A Guide to the Best Christmas Lights in NYC 2024

If you’re looking for the most famous Christmas tree in all of NYC, then surely it’s this one.

As we already mentioned, the tradition of putting up a beautiful Christmas tree here goes back to the 1930s, but it’s also where movie history was made: this is where Kevin meets his mom at the end of Home Alone. 

Sparkling with over 50,000 lights and with the ice-skating rink below and the surrounding festive decorations, it’s the ultimate holiday hotspot. Expect crowds—but it’s totally worth it for the iconic holiday cheer.

If you’re not from New York or you’ve never been to NYC before, this Christmas lights display is truly going to blow your mind. 

An iconic brand like Saks doesn’t do anything by halves, and it’s not enough to call this a window display (even if that’s kinda what it is). The entire building’s façade lights up in a synchronized spectacle set to music, and the whole experience is totally dazzling. 

It’s a must-see for anyone strolling down Fifth Avenue!

Similarly, Macy’s wasn’t about to let Saks take all the credit. 

If you’re looking for Christmas lights NYC has to offer that feel a little bit like a Hallmark card, then Macy’s Herald Square is what you need. 

Its elaborate window displays tell magical stories, and inside, Santaland awaits. It’s a classic stop for holiday lights, decorations, and, of course, retail therapy.

Well, you could argue that Times Square is the longest running lights display in NYC (it’s pretty much always bright here), it does get an extra dose of festive spirit during Christmas. 

The perfect place to snap a larger-than-life holiday selfie, Times Square has massive digital screens displaying holiday-themed visuals, and the area buzzes with seasonal energy and holiday shoppers.

What would Christmas even be without Radio City?

The building’s giant red Christmas tree lights up the entire block, making it a perfect photo spot after catching the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes (which, by now, is an NYC Christmas institution).

There’s a reason the Grinch specifically mentions stealing the toys from The Whos down in Whoville: what’s Christmas or holiday without toys?

And just FYI, FAO Schwarz isn’t just a toy store—it’s a holiday lights destination. Its storefront sparkles with festive lights, Christmas trees and cute, cozy-looking toys all enjoying the holiday season. 

I’ll be amazed if you can resist the temptation to go inside, and honestly, whether you have kids with you or not, you totally should: it’s a great mix of wonder, nostalgia and festive cheer.

Another NYC Christmas lights display on Fifth Avenue, but one that you totally shouldn’t miss.

Cartier usually wraps its building in a giant, glowing red bow every Christmas, and if you’re looking for an elegant display of holiday lights to show off on Instagram, this is it.

In NYC, Bergdorf Goodman’s holiday windows are legendary, usually featuring intricate designs and lights that tell imaginative stories. 

In years gone by, the window dressers at Bergdorf Goodman used to dress up mannequins in exquisite clothing, but in recent years, they’ve changed it up to put on a dazzling display that’s as artistic as it is festive. 

Expect to see plenty of glitzy, glittery designs and plenty of sparkle from their holiday lights–as well as gorgeous Christmas trees decorating the sidewalk.

Another glamorous addition to NYC Christmas lights, Bloomingdale’s window displays are famous for being ultra chic and creative, while the store’s exterior shines with lights, adding extra sparkle to the Upper East Side.

No legendary list of Christmas lights in NYC would be complete without mentioning Tiffany’s–because, as Audrey Hepburn’s character said, the only cure for the “mean reds” is to go to Tiffany’s.

Hopefully, the only kind of reds you’re experiencing around the holiday season are jolly ones, but it’s never a bad time to go and enjoy the beautiful window displays at Tiffany’s. 

As you’d expect, Tiffany & Co’s elegant holiday lights match the luxury of its diamonds. The entire store glows with a chic, icy blue hue, and the festive window displays are sure to add a bit of sparkle to your holiday shopping on Fifth Avenue.

First up, one that you’ll almost certainly recognize and wonder what’s so hidden about it.

Yes, Bryant Park’s Winter Village is an NYC Christmas lights paradise and judging by its crowds, it’s very well known. 

What you might not be aware of, especially if you’re from out of town, is that this is actually one of the best places to find things to do in NYC at Christmas time. 

There are cozy igloos, a curling cafe and bar (curling is the Winter Olympic sport that looks way easier than it is), Santa’s corner and even bumper cars on ice–and, not forgetting, the ice rink surrounded by holiday market stalls.

Another place that’s worth a look while tracking down NYC Christmas lights displays is Grand Central Terminal, which gets a festive makeover during the holidays. 

Elegant lights illuminate its iconic architecture, and The Holiday Fair adds a dash of Christmas cheer, making it a perfect spot to enjoy twinkling lights while doing some holiday shopping.

The Lotte NY Palace Hotel turns its courtyard into a winter wonderland with a beautifully lit Christmas tree and glowing decorations. 

This hidden gem offers a quieter, luxurious alternative to the city's bustling holiday scenes, and if you’re as big a fan of Gossip Girl as I am, yes–this is that hotel and Christmas tree. Don’t miss it!

Spoiler alert: Hudson Yards absolutely lives up to its name with the “Shine On” installation. 

What does that mean? Around 2 million glittering lights adorn the shops and public spaces, creating a stunning display that gives new meaning to Christmas sparkle. 

There are also multiple Christmas trees, pop-up holiday stores and plenty of holiday shopping to be done around here so, if you’ll excuse the pun, it’s a one-stop-shop for all things Christmas!

Now this is one of my favorite NYC Christmas lights and unfortunately, so many people seem to miss it!

At Christmas time, Pulitzer Fountain gets draped in lights and festive decorations, and it just looks so cozy and warm especially on dark, chilly evenings. It’s also in a great location–wedged between Central Park and Fifth Avenue.

The Peninsula Hotel’s holiday decorations are both classy and whimsical. 

With its glowing Christmas tree and festive lights, this luxurious hotel adds a touch of warmth and charm to Fifth Avenue’s holiday scene.

This intersection glows with festive energy during the holidays, and if you’ve ever Googled a picture of NYC at Christmas, there’s a high chance you’ve already seen what this looks like on screen.

With department stores like Bloomingdales nearby, expect to see plenty of twinkling lights and cheerful window displays as you wander around this shopping hub.