The 10 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in New York this Christmas

As the largest city in the United States and frequently appointed “capital of the world”, New Yorkers know how to put on a grand display perhaps better than anyone else. Between the countless holiday films set in the city—Miracle on 34th Street and Elf often ranking among the favorites—there is no surprise that New York has developed a reputation for having some of the most stunning Christmas light displays known to humankind. 

While the Big Apple has long been known as a prime destination for Christmas light enthusiasts around the world, the recent development of LED Christmas lights has helped make these already dazzling displays even more spectacular. Supplied by Christmas Designers, and other commercial Christmas suppliers like them, LED Christmas lights provide a wide array of benefits.

Anyone who has taken a recent trip to New York’s own Times Square can recognize just how incredible modern LED lights can be. When compared to their incandescent and fluorescent ancestors, LED Christmas lights use significantly less energy and also have a much longer bulb life. Furthermore, these lights are ideal for special effects, including coordinating with music, flashing on and off, changing colors, and many others. In fact, with modern computer programs, creating fabulous lighting displays is more accessible—and impressive—than ever before.

Whether you are a year-round New Yorker or are merely visiting the world’s most cosmopolitan city for a short amount of time, you’ll want to be sure to check out some of the most impressive Christmas light displays NYC currently has to offer. In this article, we will include ten of the “must-see” Christmas light displays that will help make your holiday season truly complete.

1. Rockefeller Center

Was there any question about which display should be leading this list? Not only is the “big tree” at 30 Rock an icon for those living in New York City, but the tree has become a cultural icon recognized all around the world. With more than 50,000 colorful LED bulbs, there are more than five miles of lights contained within the tree alone. If you have never had the opportunity of witnessing the illumination of this tree in person, then you know where you need to be this winter.

2. The Window Shops in Midtown

Midtown Manhattan is a year-round shopping destination, but this bustling commercial corridor feels particularly cozy and bustling during New York’s chilly winter months. With countless well-known stores available to choose from, you can capture the season’s most iconic storefronts and even do a little bit of shopping of your own.

3. Central Park

Central Park has always been a New York treasure and during the holiday season, countless lights, booths, and activities really help bring this green masterpiece to life. Bring your family and friends to the Park’s iconic ice rink, located in the southern half of the park. If you’re looking to splurge, a carriage ride through Central Park will help create memories that are sure to last a lifetime.

4. Saks Fifth Avenue

As one of the most popular department stores in Manhattan, Saks Fifth Avenue has long known how to put on an incredible display. Not only is the exterior of this building covered in beautiful LED lights, but there is actually a theatrical light show running every 10 minutes from 5 to 11 pm. Located near Rockefeller Center, Saks is an easy location to reach from seemingly anywhere in Midtown.

5. LuminoCity Festival

As if you needed an excuse to make a trip out to Randall’s Island Park, LuminoCity Festival is perhaps one of the most impressive light displays in all of New York. The 12-acre fantasy land contains a wide range of different displays, including castles, a ‘frosted forest’, many moving pieces, and pretty much all of the incredible features that LED lighting makes possible.

6. Radio City Music Hall

The famed Radio City Music Hall, home to the world-renowned Rockettes, boasts an impressive Christmas tree, rivaled only by its neighbor at 30 Rock. Between the annual holiday show and the other fantastic lights in the neighborhood, RCMH is yet another must-see for anyone who is in the heart of the city.

7. Dyker Heights

While most of the displays in this list are located in Manhattan, there is no denying that Brooklyn deserves some love, too. For the past 40 years, Dyker Heights has created one of the most impressive residential displays in the region. While the displays are somewhat coordinated with one another, you are sure to see a very wide variety.

8. Brookfield Place

The display at Brookfield Palace helps illustrate just how impressive modern LED light displays can be. Every 30 minutes, you will be able to see an incredible display characterized by lanterns that change color and intensity. The Winter Garden offers a modern twist on an old New York classic.

9. Citi Field

Home to the Mets and located in Queens, Citi Field has quickly established itself as a holiday hotspot. In fact, the Hello Panda parade has earned the long sought after title of being the “largest lantern festival in North America.”

10. Hudson Yards

Over the past few decades, Hudson Yards has transformed into one of the most modern (and expensive) building projects in the world. Unsurprisingly, the coordinators at Hudson Yards have committed to creating a dazzling Christmas display. Every day at 5 pm, you’ll be able to wind down from a long workday and catch a truly inspirational show.

Conclusion – Best Christmas Lights in New York 

There are few cities—if any—in the world that are able to capture the holiday magic the way New York City can. If you find yourself wandering the Empire City this holiday season, be sure to give any (or all) of these fantastic displays a visit.