With holiday festivities ramping up in New York City, neighborhoods across the five boroughs are coming alive with dazzling displays of festive cheer. The city’s Christmas and holiday trees, whose allure brings visitors from all corners of the world during the holiday season, all come with their own festive flare. Discover some of the city’s most stunning holiday trees, from Rockefeller Center’s world-famous tree to lesser-known—but just as elegant—trees at the South Street Seaport and Luna Park.
Easily recognized as the crown jewel of New York City’s Christmas trees, Rockefeller Center’s Norway Spruce is the most frequented attraction of the five boroughs’ festive foliage. This year’s tree measures 74 feet tall and hails from West Stockbridge in Massachusetts; after arriving in Midtown earlier last month, the tree has been adorned with its twinkling lights and iconic Swarovski star. This year’s lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 4, and the tree will be lit daily from 5 p.m. to midnight and on view through mid-January.
Framed beneath a picturesque archway in Astor Hall, the New York Public Library’s Christmas tree greets visitors as they enter the Steven A. Schwarzman Building in Midtown. Its ornate decorations—twinkling lights, ornaments, and wreaths—add a festive glow to the cavernous hall. In light of the holiday season, the library’s gift shop will be open with extended hours during the first three weeks of December, granting New Yorkers extra time to find a gift.
At the heart of Bryant Park’s beloved Bank of America Winter Village stands its soaring Christmas tree, providing skaters a festive view as they glide around the ice-skating rink. After admiring the tree, visitors can explore the park’s iconic open-air holiday market, home to more than 180 small businesses, perfect for finding a gift for a loved one or enjoying a festive treat. The tree lighting ceremony takes place on Tuesday, December 3 at 6 p.m., featuring performances by Tony Award-winning performer Lea Salonga, and by world-class skaters Mirai Nagasu, Ashley Cain, Kaitlin Hawayek, Jean-Luc Baker, Ryan Bradley, Ice Theatre of New York, Figure Skating in Harlem, and The Skyliners.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Standing beneath the iconic Washington Square Arch, the park’s Christmas tree is provided by the Washington Square Association. The 45-foot tree will be lit for the season daily from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., following its lighting ceremony on Wednesday, December 11, which will feature performances by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet and singer Linseigh Green.
South Street Seaport
Fulton and Water Streets, the Seaport, Manhattan
Located at the intersection of Fulton and Water Streets in the South Street Seaport, the historic neighborhood’s Christmas tree is one of the city’s tallest. The area, with its cobblestone streets, is also decked out for the holidays, adding to the festive charm and making it the perfect backdrop for the tree. The tree’s lighting ceremony is hosted on Tuesday, December 3 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
AMNH’s Origami Holiday Tree
American Museum of Natural History, Ellen V. Futter Gallery, Upper West Side
This year’s edition of the American Museum of Natural History’s beloved Origami Holiday Tree features over 1,000 hand-folded paper models inspired by the world’s leaping critters. In honor of the leap year’s end, the theme “Jumping for Joy” celebrates animals that hop, from rabbits, grasshoppers, and kangaroos to frogs, squirrels, and the newly discovered leaping leech. The tree is on view through mid-January.
Madison Square Park
Northern Reflecting Pool, Madison Square Park, Flatiron District, Manhattan
In December 1912, Madison Square Park hosted New York City’s first-ever public Christmas tree lighting. This year, the tradition continues with one of the park’s largest trees yet—a 55-foot-tall concolor fir in the Northern Reflecting Pool. The lighting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met, Medieval Sculpture Hall (Gallery 305), Upper East Side
A cherished holiday tradition, the Met’s iconic Christmas tree returns to the Medieval Sculpture Hall for another festive year. Standing at 20 feet tall, the blue spruce is decorated with cherubs and angels, while its base features over 70 figures portraying three main elements of Nativity scenes that were commonly found in 18th-century Naples: adoring shepherds, the procession of the Magi, and lively peasants and townsfolk.
Further enhancing the display are nearly 50 animals and background elements—including the ruins of a Roman temple, several quaint houses, and a typical Italian fountain—that create a dramatic setting for the Nativity. The tree is on display through January 6, 2025.
A New York City tradition since 1923, the New York Stock Exchange’s (NYSE) Christmas tree stands as one of the city’s tallest. Usually a Norway or black spruce, chosen for its narrow form and strong branches perfect for decorations, the NYSE tree brightens Wall Street during the holidays. The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 5 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring live music, performances, and other exciting celebrations.
Beyond its status as a world-class luxury hotel, Midtown’s Lotte New York Palace is famed for its beautiful Christmas tree. Located in the hotel’s courtyard, the tree is one of the most stunningly decorated in the five boroughs, with twinkling ornaments and garlands.
Central Park
Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
Central Park’s Harlem Meer will once again come to life for the holidays with a glowing flotilla of trees. Found just inside the park at 110th Street next to the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the holiday trees sparkle on the water. The 28th annual holiday tree lighting ceremony takes place on December 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; expect caroling, hot cocoa, and photo ops with Santa!
After a successful debut last winter, Luna Park’s Frost Fest is returning for another year. The outdoor attraction, which transforms the Coney Island amusement park into a festive winter wonderland, is centered around a dazzling 35-foot-tall Christmas tree. The tree features an igloo entrance leading to whimsical Santa’s Wonderland—a picturesque space perfect for making holiday memories. Frost Fest runs on select days through January 1, 2025. More information can be found here.
The Hendrick I. Lott House, one of the 14 remaining Dutch colonial farmhouses in Brooklyn, celebrates its Dutch heritage with its own Christmas tree tradition. On December 6, the Lott House will host its annual tree lighting event to kick off the holiday season, featuring warm cookies and hot cocoa as they welcome Sinterklaas—Dutch Santa Claus—to Marine Park. The event is free, and no advance registration is required.
Dumbo
Dumbo Archway + Plaza
Join the Dumbo Improvement District for a festive Christmas tree lighting celebration on Wednesday, December 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event features live music by DJs, bands, and local students, holiday treats like hot cocoa and mulled wine, and much more. The tree will be lit at 5:30 p.m. sharp, welcoming in the holiday season.
The Bronx’s Little Italy
Ciccarone Park, East 188th Street and Arthur Avenue, Belmont
Celebrate the holidays in the Bronx’s Little Italy neighborhood. Hosted by the Belmont Business Improvement District, the neighborhood’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony takes place at Ciccarone Park on Arthur Avenue on Saturday, December 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bronx institutions like the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx Zoo, and local community members will come together to embrace the holiday spirit while enjoying delicious treats from nearby businesses.
Historic Richmond Town is hosting its free annual tree-lighting celebration on Friday, December 6, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event kicks off with a performance by the Richmond County Orchestra Brass Quintet, followed by songs from the GRACE-ful Glee Choir at 4:30 p.m., and a special appearance by Santa Claus at 4:45 p.m. The tree will be lit at 5 p.m., with hot beverages and festive treats available for purchase.
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