Best Christmas Trees in NYC to See this Year!

As we get into the colder months of the year and we start getting closer to Christmas and the New Year, we've started planning our Christmas trips and some of our must-do holiday activities.

Some of the things we love to do during those weeks are visiting the different Christmas markets, going ice-skating in the different rinks in the city, and, of course, checking out some of the new Christmas trees and the beautiful decorations around the city! There’s nothing better than finding a new Christmas tree and revisiting some of our favorite ones in New York City.

There’s an old idiom that says “there’s no place like NYC during the holidays,” and I have to definitely agree! I’ve spent some of my Christmas holidays in places like the Caribbean, the old European Markets, Australia, and other cities in the US, and New York is still my all time favorite place.

So if you are traveling to New York City for Christmas this year, you’ll be happy to know that the city is everything you’ve seen in your favorite holiday movie. The lights display on the Saks Fifth Avenue windows, the snow, Central Park, Rockefeller Center...

Spending Christmas in New York City means you'll make some of the best memories of your life, and that you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful Christmas Trees in the world! Who doesn’t want to spend Christmas in New York?!?!

So if you’re planning a great Christmas in the best city in the world, we are sharing the Best Christmas Trees in NYC to see this holiday season!

Best Christmas Trees in NY

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

It is one of the most amazing trees in the world, and it’s one of those things that you can only see in NYC during the holidays!

When does the Christmas tree go up in NYC?

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting takes place on the Wednesday evening following Thanksgiving weekend, and you can go see it in person or watch it on TV.

Visitors not only get to see the large Norway spruce tree ( the tree measures between 21- 30m/ 60-100ft) but they can also experience the ice-skating rink under one of the most famous Christmas trees in NY, festive music, and the beautiful lights. The Rockefeller Center area can definitely get a bit crowded, but it’s all worth doing at least once in your lifetime.  

New Yorker’s Tip: Go up to the Top of the Rock to see the entire city lit up during the Christmas holidays! It’s a very fascinating experience, especially if it's your first time spending Christmas in New York. 

For your ice skating experience, I actually recommend going to Central Park: the rink is way bigger, lines move faster, and you’ll get to see those Central Park views while skating! Win-win-win!

Central Park: Tavern on the Green Christmas Tree

And speaking of Central Park, if I had to recommend a top place to visit in New York City during your Christmas trip, it would probably be Central Park. I love Central Park all year long, but during Christmas everything looks even more magical: from the ice-skating rink and the snow-covered grass to the impressive skyscrapers peeking through the trees.

There’s absolutely nothing better than eating a warm and hearty meal at Tavern on the Green, an iconic NYC restaurant located on the west side of the park. Order a mulled wine and  a soup while admiring the gorgeous Christmas tree the restaurant puts up every year in their courtyard. 

New Yorker’s Tip: You don't have to be a guest of the restaurant to go see the tree. If you are visiting NYC around the first week of December, check the restaurant website to see what time the lighting of the tree will take place on December 3rd. Tavern on the Green hosts a lighting ceremony that’s open to the public every year, even offering complementary hot chocolate and cider  as well as other holiday treats!

Why else am I so obsessed with the magic of Central Park in the winter? Well, right next to the Park you’ll also find the Columbus Christmas market, the iconic Plaza hotel, and plenty of horse-drawn carriages that will make you feel like the queen or king of your own fairytale! Amazing!

New York Botanical Garden Light Experience, Tree & Holiday Train Show

One of my favorite Christmas experiences in NYC is going to see The Holiday Train Show, the Garden lights, and the beautiful Christmas tree at the New York Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the spectacular miniature train ride around model representations of every iconic  tourist landmark in NYC: the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Yankee Stadium, Brooklyn Bridge, and more.

Two years ago they also added Glow, an outdoor experience full of Christmas lights, festive installations, colors, and of course, a beautiful Christmas tree on the grounds of the Enid Haupt Conservatory. You can experience all of this in the same area! This holiday experience is a super cute place to go on a romantic date. Plus, the Botanical Garden also offers delicious holidays drinks, food options, and even a DJ on most of its festive nights! 

New Yorker’s Tip: Check for dates and times of the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-up and the artistic ice-sculpting night hosted by the garden. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike! 

Christmas Tree at Bryant Park Winter Village

The Bryant Park Winter Village Christmas pop-up market is without a doubt a staple of Christmas in NYC, and is another of my top recommendations on this list of the Best Christmas Trees in NY to see this year.

You’ll not only get to admire the custom decorated Christmas tree, but you can also explore the little holiday shops surrounding it. The best part is, you never know what kind of treasures you’ll find in the little stalls! I love to do some Christmas shopping while taking in the surroundings, the holiday lights, the Christmas decor, and the smell of pine trees! 

New Yorker’s Tips: The Bryant Park Christmas Tree is a Norway spruce adorned with thousands of ornaments and lights. It’s lit on December 5th, alongside skaters playing a Christmas tale in the ice-skating rink!

During the winter season, the Bryant Park Winter Village ice-skating rink is free (just keep in mind that renting a pair of skates costs $20 dollars, but you are always welcome to bring your own pair for a free experience!)

Just off the park ice-skating rink you’ll find the Lodge, a pop-up eatery that is filled with food and drink options. Mulled wine anyone?!

New York Public Library: Astor Hall Christmas Tree

I definitely had to include this on the list when I started thinking about some of the Best Christmas Trees in NYC. The New York Public Library is always a beautiful space to visit no matter the season, and it’s always worth the stop whether it's just to take a glimpse at the gorgeous architecture or to spend a few hours immersed in its main reading room.

During Christmas, the Library dresses itself in the prettiest holiday decor, starting with the lion statues at the outside staircase. Once inside, you’ll find a very classical and beautiful Christmas Tree in the famous Astor Hall area. The tree is strategically displayed in front of an archway in the Hall so it blends perfectly with the library architecture, making it all the more iconic!

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Another yearly favorite holiday adventure for New Yorkers celebrating Christmas in New York City, the holiday lights at Dyker Heights are a classic destination. Although there’s not a specific tree or house to check, the displays of beautiful Christmas lights and outside holiday decor in this Brooklyn neighborhood can't be found anywhere else in the city. Get ready to see incredible displays, take in some breathtaking decor, and experience the holiday spirit! Make the trip down after sunset so you can truly appreciate the magical displays!

Christmas Trees at South Street Seaport

If you are visiting New York City for your first time during the holidays, or if you simply want to go explore some of NYC’s downtown tourist attractions while also seeing some of the greatest Christmas tree lighting in NYC, the South Street Seaport neighborhood is among our top choices. You’ll also be within walking distance of classic attractions like the Brooklyn Bridge and the South Street Seaport Museum.

The neighborhood displays not one but several beautiful Christmas trees: a larger one with custom displays on Fulton St, and a few smaller ones near the piers. A less crowded ice skating rink and smaller holiday market are also set up in the area.

Just keep in mind that the already cold NYC winter temperatures are usually even lower once you get to the downtown neighborhoods, especially closer to the water… dress for lots of wind! 

New Yorker’s Tip: The Greens on the Rooftop at Pier 17 becomes the perfect restaurant: a winter cabin escape! Don’t miss checking it out when you are in the area!

Wall Street/ New York Exchange Christmas Tree

Another of the great places to see a beautiful Christmas Tree in downtown Manhattan is on Wall St. I actually used to work just two blocks from the tree, and I loved to sit close by during my lunch time to look at the lights and watch the tourists taking pictures in front of the tree.

The lighting ceremony also takes place in early December, and it features world renowned artists each year! This is also one of the oldest tree lightning traditions in the city, dating all the way from 1923!

Park Avenue Trees

Park Avenue is definitely an iconic area of the city when talking about Christmas Trees in NY, and you’ll be happy to learn that there are displays of beautiful trees on every corner, all beautifully decorated with timeless lights. The tradition of lighting Christmas trees on Park Avenue dates from the mid 1940’s, when families in the area first started doing it as a way of honoring the men and women who lost their lives in the 2nd World War. 

Lincoln Center Christmas Tree

If visiting New York City in or around Christmas is a dream of yours, a great way to get into the holiday spirit is by spending an afternoon at the NYC Ballet!  The David H. Koch theater in the Lincoln Center  hosts the Nutcracker, a ballet holiday classic,  from November to January each year. Right outside the theater, you’ll find the beautiful Lincoln Center Christmas Tree.

The tree is usually lit the first Monday after Thanksgiving during the Winter’s Eve celebration, which features famous NYC performers and free entertainment for all. It’s a spectacular option if you are on a budget, or simply want to skip the ballet expense! 

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Trees

One thing that you’ll find in almost every New York City Christmas guide is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes show. It’s a true classic of the holiday scene in the city! But what most guides won’t tell you is that there’s beautiful Christmas decor and stunningly decorated trees.

Radio City Music Hall has one tree on the outside roof of the building and my personal favorite Christmas Tree in NYC hanging from the ceiling on the inside! Be ready for a true winter wonderland!

Christmas Tree at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET)

There are several museums in NYC that set up great holiday displays during Christmas. Out of all the museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is by far my favorite. I have gone here year after year, and I’m still more than obsessed with it.

The museum's 20 foot spruce is adorned by the most incredible figures and angels, all lit in blue lights! The miniature Christmas village at the foot of the tree makes it all the more special! 

On any given day of the year, the MET has more than enough in terms of exhibitions: over 2 million artwork pieces that will satisfy the imagination of any art lover. During the holidays, music enthusiasts will be happy to hear that the museum organizes live performances in front of the tree to celebrate the holiday season!

New Yorker’s tip: It’s worth mentioning that The MET entrance fee used to be a “suggested donation” for all visitors. Currently this only applies for New York residents and NJ and CT students. 

The American Natural History Museum Tree

Another great museum with a beautiful Christmas display is the American Natural History Museum. This is probably one of the most unique trees you’ll see in NYC: a 13-foot tall origami tree created in collaboration with Origami USA. This tradition dates back 70 years, and the tree ornaments are manually crafted by origami artists from all over the world. 

New Yorker’s Tip:  The natural history museum has a suggested donation entrance fee for all visitors. You can go see the tree until around Jan 12th.

Christmas Trees at The Peninsula New York

There are plenty of places to stay when traveling to New York City: hotels, airbnbs, etc. During the holidays, you might want to book your accommodation as soon as possible: the city is a very popular destination during Christmas! If you are splurging this Christmas, The Peninsula would be my top recommendation!

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into your own holiday wonderland in a magical winter village. Guests in the hotel have access to different holiday activities and packages. The greatest news though... you can still visit the hotel and see their multiple Christmas trees and beautiful decor without actually booking a room. It’s definitely worth stopping by!  

The Lotte New York Palace Hotel Christmas Tree

The Lotte Hotel also sets up a beautiful Christmas tree right in front of its courtyard. It’s a popular destination among locals and tourists alike, who go to take pictures in front of its tree. And the best thing…it's free! The Lotte New York Palace Hotel Christmas Tree is traditionally a beautifully decorated 35-foot tree that stands at 455 Madison Ave, two blocks away from the first item on this list of best Christmas trees in NYC (the Rockefeller center). 

Tree at the Plaza Hotel

There aren’t many places in New York City more iconic than the Plaza Hotel. No matter the time of the year that you are visiting New York, you should always make time to stop by and see this iconic hotel with your own eyes. During Christmas, they have a beautifully set up tree in the hotel lobby which you can admire for free or while on your way to an afternoon tea.  

Washington Square Park Christmas Tree

Another of New Yorkers’ favorite Christmas trees is in Washington Square park. Here you’ll find a 45 foot tree that is strategically placed under the arch and lit everyday from 4pm to 1am from early December through January.

The lighting of the tree happens every year in the first 10 days of December, when the Washington Square Association holds a celebration welcoming the holiday season. This is the second-longest-running New York City Christmas Tree lightning tradition, and the accompanying carol-singing festivities date back more than 106 years.  

Riverside Park Christmas Tree

Riverside Park is another one of the coolest parks in New York City, and one that boasts incredible views of the Hudson River. During the holidays they not only set up a beautiful Christmas tree, but they also organize a great lighting party which includes hot chocolate and live music. A  celebration not to be missed! 

Midwinter Night’s Dream at PHD Terrace

There are many restaurants in New York that set up great holiday decor, including many beautiful Christmas trees, and although I love most of them I always end up favoring the ones located on rooftops. I think there's something so romantic about enjoying some warm dishes while surrounded by holiday lights and taking in the cityscape.

My top recommendation would be Midwinter Night’s Dream at PHD Terrace, where the terrace is covered by winter greenery, soft lights, and seasonable flowers. The hotel creates its famous tunnel of lights, serves holiday drinks, and transforms the space into a true winter dream!

Other rooftops I recommend are: Haven Rooftop at the Sanctuary Hotel , Serra by Birreria, Winterly at Summerly and Holiday Pop-up Veuve Clicquot at Mr. Purple.

Additional Tips on the Best Christmas Trees in NYC

And just like that, you’ve learned about some of the coolest, most festive and best Christmas Trees in NY and the best holiday windows to see this year. For those visiting the city for the first time during those happy days and searching for some top bucket list things to do, we have a complete guide of the city during the holidays. Because who doesn’t love to make the most of their Christmas in New York?!

Have you spent Christmas in New York? Comment below and let us know your favorite Christmas Trees in the city, and tell us if you have any must-do holiday traditions!

Don’t forget to Pin this article so you’ll have it saved in your holidays boards for later.

Find some of our other travel and holiday posts below including a complete guide of the top things to do in NYC during the Christmas holidays!

For more New York City travel guides and neighborhood tips, head to our NY State of Mind section. We’ve written about everything from the best thrift stores in New York to the best free things to do in the city!

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Besitos from New York City,

Laura

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