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 typically lights up days after Thanksgiving 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.