Every year right after Thanksgiving, New York City comes ablaze with world-class holiday lights across the entire city. 

There’s the towering 80-foot tall Rockefeller Spruce, the glittering tree under the historic Washington Square Arch, the Bryant Park tree lighting (with fireworks!), and so many more. We’ve rounded up all the tree lightings across the city and have info on where and when to see them all!

P.S. For a complete guide to all the winter festivities this season, check out NYC's Ultimate 2023 Winter Bucket List.

The Ultimate List of NYC Christmas Tree Lightings

Bryant Park Winter Village | November 28

Come for all the amazing shopping, skating, and igloo dining Bryant Park has to offer, and stay for the spectacular tree lighting ceremony at 6:00 PM on November 28. It’s a true spectacle, with Broadway star hosts, performances by world-class ice skaters, musical performances, and fireworks!

Where: 42nd Street and 6th Ave, New York, NY
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Tavern on the Green | November 28`

Tavern on the Green is a restored, elegant landmark restaurant in the heart of Central Park, complete with courtyard and garden seating. See the lighting of their 20-foot tall Christmas Tree against the backdrop of Manhattan's Upper West Side, along with complimentary treats, drinks, live music, and festivities!

Where: 67th Street & Central Park West, New York, NY
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The Seaport | November 29

Head to the Seaport on November 29 for festive fun, including live music, photo ops, a countdown to the tree lighting, gingerbread cookie decorating, and other surprises. The evening kicks off at 6:00 PM with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and live performances.

Where: 12 Fulton St., New York, NY
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Rockefeller Tree Lighting | November 29

The holidays aren’t really here until the Rockefeller Tree is aglow with dazzling lights. The magnificent Norway Spruce will be lit on November 29 at 8:00 PM, with star-studded performances and breathtaking displays as usual. While you’re there, go for a glide around the rink or check out the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue lights show. Can’t make it to the lighting ceremony? Watch it live on NBC, or stop by anytime through January 2024.

Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
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New York Stock Exchange | November 30

Bringing some Christmas spirit to the NY Stock Exchange, the 100th Annual Tree Lighting and closing bell ceremony will take place on November 30. Guests will have the opportunity to sip hot chocolate, send a note to Santa, and enjoy live musical performances as they watch the Spruce light up from 3:00 PM–6:30 PM.

Where: 11 Wall Street, New York, NY
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Central Park Holiday Lighting | November 30

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the 27th annual holiday tree lighting at the north end of Central Park! Guests will be able to meet Santa, sing carols on the Plaza, and warm up with a cup of cocoa. The event begins at 5:30 PM on November 30 and will conclude with a dazzling flotilla lighting of trees on the Harlem Meer.

Where: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (East Side at 110th Street)
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Holiday on the Hudson | December 2

Riverside Park will host its Annual Holiday on the Hudson with a tree lighting, live music, decoration making, and hot chocolate! Events run from 4:30 to 6 PM, with the tree lighting happening at 5:30 PM.

Where: 125th and Marginal Sts, New York, NY
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The Bronx Little Italy | December 2

Visit with Santa, sing holiday tunes, and enjoy classic Italian cookies and flowing hot drinks at the Bronx tree lighting ceremony! Happening Saturday, December 3rd, from 4:00 PM–6:00 PM, the annual tree lighting in Ciccarone Park is a warm, pastry-filled good time.

Where: Ciccarone Park: Arthur Ave at East 188th St, The Bronx, NY
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Washington Square Park | December 6

The list wouldn’t be complete without NYC’s second longest-running tree lighting. Just down Fifth Avenue from Madison Square Park is the Washington Square Park tree lighting ceremony. Visitors can see the 45-foot-tall Christmas tree come alive with sparkling lights under the Washington Square Arch.

P.S. Don’t miss out on some of the city’s best caroling at the same spot on Christmas Eve.

Where: Washington Square Park: 5 Ave, Waverly Pl., W. 4 St. and Macdougal St.
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Madison Square Park | December 7

Fun fact: Did you know the Madison Square Park holiday tree lighting is the oldest in New York and maybe even the nation? Head there on December 7 for a night of family-friendly fun steeped in over 100 years of tradition from 4 PM to 6 PM, with live musical performances and some seasonal activities for the public.

Where: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY
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Dumbo Holiday Tree Lighting | December 7

Brooklyn’s most iconic tree lighting takes place in the Pearl Street Triangle, right next to the stunning Manhattan Bridge. Hosted by the DUMBO Improvement District, the event will include Santa Claus visits, live music, and Christmas cover songs, plus hot chocolates and festive treats!

Consider bringing a toy, coat, or packaged non-perishable food to contribute to the various charitable drives on-site.

Where: DUMBO Archway, Brooklyn, NY  
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