The holiday season in New York City is more than a winter wonderland. While we haven’t really had snow the past few years, it does feel like the holidays regardless. There’s a magic to the city with the holiday lights and the light displays. We recommend checking out a light attraction after visiting a holiday market to get into the holiday spirit. With so many choices and select dates running through the end of the year, we are here to spread holiday cheer. I’m excited to share the different holiday light experiences to enjoy before Christmas Day comes. These are the best Christmas lights and holiday lights in New York City to check out!
Luminocity is an awe-inspiring light show transforming iconic landmarks and public spaces into vibrant displays of color and motion. The show combines cutting-edge projection mapping, dynamic visuals, and immersive soundscapes. These all create a captivating experience for audiences of all ages. With its stunning blend of art and technology, the light festival brings a sense of wonder to the city’s winter nights. Ultimately making it a must-see event for locals and tourists alike.
Located at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Lightscape is a dazzling winter light display. Lightscape transforms the garden into a magical landscape of glowing colors and intricate designs. It features over a million lights! With installations that wind through the garden’s scenic paths, it creates an enchanting atmosphere. You can enjoy a variety of artfully crafted light displays, including illuminated trees, glowing flowers, and whimsical sculptures, all set against the natural beauty of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Lightscape has become a holiday tradition, offering an immersive, festive experience for families and nature lovers alike.
The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights display is a seasonal tradition. It features thousands of sparkling lights that transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. You can stroll through enchanting illuminated pathways, admire animal sculptures, and enjoy festive shows and activities for all ages. They also highlight the zoo’s commitment to conservation. Some of the displays are designed to raise awareness about endangered species and wildlife protection. We go every year as a family and it’s the best time to enjoy the zoo!
The holiday light display at Lincoln Center brings a festive sparkle to the iconic spot. We love the breathtaking illuminations surrounding the plaza and areas nearby. The centerpiece of the display is the stunning light canopy, which creates a dramatic and joyful atmosphere for everyone walking by. It adds a magical touch to the holiday season, enhancing the arts center’s blend of culture, music, and dance. All while offering a beautiful setting for seasonal celebrations.
Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is famous for its extravagant holiday light displays, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The people that live there go all out, decorating their homes with thousands of twinkling lights, inflatable Santas, giant reindeer, and elaborate, over-the-top holiday scenes. The neighborhood has become a must-see destination for those looking to experience one of the most dazzling Christmas light displays in New York City. The festive spirit, combined with the neighborhood’s vibrant holiday decorations, creates a magical atmosphere that captures the joy and wonder of the season. If you’ve never been, this is one of the best places to see holiday lights in the NYC area this Christmas season.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the Seaport is a festive holiday light display that transforms the waterfront into a magical holiday destination. You can explore a dazzling array of lights, enjoy themed photo opportunities, and take in the festive atmosphere with views of the East River and iconic city landmarks. The event also features seasonal attractions, including live performances, a holiday market, and visits with Santa himself, making it a delightful experience for families and holiday enthusiasts.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is one of New York City’s most iconic holiday traditions. It’s known for drawing crowds from around the world to see its stunning 75-foot-tall evergreen adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and a dazzling Swarovski crystal star on top. The tree lighting ceremony marks the official start of the holiday season in NYC and is a beloved spectacle broadcasted to millions. Located at Rockefeller Plaza, the tree is a symbol of festive cheer and a must-see attraction for locals and tourists alike during the holidays. This year, the tree was sourced from a couple who planted it at the start of their marriage and it’s grown all of these years, making it even more special.
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards is a spectacular holiday light display that transforms the area into a festive winter wonderland. The display features interactive light installations, sparkling sculptures, and towering digital projections. It creates an immersive holiday experience for visitors of all ages. Set against the backdrop of Hudson Yards, it has become a must-see holiday attraction. We love that it offers both a festive atmosphere and a modern, artistic take on seasonal cheer.
We would say that Radio City Music Hall is a quintessential part of New York City’s holiday magic. It has dazzling lights and festive decorations adding to the excitement of the season. The historic venue is beautifully adorned with bright, colorful lights that illuminate the famous marquee. Visitors can experience the world-renowned Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The surrounding area also has stunning light displays, creating a festive atmosphere in the heart of Manhattan. Whether you’re catching the Rockettes or admiring the twinkling lights, Radio City Music Hall offers a truly iconic New York holiday experience. It’s an annual tradition for us during this magical time! We always make sure to get tickets to see the Radio City Rockettes in Midtown Manhattan!
The Grand Army Plaza Menorah in Brooklyn is one of the largest menorahs in the world. It stands at an impressive 32 feet tall. Each year, it becomes a focal point for Hanukkah celebrations, with nightly lighting ceremonies that feature live music, cultural performances, and traditional foods. It is a menorah lighting for each night of the holiday. This stunning display brings the spirit of the holiday to the heart of Brooklyn, creating a festive atmosphere for everyone.
This is a really exciting new addition this year! Holiday Under the Palms at Brookfield Place is a vibrant holiday event that transforms the place into a festive, tropical wonderland. The centerpiece of the celebration is a stunning installation of palm trees draped in twinkling lights, set against the backdrop of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. Visitors can enjoy seasonal music, holiday-themed photo opportunities, and festive shopping, all while experiencing the unique juxtaposition of winter cheer and palm-lined elegance. With its warm, inviting atmosphere, Holiday Under the Palms offers a refreshing take on the traditional holiday display in the heart of Battery Park.
This iconic hotel actually has some really pretty lights to check out! The holiday lights at Lotte New York Palace transform the luxurious hotel into a glittering holiday landmark, drawing visitors from around the world. The iconic mansion façade is adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, while festive decorations fill the Plaza courtyard, creating a magical atmosphere. This stunning light display, combined with the hotel’s elegant holiday décor, offers a breathtaking setting for visitors to experience New York’s festive spirit.
The holiday lights at The Shops at Columbus Circle create a stunning, upscale festive atmosphere in the heart of Manhattan. Each year, the shopping center is transformed with shimmering lights. This includes a massive 14-foot-tall holiday tree that greets visitors in the main atrium. The twinkling displays extend throughout the complex, adding to the luxury shopping experience and drawing in crowds to enjoy the festive beauty. With live performances and seasonal decorations, it offers a memorable destination for those looking to embrace the holiday spirit in style. This is also the perfect spot to get gifts in late November before the craziness of the holidays begin. These lights will put your right in the festive mood and you can bring the whole family there to enjoy them during the most wonderful time of the year.
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