‘Tis the season for tinsel and sparkle.
NYC Christmas tree lightings are on the horizon and will add some much-needed magic to the holiday season.
While the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tends to steal the show, the Norway Spruce isn’t the only stunning greenery in NYC — trust us.
There are plenty of lightings to check out throughout the season, so we suggest bundling up and filling up a thermos with hot cocoa before heading out.
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting
The mother of all Christmas greenery, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in Midtown is arguably NYC’s most well-known holiday tradition.
This year, the lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 3rd starting at 7pm. Reba McEntire will assume hosting duties, and guests can expect a stellar roster of festive performances until the 50,000 LED lights turn on, which will take place roughly around 10pm. (Gates to the viewing “pens” generally open around 4 pm, subject to NYPD discretion.)
Learn more about what to expect from the tradition with help from our guide.
Bryant Park Christmas tree lighting
Although Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is up and running, there’s one key ingredient missing: the Christmas tree.
On Tuesday, December 2nd , park-goers are welcome to the free tree lighting, and festivities will kick off at 4pm. Expect carols, ice skating performances, and some spectacular fireworks to wrap up the tree lighting!
Additionally, Tony Award–winner Matt Doyle will make a special guest appearance alongside host David Burtka.
Washington Square Park Christmas tree lighting
NYC’s second-longest-running holiday tree lighting is one for the books — and a stunning scene courtesy of charming West Village town houses.
Stop by at 6pm on Thursday, December 11th as the Rob Susman Brass Quartet leads us into the tree lighting countdown. If you’re coming with little ones in tow, you’ll be pleased to know Santa is stopping by with candy canes!
Madison Square Park Christmas tree lighting
Believe it or not, Rockefeller Center wasn’t the first locale to start the Christmas tree lighting tradition in NYC — it was Madison Square Park in 1912.
On Tuesday, December 9th at 4:30pm, the 113th annual tradition will continue with a 42-foot concolor fir. Expect warm drinks to make you feel toasty, live music, and more festivities. Register online .
Bronx Little Italy’s annual Christmas tree lighting
A Christmas tree lighting with Italian cookies and hot chocolate? Say no more.
Venture to Ciccarone Park on Saturday, December 6th from 4-6pm for a festive evening of sweets, caroling, and but of course, the tree lighting. Santa will also be on-hand with free giveaways on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tavern on the Green Christmas tree lighting
One of NYC’s most iconic restaurants kickstarts the holiday festivities with a tree lighting, caroling, and but of course, Christmas cookies.
The 2025 event will take place on Tuesday, December 2nd at 5:30pm. Quarantined Quartet and Broadway’s Kelsie Watts will entertain those who stop by the Central Park destination. Proceeds and donations from this event will go to the West Side Campaign Against Hunger.
Seaport’s Holiday tree lighting
For a Christmas celebration with a nautical touch, head downtown.
On Tuesday, December 2nd, stop by the Seaport beginning at 6pm to shop local artisans, performances from Dueling Pianos, Brooklyn Drumline, and The Doo Wop Project all before the tree is lit at 7pm.
Queens Botanical Garden Winter Wonder
You’ll venture to Queens Botanical Garden’s tree lighting by lantern through a verdant trail, but Winter Wonder provides a day of seasonal fun leading up to the excitement: music, crafts, shopping, and more.
The fun gets underway from 2 to 7pm on Sunday, December 7th. Go online to snag a spot.
New York Stock Exchange Christmas tree lighting
Enjoy refreshments, live music, brand activations, and of course, a tree lighting in the city’s financial center. December 4th beginning at 3:30pm, the festivities will get underway. Learn more online .
Lotte New York Palace Christmas tree
Nestled behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral and all of Midtown’s holiday festivities is the Lotte New York Palace Christmas tree — a small yet stunning piece of greenery to complement the hotel’s luxury.
The tree will be set aglow on Tuesday, December 2nd at 5:30pm.
Central Park tree lighting
Venture uptown to the Harlem Meer for one of NYC’s most eclectic Christmas tree lighting at the Central Park Dana Center.
Beginning Thursday, December 4th at 5:30pm, visitors will be able to enjoy caroling, cocoa, and of course, a flotilla of brightly-lit Christmas trees gliding across the water.
We’ll continue to update you as more tree lightings are announced! Keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, have you planned your trip to Dyker Heights yet?