter Bar at the Palace, open daily from 3-9pm.
Location: 455 Madison Avenue between E 51st and E 52nd avenue.
Washington Square Park
Right under the Washington Square Arch at the park is a beautiful New York Christmas tree. On December 24th, there is a carol concert right next to the tree.
Location: Washington Square right above West 4th street.
Central Park
Central Park is such an iconic spot that its tree is also iconic. Here you will find a floating tree! Head to the northwest part of the park called Harlem Meer Lake. Enjoy this unique tree in a beautiful New York City spot.
Location: Northwest Central Park at Harlem Meer Lake.
The Plaza
Calling all Home Alone 2 fans! You’ll recognize this iconic spot and definitely want to see it during your visit. Check this out if you’re looking for even more NYC Home Alone 2 spots!
The Christmas Tree at the Plaza Hotel is one of the few you’ll find indoors instead of outside. Due to the beauty of the tree and that this is an operating luxury hotel, times to visit this tree are limited. If you aren’t staying at the hotel, you can visit anytime before 10am and after 10pm every day.
Location: 768 5th Avenue between E 58th and E 59th streets.
Madison Square Park
Curious about the first ever installed Christmas Tree in the US? Well then you need to head to Madison Square Park. The first tree here was installed in 1912 and continues to have a tree every year making it a good location to check out if you’re in the area.
Location: 11 Madison Avenue between 23rd and 26th streets.
New York Stock Exchange
Found right at Wall Street where the New York Stock Exchange is, you can find the first NYC Christmas tree to have electric lights. Before all the trees switched over, they used candles which was a bit of a fire hazard. Use the visit to this tree to explore more of Manhattan’s downtown.
Location: 1 Wall Street.
South Street Seaport
The historic seaport is a must visit during Christmas time. In addition to the Christmas tree, there will be a Santa’s headquarters at the Rooftop at Pier 17. You can see the Christmas tree lighting on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6pm at the Water and Fulton Streets.
Location: South Street Seaport – Pier 17.
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Are you as excited as I am to experience a Christmas in New York? I hope you’ll take advantage of these tips and make the most of your time there!
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