Everyone knows the holiday season in New York City is unmatched, what with its many holiday light displays, markets, and ice skating rinks. And while Dyker Height’s festive holiday lights are a must-see neighborhood spectacle, the Meatpacking District also lights up in a fabulously festive display each year–and it’s officially returned for the season!
Three years ago in 2021, Meatpacking District’s first-ever holiday installation, dubbed Lights on the Cobbles, illuminated the neighborhood from Ninth Avenue to Gansevoort Street, featuring 10 individual light installations–and this year’s larger-than-life display is more spectacular than ever!
The neighborhood’s Gansevoort Plaza has been fully transformed into Gansevoort Forest, a lush woodland wonderland. More than 100 plants and trees–some reaching up to 25 feet tall–have come together to line the cobblestone streets, creating a whimsical winter scene for visitors and locals to explore.
The installation features Eastern White Pines, Norway Spruces, Red Maples, River Birches, Hemlocks, and Red Dogwoods, all sustainably sourced from local nurseries, lining meandering pathways for visitors to wander through. The trees are complemented by sparkling holiday lights and seating spread throughout providing for the perfect place to sit back and smell the pine needles.
Accompanying the forest are the Meatpacking’s beloved larger-than-life snowpeople as well as a reflective pathway through Gansevoort Plaza, glowing dandelion-filled planters, and two illuminated geometric frames all perfect for a photo-op to capture the neighborhood’s holiday fun.
And, adding to the festivities, The Standard, High Line has debuted their own festive experience, Hedge & Hearth: A Winter Maze, featuring stilt walkers, interactive lighting, and a whimsical boxwood pathway winding through the hotel’s plaza.
Bringing the magic to life once again, the whimsical winter display is up now through January 15th, 2025. Following the holidays the trees will be replanted in natural landscapes, ensuring they continue to thrive in woodland environments.
📍 Gansevoort Plaza
🗓 Now through January 15th, 2025