The best NYC hotels with over-the-top holiday decor

Arguably the top Christmas display at any New York hotel, The Peninsula keeps it classic year after year. Immediately upon entering, you’re greeted with two towering Christmas trees along with two smaller trees at the center of their dramatic staircases, with pops of gold and red ornaments strategically dotted throughout. The Peninsula has quintessential Christmas in New York vibes, but this year, if you want to head over to Europe, they’re bringing a little taste of Swiss-style chalets to the Big Apple. Head to their rooftop and check out Chesa, which consists of four private, heated chalets around a firepit (ideal for these frigid New York temps). Each chalet has Adirondack chairs with an alpine-inspired sofa and lounge chairs, chandeliers and pillows for you to snuggle up and stay cozy. Make sure to order some of their chocolate and cheese fondue for the real Swiss effect.

Time Out tip: The Peninsula has one of the most photo-worthy tree displays in New York and is only steps away from overcrowded Rockefeller Center. If you want to get away from the herds and still get that iconic picture of you with a New York Christmas tree, take a break from the crowds and head to the Peninsula New York’s lobby instead.

If you’re feeling nostalgic this holiday season, take a stroll back in time to the 2000s. Oftentimes when hotels or restaurants do “throwbacks,” it’s to the ‘80s, ‘60s or ‘40s, but we simply cannot forget about that emo 2000s pop-punk era when our biggest concern was about who would end up on our MySpace top eight. Arlo Williamsburg is partnering with Bucket Listers to cheekily host Emo Christmas, a monthlong pop-up experience where jingle bells are swapped for angst-filled lyrics. You can even update your MySpace photo and change your AOL away message while headbanging to Taking Back Sunday. There will be pop-punk trivia nights, band-inspired parties and cocktails like Welcome to the Black Parade, served inside an ornament.

Time Out tip: Arlo Williamsburg isn’t the only Arlo hotel going full-out for the holidays. Head over to Arlo SoHo to check out pop-ups like the Lindens Winter Village Holiday Cabins and Foxtail’s Holiday Hideaway, a cozy cocktail den that’s transformed into a full winter wonderland.

Newcomer Hyatt Regency Times Square, which just opened in July 2025, is not letting their first Christmas go to waste. They’re taking inspiration from the movie Elf by showcasing LEGO brick artist Sid Dinsay’s custom brick-built version of New York’s biggest landmarks. It’s a play on Buddy the Elf’s display in the legendary Gimbels department store and is available for viewing in the lobby for both guests and anyone who wants to swing by to check it out. Hyatt Regency Times Square even hosted a Holiday Sing-along led by a broadway icon Orfeh on “December the TwELFth.” For a more traditional Christmas sighting, Christmas decor extraordinaire Jesse Cooper of Light the Lights decked out the lobby into a “Botanical Holiday Garden,” with five trees and hundreds of feet of garland, all mixed with fresh botanicals.

Time Out tip: The holidays are an expensive time to visit in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Hyatt points will take you far, so if you have some points you’ve been waiting to use, now is a great time.

Lotte New York Palace is a legendary hotel year round, but they really step it up a notch each holiday season. Their grand lobby is already ornate, but come Christmastime it gets decked out even more so with ribbons of garland and twinkling lights. Their 35-foot Christmas tree in the Palace Courtyard is one of the most picture-perfect trees in the city, so don’t be surprised if you see some crowds here. Lotte New York Palace also offers suite takeovers from partner Balsam Hill to transform their impeccable rooms to all things festive.

When it comes to over-the-top decor, Lotte New York Palace delivers. This year, they’ve used over 1,000 feet of garland (that amount could cover 2.8 football fields), over 30,000 lights and have decked their Christmas tree with 4,500 lights and over 1,000 ornaments. It doesn’t stop there, though: They also have “The Gingerbread Palace,” a miniature replica of the hotel made entirely with gingerbread along with a roof of 950 macarons.

Time Out tip: Need something warm to sip while doing your holiday shopping and sightseeing? Check out Winter Bar at the Palace, open from Wednesday through Sunday. Go for a Mexican Mint Hot Chocolate, a spiked concoction made with Patron Silver Tequila, peppermint schnapps and Madagascar dark chocolate.

Our furry friends deserve some holiday cheer, too. This year, Kimpton Hotel Eventi recognizes that traveling with pets is as important as ever, and they’re commemorating our love for our fur babies with an offering of an over-the-top holiday pet package. The “Santa Paws: Holiday Shoot & Stay Package” is available to all guests traveling with four-legged friends, and includes a Pet-Friendly festive photo shoot. This consists of a 60-minute photo session against Eventi’s decked out holiday backdrop. It’s ideal for Christmas cards, but also just a fun memory and a special way to celebrate the love for your pet. You’ll also be greeted with a “Festive Welcome Basket” made up of holiday-themed toys, gourmet treats and exclusive “Santa Paws” surprises. While many hotels charge an arm and a leg for traveling with pets, Kimpton Hotel Eventi has a no pet fee policy and provides a cozy pet bed in all guestrooms upon request, along with food and water bowls.

Time Out tip: Located just a seven-minute walk away is Madison Square Park, which is home to Jemmy’s Dog Run. If your dog feels like being social, this is a great way to let them run off-leash in an enclosed space and make friends with other pups.

Located just steps away from some of New York’s most popular holiday attractions, like Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue shopping, Omni Berkshire Place has one of the most festive pop-ups in the city. Head to Blitzen’s Bar, which is fully decked out with ornaments, bright red and green decor, neon lights and various Christmas trees. You’ll even see sleds lined with buffalo plaid pillows with sayings like “I’m Dreaming of a Wine Christmas.” It makes for great photo ops, but more importantly, the cocktails are thoughtfully curated by recognized mixologist, author and bar owner Julie Reiner.

Time Out tip: This area of New York is oversaturated and can be hard to find a legitimate place to grab a bite to eat. However, it’s all about knowing where to go: Head to Piccola Cucina Uptown for their tableside tiramisu, Pavé for a jambon beurre and Nerai for their “Pikilia,” or trio of Greek spreads.

With a nine-story Victorian atrium, The Beekman feels chic and classy, and this year’s holiday decor brings that feeling of elegance home. Each year, The Beekman, set inside an 1881 building, is a sought-after gathering spot during the holiday season. For the best of The Beekman’s holiday decor, head to The Bar Room, referred to as “the living room of Downtown Manhattan,” with a large display of vintage books, and during the holidays, an enchanting holiday tree. Sip a cocktail under twinkling lights—it makes for one of the most timeless festive cozy spots in the city. 

Time Out tip: If visiting holiday trees is on the agenda, The Beekman is just a short walk (less than 10 minutes) from South Street Seaport, home to a towering Christmas tree that’s illuminated bright each night. Plus, the Seaport has a “nautical Menorah,” which will be lit until the last sunset on Monday, December 22.