Best NYC Christmas Trees for 2026: Where to See Them
New York City turns magical every winter, and the best NYC Christmas trees make the season unforgettable. From Rockefeller Center to quiet neighborhood corners, each tree tells its own festive story. Planning a holiday trip? Check our full guide to Best Things to Do at Christmas in NYC for more inspiration. Our Instagram, @MyChristmasInNewYorkCity, shares daily updates from every major tree across Manhattan and beyond.
Several of these trees appear on our guided tours. The My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant begins near Times Square. It passes Radio City Music Hall and the 6th Avenue decorations along the way. The tour continues down Fifth Avenue past the holiday windows and the Plaza Hotel. It ends at the Lotte New York Palace tree, with a reserved table waiting at Papillon. The Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar begins in Times Square and heads first to Hudson Yards. From there, it continues to the Wall Street tree and the Charging Bull in the Financial District. The tour wraps up at South Street Seaport and Pier 17, before ending at 230 Fifth. Our Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour with DUMBO and Free Hot Chocolate at Bryant Park Winter Village ends the evening right here.
Below, find every major NYC Christmas tree for 2026, along with lighting dates and insider tips.
What's Inside This Guide
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tops every list of the best NYC Christmas trees. It towers above the ice rink and sparkles with thousands of lights and the Swarovski star. The view from Fifth Avenue through the Channel Gardens feels unforgettable.
The tree arrives in the early morning of November 7, and workers hoist it into place between 7am and 11am. The official lighting ceremony happens on December 2 at 10pm. The tree usually stays lit into early January.
We include the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree on our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant. Guests see it in calm morning light, before the crowds arrive.
Want to be there for the lighting itself? Our Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Travel Package is built entirely around it. The package runs December 1 through 5. It includes a 4 night hotel stay, plus a gala dinner with exclusive indoor and outdoor viewing of the December 2 ceremony. You skip the cold and the crowds without missing a moment.
Read our full Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree guide for more lighting details and visiting tips.
Bryant Park Christmas Tree at Winter Village
The Bryant Park Christmas tree shines at the center of Winter Village. Skaters circle the rink nearby, and holiday market stalls line the park. The mood feels cozy, with hot drinks and holiday music everywhere.
Winter Village opens on Friday, October 23, and stays open until January 3. The ice rink usually runs a little longer, into late February. The tree lighting takes place on December 1.
After our Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour with DUMBO and Free Hot Chocolate at Bryant Park Winter Village, guests end the night here.
For more details, see our full Bryant Park Winter Village guide.
Wall Street Christmas Tree at the New York Stock Exchange
The Wall Street Christmas tree lights up the Financial District every winter. It stands right in front of the New York Stock Exchange, framed by historic buildings. The scene feels especially magical after dark.
This year, the Wall Street tree lighting happens on December 3. Many visitors stop here before wandering over to Stone Street for its cobblestone charm.
The tree sits within the Financial District stop on our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. The same stop also covers the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statue.
Lotte New York Palace Christmas Tree in Midtown Manhattan
The Lotte New York Palace Christmas tree brings elegance to Midtown. Set inside the hotel’s courtyard, it glows with rich red and gold ornaments. The Palace towers rise behind it, creating one of the city’s most glamorous backdrops.
The tree lighting takes place on December 1. Guests on our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant stop here for photos right inside the courtyard.
Washington Square Park Christmas Tree Under the Arch
The Washington Square Park Christmas tree sits beneath the neighborhood’s marble arch. It creates a postcard scene in the heart of Greenwich Village. Locals gather here for caroling and community celebrations.
The tree lighting happens on December 10. The arch glows at night, making the whole scene feel warm and festive. Many visitors stop here while exploring the Village in December.
South Street Seaport Christmas Tree on Pier 16
The South Street Seaport Christmas tree brings old New York charm to the waterfront. Cobblestone streets, festive shops, and the East River surround it. City lights reflect off the water, creating a scene unlike Midtown’s trees.
The Seaport tree lighting takes place on December 1, with live performances during the event. Many visitors pair this stop with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge nearby.
This tree is also part of our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, right after the Financial District stop. The tour continues on to Pier 17 for Brooklyn Bridge photos, before ending at 230 Fifth.
Bloomberg Tower Christmas Tree in Midtown East
The Bloomberg Tower Christmas tree adds a modern touch to Midtown East. Set on 59th Street and Lexington Avenue, it shines through the building’s sleek glass lobby. Shoppers heading to Central Park or Midtown stores often stop to admire it.
The mix of modern design and festive sparkle makes this tree stand out. It shows how Christmas in New York blends tradition with new energy.
New York Public Library Christmas Tree on Fifth Avenue
The New York Public Library hosts one of the more intimate NYC Christmas trees. Visitors admire it just past the library’s famous lion statues. At night, the glow from the tree and the steps creates a quiet, magical scene.
This tree feels calmer than Midtown’s bigger displays. It suits book lovers and history fans looking for a peaceful holiday stop.
While you’re on Fifth Avenue, check out the nearby Saks Fifth Avenue holiday light show. It’s also part of our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant.
The Plaza Hotel Christmas Tree in the Palm Court
The Plaza Hotel Christmas tree brings old New York luxury to the holidays. Set inside the Palm Court, it sparkles beneath a glass ceiling surrounded by refined decor. Guests often pair a visit with afternoon tea for a full holiday experience.
The Plaza’s tree lighting and celebration happens on November 17, kicking off the hotel’s holiday season early. Even non-guests stop by just to see the display.
Guests on our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant pass the hotel’s facade from outside. It’s part of the walk toward Lotte New York Palace.
Walkthrough Tunnel Tree on 6th Avenue
The walkthrough Christmas tree on 6th Avenue offers a different kind of holiday fun. Visitors step inside the glowing tunnel, surrounded by twinkling lights from every angle. It makes a top photo stop along the Avenue of the Americas.
The 6th Avenue Christmas decorations, including this tree, light up on November 20. Guests pass right by it on our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant, on the walk toward Rockefeller Center.
Fox Christmas Tree on 6th Avenue
The Fox Christmas tree stands outside the Fox News building with bold red, white, and blue decorations. Its patriotic glow sets it apart from the city’s other trees. Crowds stop daily for photos at this Midtown landmark.
The Fox tree lighting happens on November 20, alongside the rest of the 6th Avenue Christmas decorations. Guests see it too, on the same stretch of 6th Avenue covered by our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Crèche
The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts one of the most artistic NYC Christmas trees. It rises inside the Medieval Sculpture Hall, surrounded by a detailed Neapolitan crèche. The blend of art and tradition sets it apart from Midtown’s glittering displays.
The display is expected to return in late November and run through early January, based on past years. It remains a favorite holiday tradition for museum lovers.
Brookfield Place Holiday Tree in Lower Manhattan
The Brookfield Place Christmas tree glows inside the Winter Garden, beneath tall glass walls and palm trees. Its golden light creates a warm contrast to the modern space around it. Visitors often explore the nearby holiday market and ice rink too.
This mix of elegance and comfort makes Brookfield Place a Downtown favorite for the season.
Radio City Music Hall Facade Christmas Tree
The Radio City facade tree sets the stage for the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular. It glows above the theater entrance alongside the bright marquee. The Christmas Spectacular runs from November 4 through January 4 this year.
This tree lights up with the rest of the 6th Avenue Christmas decorations on November 20. It’s one of the first stops on our My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant. Guests pass by right after the tour begins near Times Square.
Zuccotti Park Trees in FiDi
The Zuccotti Park Christmas trees bring festive charm to a Financial District plaza. Several smaller trees fill the space, each decorated with cheerful lights and ornaments. The park turns into a cozy holiday corner in the middle of FiDi.
These trees sit a short walk from the Wall Street tree, in the same Financial District stretch. They make an easy add-on if you’re exploring FiDi on your own.
Hudson Yards Trees and Shine Bright Lights
The Hudson Yards Christmas trees anchor the neighborhood’s Shine Bright installation. This year, Shine Bright Hudson Yards runs from November 17 through January 7. Visitors explore both indoor and outdoor displays, from giant ornaments to glowing trees.
The futuristic setting makes this one of the city’s most photogenic Christmas spots. It’s also the first stop on our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, right after the tour begins.
FAQs About NYC Christmas Trees
Where is the Christmas tree in NYC?
The most famous Christmas tree in NYC stands at Rockefeller Center, between 48th and 51st Street on Fifth and Sixth Avenue. Dozens of other NYC Christmas trees appear across Manhattan, from Bryant Park to Washington Square Park.
When is the Christmas tree lighting in NYC?
The main Rockefeller Center tree lighting happens on December 2 at 10pm. Other trees light up earlier, including Bryant Park, Lotte New York Palace, and South Street Seaport on December 1, and Wall Street on December 3.
When does the Christmas tree go up in NYC?
The Rockefeller Center tree arrives on November 7 and gets lit on December 2. Most other NYC Christmas trees go up between mid-November and early December.
How tall is the Rockefeller Christmas tree?
The tree’s exact height for 2026 will be confirmed when it’s announced on October 26. Past Rockefeller Center trees have typically stood between 70 and 80 feet tall.
Is it free to see the NYC Christmas trees?
Yes. Every tree in this guide sits in a public space, so visiting is free. Some spots, like the Plaza’s Palm Court, charge for extras like afternoon tea.
Conclusion: Discover the Best NYC Christmas Trees with Ease
Exploring the best NYC Christmas trees is one of the city’s most magical holiday traditions. From the world-famous Rockefeller Center tree to neighborhood favorites like Washington Square and Zuccotti Park, each one adds its own sparkle to the season.
Many travelers ask how to see them all without the stress. That’s exactly why our tours cover the most iconic trees at a comfortable pace. The My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant walks past Radio City and the 6th Avenue trees. It continues to Rockefeller Center, then down Fifth Avenue past the holiday windows and the Plaza Hotel. The tour ends at Lotte New York Palace, with a reserved table waiting at Papillon.
The Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar starts at Hudson Yards. From there, it passes the Wall Street tree, South Street Seaport, and Pier 17, before ending at the rooftop bar.
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour with DUMBO and Free Hot Chocolate at Bryant Park Winter Village ends the night at the Bryant Park tree. If you want the December 2 lighting itself, our Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Travel Package builds an entire trip around it.
Seeing the trees on your own is still unforgettable. Joining a guided tour just means you won’t miss a thing, while picking up insider tips along the way.
For more inspiration, follow our Instagram @MyChristmasInNewYorkCity and check our blog for full holiday planning guides.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
