From the Park to the Palace (hotel, that is), these stops are perfect to add to your route as you explore all the holiday fun in NYC that’s not just the Rockefeller Christmas tree.
And if you’re looking for more items to add to your itinerary, definitely check out our The Most Magical Things To Do In New York City This December!
1. American Museum of Natural History
Origami USA and the AMNH are once again partnering up for their annual Origami Holiday Tree that graces the first floor of the American Museum of Natural History! This year’s theme is Jumping for Joy, celebrating the many animals that hop, pounce, and leap inspred by the 2024 leap year.
It features more than 1,000 intricately designed origami pieces ranging from rabbits and kangaroos to grasshoppers and squirrels! It’s open to the public now. Learn more here.
Where: 200 Central Park West
2. The Plaza Hotel
The spectacular trees in The Plaza Hotel lobby are up! A stunning crystal chandelier also adds to the photo op. Make the season sparkle even more by stopping at their Champagne Bar or by catching a performance at The Palm Court!
Where: 768 5th Ave
3. The Lotte New York Palace
The Christmas tree in the courtyard of Lotte New York Palace is one of the most gorgeous there are around NYC. This place goes all out with decor, and hosts lots of festive programming like Letters to Santa, North Pole cocktails at the Gold Room, a Winter Bar at the Palace, and so much more! It’s safe to say the magic is in the air here.
Where: 455 Madison Ave
4. Washington Square Park
This gorgeous tree makes the iconic Washington Square Arch even more picturesque. The official lighting date for this year is December 11th at 6 pm. Not to mention it’s prime location near the West Village makes it walking distance from great festive restaurants and holiday bars.
📍: 5 Ave, Waverly Pl, W 4 St, and Macdougal St
5. The New York Stock Exchange
The NYSE tree is an annual favorite that looks absolutely dazzling next to the New York Stock Exchange Building lit-up in festive red and green colors. The NYSE Christmas tree has been a holiday tradition in NYC for nearly a century.
Where: 11 Wall St
6. Brookfield Place
These trees are only one of the fabulous holiday features in the downtown Brookfield Place shopping center this season. Don’t miss ice skating and a dazzling brand new tropical oasis theme titled Holiday Under The Palms.
📍: 230 Vesey St., New York
7. The Peninsula Hotel
The Peninsula Hotel looks just as festive on the outside as it does on the inside! An annual tradition, there are multiple Christmas trees decked out with gold ribbon and giant ornaments.
📍: 700 5th Ave
8. Tavern on the Green
The historic restaurant lit their annual tree on December 2nd and you can now visit it. Throughout the season, it will brighten the UWS delighting diners and onlookers in the park. One you check it out and even dine here, walk over to Wollman Rink and go ice skating and make a day out of it!
📍: 67th Street & Central Park West
9. The Seaport District
The Seaport’s gigantic tree was lit up on December 3rd and now beautifully adorns the waterfront neighborhood. In general, throughout the holiday season it’s the perfect place to see decor and go shopping. It’s also right on the water so you can catch Brooklyn skyline views too!
Where: 19 Fulton St
10. Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park’s Christmas tree that accompanies the highly famous holiday market is now on full display, and will be through the new year! The tree stands tall near the ice rink and they are the perfect addition to the Winter Village already overflowing with Christmas spirit. Don’t forget to also try the and delicious bites at The Lodge after shopping.
Where: Between 5th and 6th Ave., W 40 St. and W 42 St.
11. Madison Square Park
This tree is extra picturesque with the iconic Flatiron building in the background! It was actually the first public Christmas tree lighting ceremony way back in the day, and it’s right around the corner from other holiday things like 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar and holiday decor at the Harry Potter store.
Where: 11 Madison Ave
12. New York Public Library
One of NYC’s most stunning libraries is also home to a gorgeous lobby Christmas tree. Be sure to snap a picture of the sensational spruce and then go on a scavenger hunt for Charles Dickens’s personal annotated copy of A Christmas Carol in the McGraw Rotunda.
Where: 476 5th Ave
13. Central Park
Stop by Central Park to see a stunning flotilla of various sized Christmas trees floating on the Harlem Meer!
Where: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (Central Park N)
14. Brooklyn Commons
This tree soaring above the streets in Downtown Brooklyn is sure to light up the block! While you’re in the area, be sure to check out events happening at popular hotspots like the Barclays Center, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Ace Hotel, and more!
Where: Brooklyn Commons Park
15. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The world renowned art museum is home to a magnificently lit, twenty-foot blue spruce! Set in the Museum’s Medieval Sculpture Hall, the tree looms over a vivid eighteenth-century Neapolitan Nativity scene, surrounded by an abundant array of lifelike figures with silk-robed angels hovering above! Learn more here!