The Plaza Hotel NYC: How to Visit at Christmas 2025
The Plaza Hotel NYC is one of New York’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see during the holiday season. Located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, it offers grand architecture, festive decorations, and a touch of timeless elegance. Every Christmas, the hotel’s exterior sparkles with lights while its lobby tree becomes a favorite photo spot for visitors from around the world.
If you want to explore more of the city’s best holiday displays, our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour passes by the exterior of The Plaza and showcases nearby decorations, including the Fifth Avenue windows and Central Park views. You can also browse more seasonal ideas in our guide to the Best Things to Do at Christmas in NYC. For daily inspiration, follow us on Instagram at MyChristmasInNewYorkCity.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to get inside The Plaza Hotel at Christmas, enjoy its dining and afternoon tea, visit its shops, and experience the magic of this legendary New York destination during the holidays.
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Where Is The Plaza Hotel NYC?
The Plaza Hotel NYC stands at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, one of the most prestigious locations in Manhattan. Its address is 768 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019. This prime spot places you right at the southeast corner of Central Park, with views of the park’s entrance and Pulitzer Fountain.
The location makes The Plaza a perfect starting point for exploring New York’s Christmas attractions. You can walk to the Fifth Avenue holiday window displays, Rockefeller Center, and the winter markets at Bryant Park. The neighborhood is also home to top restaurants, luxury boutiques, and cultural landmarks, making it a destination in itself.
Public transportation offers easy access, with nearby subway stations at Fifth Avenue/59th Street (N, R, W) and 59th Street/Columbus Circle (A, C, D, B, 1). Taxis and rideshares are readily available along Fifth Avenue. Our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour also passes by this area, giving guests the chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere and capture stunning holiday photos.
Christmas Decorations, Tree, And Nearby Holiday Attractions
During the holiday season, The Plaza Hotel NYC becomes part of one of the most festive areas in Manhattan. The grand entrance glows with elegant lights, and the lobby features a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Garlands, floral displays, and seasonal arrangements create a warm, inviting atmosphere for guests and visitors.
Our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour stops outside The Plaza, letting you capture its iconic exterior along with a series of unforgettable holiday sights nearby. On this route, you’ll see the Radio City Music Hall facade tree, the Fox Christmas Tree, and the giant ornaments and candy canes on Sixth Avenue. You’ll walk under the dazzling Swarovski star and through the oversized Christmas tree installation on Sixth Avenue. The tour passes the NBC News Studio, Rockefeller Center with its famous Christmas Tree, the Rockefeller ice skating rink, and the Channel Gardens.
You’ll also admire the Saks Fifth Avenue holiday windows, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Cartier Mansion’s red ribbon decor, and the Lotte New York Palace courtyard with its towering Christmas tree. Further along, you’ll visit Grand Central Terminal to explore Holiday Lane and the Whispering Wall, as well as the Bergdorf Goodman windows, Louis Vuitton flagship, and Tiffany & Co. The festive journey ends at Papillon Christmas Restaurant for a cozy seasonal finale.
If exploring on your own, visit early in the morning or later in the evening for fewer crowds and the best photo opportunities.
The Shops At The Plaza During The Holidays
The Plaza Boutique, located on the lobby level, is one of the few retail spaces still open inside the hotel. During the Christmas season, it offers exclusive Plaza-branded items, Eloise-themed gifts, hand-printed ornaments, and vibrant prints by local artist Michael Storrings. His New York holiday scenes are a favorite for collectors and make for a beautiful seasonal keepsake. The boutique is carefully decorated for the holidays, creating a refined yet inviting atmosphere for shoppers.
If you want to continue your holiday shopping after visiting The Plaza, several of New York’s best Christmas markets are just a short walk away. Bryant Park Winter Village offers dozens of artisan stalls in a festive setting with an ice rink at its center. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market, located at the southwest corner of Central Park, is another great spot for handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. Grand Central Terminal’s Holiday Fair also provides a charming indoor option, perfect for finding unique artwork, ornaments, and specialty goods. Combining a stop at The Plaza Boutique with nearby markets creates a full day of holiday shopping in some of the city’s most festive locations.
How To Visit The Plaza Hotel At Christmas
The Plaza Hotel NYC is private property, with lobby access limited to guests and confirmed restaurant or bar reservations. This rule applies year-round and is strictly enforced during the busy Christmas season. Occasionally, security may allow visitors without a booking, but this is unpredictable and depends entirely on staff discretion.
If seeing the inside of the hotel matters to you, the most reliable option is booking a dining reservation. Afternoon tea at the Palm Court is the most popular option and a festive experience in its own right. A confirmed booking ensures you can enjoy the decorations, the famous tree, and the atmosphere without worrying about access restrictions.
Visitors who only want the exterior can admire the grand entrance, the Pulitzer Fountain, and Fifth Avenue holiday displays. Our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour covers this area, showing the festive exterior, nearby decorations, and famous window displays.
Festive Dining And Afternoon Tea
Dining at The Plaza Hotel during Christmas is as much about the atmosphere as the food. The Palm Court, famous for afternoon tea, becomes a festive escape with garlands, twinkling lights, and seasonal floral arrangements. The Christmas menu often includes holiday pastries, savory bites, and premium teas served on elegant china. Reservations are essential in December, as tables book up weeks in advance.
For a casual option, The Champagne Bar in the lobby offers a refined place to enjoy a drink. Guests can sip champagne, cocktails, or hot beverages while watching the bustle of Fifth Avenue through grand windows.
Both venues let you enjoy the interior decorations and tree without booking a room. Choosing one of these dining experiences guarantees access to the building, which can otherwise be unpredictable during Christmas. Whether you choose afternoon tea or a quick festive drink, dining inside The Plaza is a memorable New York holiday experience.
Famous Guests And Film Appearances
The Plaza Hotel NYC has hosted royalty, world leaders, and countless celebrities since it opened in 1907. Over the decades, it has been the setting for grand parties, society weddings, and major cultural moments. Famous guests have included The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and Eleanor Roosevelt, cementing its reputation as one of the most glamorous addresses in New York.
The hotel is also a star of the big screen. Perhaps its most famous appearance is in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, where Kevin checks in using his father’s credit card. The Plaza has also been featured in films like The Great Gatsby and North by Northwest, as well as in TV series and holiday specials.
You can step into these movie moments on our New York Movie Tour, which includes the exterior of the The Plaza along with a wide range of other festive and cinematic locations. During the Christmas season, the tour covers Gapstow Bridge in Central Park from Home Alone 2, the whimsical FAO Schwarz toy store, and the Fifth Avenue displays from Scrooged. You’ll also see Bloomingdale’s from Serendipity, Macy’s Herald Square from Miracle on 34th Street and Elf, the Flatiron Building, Ferrara Bakery from Dash & Lily, and many more holiday and film landmarks. This combination of Christmas magic and film history makes it one of the most memorable ways to experience New York in December.
Rooms, Suites, And Prices
The Plaza Hotel NYC offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in the city. It combines historic charm with modern amenities. Rooms feature classic decor, high ceilings, and marble bathrooms. Suites often include living areas, dining spaces, and views of Central Park or Fifth Avenue. Many suites are individually designed, offering a unique stay for returning guests.
Prices vary depending on the season, with December among the most expensive times to visit. Standard rooms often start around $1,200 per night during Christmas week. Suites can exceed $3,000 per night. Rates include concierge services, luxury linens, and in-room amenities, but exclude meals and spa treatments.
For film fans, The Plaza offers a special Home Alone 2 package during the holidays. It is inspired by the movie scenes filmed inside the hotel. This package usually includes themed treats, an overnight stay, and experiences tied to Kevin’s New York adventures. Availability is limited, so early booking is essential.
Guests who want to enjoy the festive atmosphere without staying overnight can book a dining reservation. This guarantees access to the decorations and tree while avoiding peak accommodation costs.
Who Owns The Plaza Hotel NYC?
The Plaza Hotel NYC is currently owned by Katara Hospitality, a hotel investment and management company based in Qatar. Katara acquired full ownership in 2018 after buying the remaining shares from Sahara India Pariwar. The company manages luxury properties worldwide, with The Plaza as one of its most prestigious assets.
The Plaza has changed hands several times. Former owners include Donald Trump, who purchased the hotel in 1988, and Elad Properties. Elad oversaw a major renovation in the mid-2000s. Despite ownership changes, The Plaza has kept its New York landmark status. Strict preservation rules protect its historic architecture and interiors.
Today, the hotel operates as a mix of guest rooms, private residences, and retail spaces. It remains both a functioning luxury hotel and an iconic piece of New York history.
Is It Worth Visiting The Plaza Hotel At Christmas?
Visiting The Plaza Hotel at Christmas is a quintessential New York experience. The festive decorations, elegant architecture, and holiday atmosphere make it a standout stop, even if you only see the exterior. Booking afternoon tea or a stay lets you step inside and enjoy the lobby tree, garlands, and seasonal details up close.
However, The Plaza is not the only hotel in New York that offers a magical Christmas setting. Many other properties create stunning holiday displays, offer festive dining experiences, and decorate their lobbies for the season. We cover the most spectacular options in our guide to the best hotels in New York for Christmas, where you can compare styles, locations, and experiences.
Our personal favorite is the Lotte New York Palace, which features one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in the city. It’s well worth visiting both hotels if you have time, as each offers its own unique take on holiday elegance. Whether you choose The Plaza, the Lotte, or another festive property, New York’s hotels are among the best places to experience the magic of the season.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
