Radio City Christmas Tree & Show
Radio City Music Hall is not only known for its festive Christmas lights display every year but more famous for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular show.
Like the name suggests, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a spectacular performance of dancing and music performances that shows just how festive and how serious Christmas in New York really is. There are usually 3 performances a day, at 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm. You can book your Christmas Spectacular tickets plus a walking tour easily online.
Across the street from Radio City Music Hall there are a number of fountains with huge Christmas ornaments and lights. The Radio City itself also has a nice Christmas tree that turns off at 11:30pm .
All the trees around that area are lit up. These decorations near Rockefeller Center stay the same every year and you should go right after Thanksgiving on a weekday so its less crowded and you can get some really nice shots.
When Do Christmas Decorations Go Up
NYC the weekend prior to Thanksgiving for the Chiefs/Giants football game.
We have visited the city quite a few times but never around the holidays.
Are there any special things to see or do holiday-related the week before Thanksgiving?
Any help is appreciated.
So you’ll be here around November 18/19? A couple of the holiday markets will be open already, some of the department store windows may have been unveiled, some decorations will be starting to go up, and the ice skating rinks will be open.
More details here, in the Top Questions thread “Christmastime in NYC 2017: Dates for the Trees-Windows-Markets-Ice Skating”:
Thank you so much, frangipani!
I should have thought to look for the topic, I know better.
You’ve given me all the help I need.
Thanks!
Youre welcome, enjoy your weekend!
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Winter Village At Bryant Park
The Winter Village at Bryant Park is a favourite spot for New-Yorkers and visitors during the holidays. A small Midtown park is transformed into Manhattan with dozens of holiday shops. The Lodge by Urbanspace is where people can take a break from busy city life. The centerpiece of Winter Village is New York Citys only free admission ice skating rink, which enjoys beautiful illumination after dark.
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The Plaza Hotel And Pulitzer Fountain
This historic hotel at 59th Street and 5th Avenue is beautiful year-round.
At the holidays the fountain in front of the hotel sparkles with oversized tree ornaments and other Christmas-themed items.
Across from the fountain is the southeast entrance to Central Park which is lovely to walk in, even in the winter months.
Check out our guide to Central Park or take one of our Central Park Tours to see the highlights of the park.
Location: 5th Avenue and 59th Streets
Tree Lighting Dinner Gala At Rockefeller Center

This Gala sells out EVERY year, so grab your tickets soon. Join us for a cocktail reception with waiter-passed hors doeuvres, a gourmet buffet dinner and live entertainment. As a special treat, a professional photographer will be on-site for personal photos throughout the evening! Our 7th Floor dining room offers a beautiful buffet, entertainment and cocktails with a direct line of site to the festivities.
Book this Gala ONLY for Dec 1, 2021 do not book on any other dates.
The The Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Center is one of New York Citys most-celebrated events, with the iconic tree serving as a universal symbol of the most festive season of the year. Rather than joining the tens of thousands of onlookers crowding sidewalks in the bitter December cold, enjoy direct views of the tree lighting and accompanying festivities from one of the best views of Rockefeller Center!
There will be a mix of high-energy entertainment, live music and plenty of dancing to the sounds of our awesome DJ. You will gain access to this highly secure event with an official credential letter approved by the NYPD.
Book this Gala ONLY for Dec 1, 2021 do not book on any other dates.
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Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Annual Tree LightingDec 1, 2021 Jan 10, 2022Ceremony, 7-9 pm
2021 Officially confirmed by Rockefeller Center! The unlit Rockefeller Center Christmas tree usually arrives in mid-November . Then we have Thanksgiving and Black Friday, when the department stores unveil their famous window holiday displays but it is the week after Thanksgiving that represents the true start of Holiday Season in NYC for many New Yorkers.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. The tree, traditionally a Norway Spruce, is illuminated by 50,000 multi-colored LED lights on approximately 5 miles of wire and crowned by a Swarovski crystal star. Tens of thousands crowd the sidewalks for the event and hundreds of millions watch the Tree Lighting Ceremony broadcast live across the globe.
The 2021 Tree, a 79-foot Norway Spruce, will be cut in Elkton, MD on November 11, and arrive at Rockefeller Center on November 13, 2021.
Visiting hours will be daily 6am 12am, through Jan. 10, 2022. On Christmas Day, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit for a full 24 hours and and on New Years Eve it is lit from 6am to 9pm. After January 10th, the tree will be donated to Habitat For Humanity.
See Christmas Shows In Nyc
After being shut down for a year and a half, theres never been a better time to see a live theater performance. New York City is overflowing with incredible Broadway shows. The lights of the theater marquees and the chill in the air make for the perfect holiday night outing in New York City.
If you want to stick with the Christmas theme, head to Radio City for the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.
Or, see a classic performance of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side.
For discounted day of Broadway tickets, visit the TKTS booth in Times Square on 47th Street just below the famous red steps. You can even download the TKTS app for free to see what tickets are available for performances that day.
If youre spending Christmas in NYC with kids, the Rockettes Christmas Spectaculars daytime performances often buzz with audience noise and energy. The short show lengths and the loose, easy-to-follow storyline make it a super fun family experience.
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Best Nyc Christmas Decorations And Photo Spots: Wrap
This covers some of the best places to enjoy Christmas decorations during your trip to NYC! Did I miss any of your favorite Christmas displays? Let me know in the comments below!
Will you be in New York City on Christmas Day? Here are the Best Things to do in NYC on Christmas Day!
You might also find these NYC guides helpful below!
Where to Stay in NYC: Hyatt House Chelsea | Hotel Edison Times Square | New York Marriott Marquis | Lotte New York Palace | Made Hotel | 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Want to do fun tours and attractions? 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 City Sightseeing Pass | Hop on Hop Off Bus | Get Your Guide NYC Tours | City Pass
Book New York City Christmas Tours
The Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour is one of the most popular. This Brooklyn neighborhood goes all out during the holidays, with every last roof shingle and inch of yard space covered in lights and decorations.
Dont be fooled. These are not your average residents displaying their holiday cheer. The Dyker Heights holiday lights displays are done by the pros, costing tens of thousands of dollars to pull off! The best times to visit are from the middle of December onward through the holiday season from dusk until 9 pm.
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When Does The Christmas Tree Go Up In Times Square
When does the christmas tree go up in times square? The tree, usually a Norway spruce 69 to 100 feet tall, has been a national tradition each year since 1933. The 2020 Christmas Tree Lighting, which lacked the traditional audience due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, took place on December 2, 2020 and the tree remained on display until January 2, 2021.
What date do Christmas decorations go up in New York? Read all about the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony here. The lights will be turned off in January 2022. The tree is illuminated daily from 06:00 until 00:00 and over Christmas is illuminated for 24 hours. On New Years Eve, the lights are turned off at 21:00.
What date do the Christmas lights go on in New York 2021? It always takes place the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. This year, it falls on Wednesday, Dec 1st 2021 and marks the 89th ceremony in its history.
Who is performing at the Rockefeller tree Lighting 2021? There may be only one star on the tree, but there will be many stars on the stage! Between celebrity guests and musical performances, this entertaining evening will be far from a silent night. In addition to Underwood, Guyton and Paisley, Harry Connick Jr., Alessia Cara, Norah Jones and Rob Thomas are on the lineup.
How Do I Get Rid Of My Christmas Tree In Nyc
Those needing to get rid of mostly plastic and metal artificial Christmas trees were advised to consider selling or donating them. New Yorkers can also drop off their holiday trees at any one of 67 sites across the five boroughs from December 26 through January 9 as part of NYC Parks Mulchfest 2021.
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Where To Eat At Christmas In New York
While most stores, sights, and attractions are closed for Christmas there are many really great restaurants in NYC that are open on Christmas Day, 25th of December. From Tavern on the Green in Central Park to restaurants with a view on Times Square and cozy insider spots in Tribeca, theres quite a lot to choose from. If youre looking for a NYC restaurant thats open on Christmas Day check our complete guide to the best restaurants on Christmas Day.
When Is The 2021 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting

The confirmed dates are Dec 1, 2021 Jan 10, 2022.
Our best guess is that the 2022 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting will be Wednesday, November 30, 2022. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is almost always lit the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. We have seen one exception to this in the last 12 years in 2010 it was lit on a Tuesday.
Top of Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
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Get Your Skates On At Nycs Ice Rinks
Ice skating in New York City is a popular Christmas tradition. Every year ice rinks spring up all over the city, and the most famous one of all is the rink at the Rockefeller Plaza. People have been skating on the ice rink beneath the Rockerfeller Christmas tree since 1936, but there are also a number of other, cheaper options around the city. Theres Citi Pond at Bryant Park, Wollman and Lasker Rinks in Central Park, The Ice Rink at Riverbank State Park, Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers and the Standard Hotel Rink in the Meatpacking District.
How To Hang Ribbon Garland On A Christmas Tree
Adding a ribbon garland is easy to do. Just start at the top and wind your way around the tree, loosely going over and under branches along the way. Prefer a primarily red, white, or even blue tree? Use ribbon garland in your favorite color to establish the color palette and tie all your tree decorations together.
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The Christmas Lights Tour Of Dyker Heights
The Christmas lights decorating American houses are breathtaking. To see exuberantly decorated houses you should not stay in Manhattan but go to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. This affluent area has even been chosen as the best-decorated neighbourhood of America. Take part in the 3.5-hour Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights and explore the beautifully lit and decorated homes.
The tour begins in Midtown where your bus with guide heads to Brooklyn. Once in Dyker Heights, you wont believe what youre seeing! Some of the extravagant creations cost more than $10,000. To keep your Christmas spirit high, Christmas videos and Christmas carols will be played in the bus.
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What Is The Christmas Color For 2021
What is the color theme for Christmas 2021? The color theme for Christmas 2021 is all about joyful brights in both traditional colorways as well as contemporary alternatives such as magenta and blue are going to really bring the fun to your celebrations. On the other hand, muted colors are going to be a big trend.
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Admire The Christmas Windows At The Department Stores In Nyc
Touring the holiday-themed department store windows is a classic, New York City Christmas tradition. Each year the stores decorate their windows in sparkles and glitz around a particular story or festive theme. Visitors line up to see the most popular displays, especially in the early evening hours and on the weekend.
To see all the popular store windows without backtracking along 5th Avenue go in this order.
Start at 58th Street with Bergdorf Goodman and continue on to Henri Bendel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, and Macys.
Reverse the order if it makes more sense for your plans, but remember Macys Christmas decorations are the only ones along 6th Avenue in Herald Square. Otherwise, its a straight route up or down Fifth Avenue.
ProTip: Saks Fifth Avenue also has a beautiful light show that illuminates the entire building facade with holiday lights and sparkles choreographed to festive music. The light show runs every 10 minutes once its dark, typically around 4:30 pm until 11:35 pm every day. The show is just 5 minutes long so its easy to watch as you explore the Rockefeller Center area.
Prospect Park Christmas Tree
From early December through January 2nd, you can find the beautiful 35-foot Christmas Tree in the middle of Brooklyn’s majestic Grand Army Plaza. Each year the tree is accompanied by a nativity scene and special art installations.
Going to see the Prospect Park tree is a perfect way to start a stroll of Brooklyn’s beautiful brownstone neighborhood, Park Slope where you are sure to see many private residences decorated for the holidays.
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When Do Christmas Lights Go Up In New York City
When do christmas lights go up in new york city? When will the Christmas spirit in New York start? The Christmas spirit in New York starts after Thanksgiving and the Black Friday weekend. The decorations last until the beginning of January, usually around 5th or 6th January.
What date do the Christmas lights go on in New York 2021? It always takes place the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. This year, it falls on Wednesday, Dec 1st 2021 and marks the 89th ceremony in its history.
What date do the Christmas decorations go up in New York? Re: When does Christmas decoration go up in NY city? Many stores start putting their Christmas decorations up after Halloween but some specific Christmas activities, like the lighting of the giant Rockefeller Christmas tree, start right after American Thanksgiving .
Is New York decorated for Christmas in November? Timing is everything. Most decorations, lights, and window displays start going up in late November. Thanksgiving, a U.S. national holiday that takes place on the last Thursday of November, is seen by most New Yorkers as the start of the Holiday Season.
Christmas In New York Holiday Season Calendar

Check our day by day guide to the Holiday Season in New York City. Thanksgiving, the Rockettes, Cocoa and Carols Cruises, The Nutcracker, Rockefeller Tree, Central Park Christmas Tree and more on our NYC Holiday Events Calendar. Deck the Halls, Light the Menorah and celebrate Christmas in New York with our calendar.
Top of Rockefeller Christmas TreeLighting
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Christmas In New York: 19+ Things To Do In Nyc At Christmas
My first ever trip to New York was at Christmas time. I had an incredible week in The Big Apple and I can happily say New York City is the place to be at Christmas. The festive cheer is so infectious in NYC that even the biggest Scrooge couldnt fail to get in the Christmas spirit.
Ice rinks and fairy lights spring up all over the city, and the department store windows are transformed into festive works of art. Childrens faces beam as they stare up at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, and everywhere you go, New Yorkers wish you Happy Holidays!
I now live in New York and when the holidays come around I always love searching for the best new popups and things to do! New York at Christmas is absolutely magical, so if youre heading there at winter time, here are the top festive things to do in New York City: