One of the best parts of being in NYC during the holidays is the decorations. They are second to none, with visitors flocking from around the world to see them. And there are a few awesome places to see them, both the well known and the not-so-obvious.
5th Avenue
A classic and a must if you’ve never been down this way before, the windows in the shops on 5th Avenue are amazing. From Tiffany’s to Lord & Taylor, you’ll pass shop after shop of amazing window dressings and facade decor. A lot of windows have stories they tell, so it’s best to take your time and view them all.
Rockefeller Center
How can you miss the tree? But beyond that, the entire area of Rockefeller Center is beautiful. Done up in white lights, wreaths and bows, it is worth taking a walk around and enjoying more than just the giant tree in the center.
Dyker Heights
If you are willing to head out to Brooklyn, Dyker Heights is one of the best locations to view neighborhood lights in full effect. The area has become so famous in terms of their house lights that each year they just get bigger and bolder. Take a walk or a drive around the neighborhood and you may catch one of those light shows choreographed to music.
Holiday Under the Stars
The shops at Columbus Circle are something to see in their own right, but when the Holida Under the Stars lights go on at night, it’s definitely awe-inspiring. Giant stars hang above the Great Room, which has an amazing view of Central Park. It’s worth a stop if you are in the Upper West Side.
Rolf’s Restaurant 
Like German food? Even if you don’t, Rolf’s is worth checking out during the holidays. Located in midtown, their holiday decor is, for lack of a better word, insane. You’ll be surrounded in lights, decorations and ornaments as far as the eye can see. Worth stopping by for lunch or dinner just for the spectacle.
Featured image source: Photo Modified: Flickr / Philipp Alexander / CC by 2.0