Christmas in New York
Christmas is my favourite time of year and what better way to spend it than in the Christmas capital of the world? Okay, not Lapland. But New York!
I lived out all of my Macauley Culkin dreams by running around one of the best cities in the world, ticking off all of their Christmas lights and decorations. For me, New York represents so many Christmas films. Growing up I dreamed about visiting and to visit in December, was a bucket list moment.
Did it fulfil all of the hype I’d given it? Absolutely! Even more so.
I blogged about my time in New York including my top 10 things to do in NYC, but this post is solely dedicated to all that is CHRISTMAS!
Top 5 Christmas Displays in New York
Rockefeller Center
Saks Fifth Avenue
Lotte New York Palace
The Plaza
Radio City
Christmas in the West Village
Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is home to arguably the most iconic Christmas tree in the world. Since 1933 it’s been the home to the most magnificent Christmas tree. Every year they cover it in bright lights and colourful baubles. All 80+ feet of it!
An estimated 125 million people visit the Rockefeller tree every year, and you can see why. Of course, the tree wouldn’t be the tree without the famous Rockefeller ice rink at its base. Featured in more films and TV shows than I can think of, its the best place for a skate or to people watch.
And as you walk away from the tree, don’t forget to take in the sights of the angels lining The Channel Gardens.Created in 1955 by artist Valerie Clarebout, they have become a tradition also. Squeeze through the crowds for the perfect photo with angels in the foreground and the tree at the back.
Lit just after Thanksgiving, it stays up until mid-January, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse of it in person.
Rockefeller Christmas tree & angels
Saks Fifth Ave
Sitting directly opposite the entrance to the Rockefeller Center is Saks Fifth Avenue. Here you will see one of the best Christmas light displays in the world. Held every year since 2004, Saks covers their front facade with hundreds of lights that move to accompanying music. The design changes each year and the display lasts for about 3-4 minutes, repeating every 10 minutes all evening until about 11pm.
The pavements can get busy, but there’s normally safety measures put in place to help everyone get a good view.
Saks Fifth Avenue 2018
Lotte New York Palace
If you ever watched Gossip Girl, you will be familiar with this picture of the Lotte New York Palace. So many scenes from the hit TV show were filmed here and at Christmas they decorate their front courtyard with a majestic tree. Complete with large star on top, the tree is covered in hundreds of thousands of baubles and ribbons.
Located behind Saks on Madison Avenue, it’s not as busy as many of the other trees around the city. So it’s a great place for a photo opportunity.
Lotte New York Palace
The Plaza
After take a stroll around Central Park, why not make a stop at The Plaza Hotel. Famous for Macaulay Culkin staying there in Home Alone 2, you can book in for afternoon tea, or have a glass of bubbles at the bar. Either way, it’s a fantastic festive spot to give your legs a rest after an afternoon of exploring.
The Plaza Hotel
Radio City
Not perhaps a Christmas tree in the traditional sense, but still a Christmas tree nonetheless, is Radio City’s red light display. Complete with red baubles in the fountains opposite, you can catch a showing of The Christmas Spactacular, starring the Radio City Rockettes. Or if you miss the tickets like us, enjoy the outside of this iconic New York Music Hall.
Radio City
West Village
I know I’ve already shared five famous New York Christmas spots, but a couple of bonus things to see are the West Village and the New York Public Library. The latter is home to another huge Christmas tree, and it happens to be a beautiful library too. Perhaps lesser known than many, it’s certainly worth a stop to see the tree if you have time. But one of my favourite areas of Manhattan has to be the West Village.
Here residents and shop owners adorn their stoops and shop fronts with lights, trees, baubles, tinsel - you name it, they’ve done it! It was a real joy to just walk around here and soak in the festive cheer.
New York Public Library
Related Posts
