Best Christmas Trees in NYC This Holiday Season
You’re on your way to NYC, or maybe you are already in the City and want to find the best Christmas trees during your visit! Well, in this New York City guide, find some of the best Christmas trees in NYC that you should definitely check out!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Disclosure
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Best Christmas Trees in NYC This Holiday Season
- Rockefeller Christmas Tree
- New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree
- South Street Seaport
- Washington Square Park
- Bank of America Winter Village Hosted by Bryant Park
- Lotte Christmas Tree
- Radio City Christmas Tree Decoration
- Fox Christmas Tree
- One Beacon Court Christmas Tree
- Madison Square Park Christmas Tree
- American Museum of Natural History Origami Tree
- NYC Christmas Trees Wrap-up
Rockefeller Christmas Tree
Starting with the most famous of the NYC trees, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Did you know the first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was in 1931? It was a 20-foot tree decorated by construction workers during the Depression.
In 1933, they decided to make the Rockefeller Christmas Tree an annual tradition.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place the following Wednesday after Thanksgiving every year, which is broadcasted.
The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is usually between 80-100 ft on average, wrapped in around 5 miles of lights, and has a new star topper is 9 ft. 4 inches! This beautiful star is covered in 3 million Swarovski crystals and weighs around 900 lbs!
During a visit, consider ice skating under the tree and enjoy the Saks Fifth Avenue Light show after 5 PM is one of the best things to do in NYC at night during the holidays!
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree
Another fabulous tree to add to your NYC Christmas Tree hunt is at the New York Stock Exchange!
This year is the 99th annual lighting! Each year, they hold a line-up of performances during the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Make sure to head down this way at night to glimpse this epic Evergreen!
The NYSE Christmas Tree is located in front of the New York Stock Exchange at the corner of Wall and Broad Streets.
Address: 11 Wall Street New York, NY 10005
South Street Seaport
If you are looking for a more local experience, head down to the South Street Seaport to see their beautiful Christmas Tree! This year is their 35th annual tree lighting.
While there, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge and even get reservations at The Greens Pier 17 cabins! Additionally, The Ice Skating Rink has returned and is located at Seaport Square between Piers 16 & 17.
First time in New York? Check out these NYC travel tips.
Other NYC Christmas guides you might want to check out include:
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park has always been one of my favorite places to visit during a visit to Manhattan.
Therefore, a trip to see their beautiful Christmas Tree under the Washington Square Arch should certainly be on your NYC itinerary! They are NYC’s 2nd longest-running annual Christmas tree lighting!
Additionally, on Christmas Eve, December 24th, the park holds traditional caroling with musicians from 5 PM – 6 PM. If you want to see the tree lit up, plan your visit between 4 PM – 1 AM.
Address: Washington Square, New York, NY 10012
Bank of America Winter Village Hosted by Bryant Park
Another staple in New York City during Christmas time is visiting the Bryant Park Winter Village. As you might have already guessed, they have a fantastic tree, along with one of the best Christmas Markets in NYC, which includes dozens of food stalls, an Ice Skating Rink, and more!
Some might even say it is Rockefeller Center Tree’s rival. It’s a great and festive area nonetheless. You will also be right next to the New York Public Library and close to Grand Central Terminal!
Bryant Park is located in Midtown between Fifth Ave. and Avenue of the Americas and between 40th and 42nd St.
Lotte Christmas Tree
One of the most beautiful artificial Christmas trees in Manhattan is located at the New York Palace Hotel. Not only is it a top NYC Christmas Instagram spot, but the hotel itself is stunning.
The Christmas tree has returned as the hotel has finished construction. So, make sure to check out this epic Christmas tree this holiday season in NYC.
Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
Radio City Christmas Tree Decoration
Another epic NYC Christmas tree is the iconic artificial tree above the Radio City Music sign! If you’re visiting during the holidays, you can’t miss this spot!
Additionally, you will also see the giant red ornaments and the Candy Canes across the street for epic NYC photo-worthy pictures!
Furthermore, you can enjoy seeing the Rockettes live. They even have a show open on Christmas day.
Address: 260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Fox Christmas Tree
Fox put up a lovely Artificial Christmas tree down the street from Radio City Music Hall. This NYC Christmas tree has 12,000 ornaments 340,000 lights, and a lovely star topper, making the tree over six feet tall.
The tree is just about a block or 2 down from the giant red Christmas Ornaments.
One Beacon Court Christmas Tree
Another unique artificial Christmas tree to see in NYC is located at One Beacon Court Bloomberg Tower. I consider this tree off the beaten path of Christmas decoration hunting and generally will be less crowded.
Address: 731 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Madison Square Park Christmas Tree
This year marks the 111th annual Christmas Tree lighting at Madison Square Park. This beautiful square is located right next to the Flat Iron Building and the famous Eataly, which, if you haven’t already checked out, you must!
Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
American Museum of Natural History Origami Tree
One of the most unique NYC Christmas trees is the AMNH Origami tree, which celebrates its 52nd year. This year’s Christmas tree theme has not been announced yet, but we can expect it to be just as unique as previous years!
NYC Christmas Trees Wrap-up
This covers some of the best NYC Christmas trees to see this holiday season. I hope you have the best time exploring New York City during the holiday season!
You might also find these NYC guides helpful below!
- New York Winter Packing List
- Best Things to Do in New York City in Winter
- Best Things to Do in NYC
- How to use the Subway in NYC
- Funny New Yorker Slang
- Best Free Things to Do in NYC
- Words New Yorker Say Weird
- Things to Do on a Rainy Day in NYC (or Cold!)
- Must-Eat Food in NYC
- Best Skyline Views in NYC
Did you book your hotel yet? Here is a Detailed Guide on Where to Stay in NYC, including how to choose a neighborhood!
NYC Passes & Guides: New York passes allow you to receive a discount for the major NYC tourist attractions like the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, etc.
The best passes and tours can be found at:
Have I missed any of your favorite NYC Christmas trees, or did you enjoy this list? Let me know in the comments below!