11 Photo-Worthy Holiday Decorations to See in NYC
These festive decorations truly capture the holiday spirit.
As Christmas draws near, New York City is embracing the holiday spirit with dazzling light shows and decorations. From iconic holiday window displays at Bergdorf Goodman to immersive light installations at the New York Botanical Garden, here are the best holiday decorations worthy of a photo op this year.
Bergdorf Goodman
This year’s Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows were officially unveiled to the public in November. These iconic window displays from the luxury department store are admired by both locals and visitors alike every year, so consider marveling at these ornate displays while strolling down 5th Avenue.
Radio City Music Hall
The iconic New York concert venue channels the holiday spirit every year with its shining Christmas tree and large tree ornaments. Radio City Music Hall’s decorations are perfect for those who are looking for the ideal spot to capture their annual Christmas photo.
Saks Fifth Avenue
In addition to Saks Fifth Avenue's striking window displays, the luxury department store puts on an annual light show that lasts about five minutes.
The Saks Fifth Avenue light show replays every 10 minutes from 4:30 p.m. to 11:35 p.m. daily.
NYC Winter Lantern Festival
The NYC Winter Lantern Festival consists of three events that are located in Staten Island, Queens, and Long Island. From a drive-thru experience to immersive light installations, any of these events are perfect for those who want to explore other NYC boroughs besides Manhattan this holiday season.
All three events run until January 9, 2022. Tickets are available on the NYC Winter Lantern Festival site.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
If you enjoy shopping during the holidays, Winter Village at Bryant Park is the perfect destination to check out nearly 170 artisanal vendors. There is also a giant Christmas tree and ice skating rink.
Rolf’s Restaurant
Located in Gramercy Park, this German restaurant goes full out for the holiday season with over-the-top Christmas decorations that cover the entire ceiling.
Rolf’s is located at 281 Third Avenue.
Rockefeller Center
The world-famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center has been featured in several classic holiday movies, including Elf, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and more.
New York Botanical Garden Glow
NYBG Glow is an enchanting outdoor spectacle that stretches across a 1.5 mile long path through the gardens. Featuring stunning light installations and vivid colors, this immersive experience will light up your evening.
The holiday lights show at the New York Botanical Garden is on display from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. until January 22.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Since the ‘80s, this Brooklyn neighborhood has put up exuberant Christmas decorations that attract thousands of locals and visitors every year. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a Christmas wonderland as you marvel at all the festive displays in this small neighborhood.
Edition Hotels
In collaboration with multidisciplinary artist Rachel Lee Hovnanian, Edition Hotels is putting on display its 2021 festive tree installation entitled “Time for Love.”
“The neons speak to a societal compulsion—to always be projecting the purified version of your life online,” said Hovnanian. “My work advocates for a stronger connection to our truer selves and stories in the midst of countless forces that pressure us to present only idealized, curated versions of ourselves.”
The tree installations are exhibited at Edition Hotels’ Times Square and Flatiron locations. Proceeds from this project will be given to Project Healthy Minds.
Pulitzer Fountain
Outside of the Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue, the Pulitzer Fountain has been transformed into an arctic wonderland scene complete with skateboarding penguins and ice skating polar bears.