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.
And if you’re looking for more items to add to your itinerary, definitely check out our 90 Magical Things To Do In New York City This December!
1. American Museum of Natural History
Origami USA and the AMNH have partnered up to create a dazzling origami tree adorned with 1,000 hand-folded animals. Get an up close look at the 13-foot tree and you’ll see Blue Whales, dinosaurs, and of course to honor this year’s theme “Beautiful Bugs,” you’ll also spot grasshoppers, butterflies and beetles.
📍: 200 Central Park West, New York
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!
📍: 768 5th Ave., New York
3. The Lotte New York Palace
After being absent from last year’s plaza, the annual Christmas tree has returned—just on a smaller scale. Draped in ribbons and covered in ornaments, you’ll definitely want to snap a pic in front of it. When posing just think of channeling your inner Serena Van der Woodsen!
📍: 455 Madison Ave, New York
4. Washington Square Park
This gorgeous tree makes the iconic Washington Square Arch even more picturesque. The official lighting for this year will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 7th at 6 p.m. The Rob Susman Brass Quartet will lead the group in holiday songs. The multi-colored lights on the tree will then remain lit from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m. every day of the season.
📍: 5 Ave, Waverly Pl., W. 4 St. and Macdougal St., New York
5. Brookfield Place
This tree is only one of the fabulous holiday features in the downtown Brookfield Place shopping center this season. Don’t miss ice skating and a dazzling canopy of winter lanterns.
📍: 230 Vesey St., New York
5. Zucotti Park
Zuccotti Park is lined with dazzling trees everywhere that create a glowing display right in FiDi! Truly magical.
📍: Liberty St. between Broadway & Church St.
6. 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.
7. Tavern on the Green
The historic restaurant lit their annual tree on Tuesday, Nov. 29th. Throughout the season it will brighten the UWS delighting diners and onlookers in the park.
📍: 67th Street & Central Park West, New York
8. The Seaport District
The Seaport’s gigantic tree was lit on Tuesday, Nov. 29th. The special lighting ceremony and festive night will had live music, crafts and more! In general, throughout the holiday season it’s the perfect place to see decor and go shopping.
📍: 19 Fulton St.
9. Winter Village at Bryant Park
Three trees stand tall near the ice rink and they are the perfect addition to the Winter Village already overflowing with Christmas spirit — the official lighting takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 29th! Don’t forget to also catch the holiday market and delicious bites at The Lodge.
📍: Between 5th and 6th Ave., W 40 St. and W 42 St.
10. New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden has multiple, beautifully lit Christmas trees. Plan a whole day and see GLOW or check out the train show too!
📍: 2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx
11. Madison Square Park
This tree is extra picturesque with the iconic Flatiron building in the background! The lighting ceremony will happen on Dec. 7th with live music, hot cocoa and giveaways. Remember, there’s also a Shake Shack right in the park so you can enjoy the holiday shakes like Christmas Cookie, Chocolate Peppermint and Chocolate Milk & Cookies while you watch it light up.
📍: 11 Madison Ave., New York
12. The NYSE
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.
📍: 11 Wall St., New York