There are many places you can visit that will bring out the holiday cheer in you, but none are as recognizable as New York City. The Big Apple itself is a direct representation of the holidays as it is often the location for popular holiday movies and features countless holiday activities in its many neighborhoods. One of the best ways to enjoy the holidays is by getting out and seeing the Christmas lights in New York City. You will find plenty of events and local decorations that will be memorable even after your trip has long come to an end. Take a look at where to find Christmas lights and displays here in New York City:
Rockefeller Center
New York City residents know that the holiday season does not officially kick off until the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has finally been illuminated. Each year the official tree lighting ceremony takes place around Thanksgiving to give you residents and visitors a special treat. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the most recognizable and famous symbol for holidays here in New York City. The tree is covered in over 50,000 Christmas lights and sees countless visitors each year. What makes this Christmas tree so special is that it is a real tree, usually a Norway spruce, that can measure up to 100 feet tall. This year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Rockefeller Center will take place on December 4th, continuing the tradition of taking place the Wednesday following Thanksgiving. The tree is always lit at precisely 9:57 PM, but you will find that many visitors will arrive hours before it starts for prime viewing spots. There is nothing quite like the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
Radio City Music Hall
Another incredible New York City attraction that is a city staple is the Radio City Music Hall. During the winter, the attraction will host their Christmas Spectacular that turns the venue into a giant winter wonderland. The show will feature brand new choreography and end with a stunning light show of 100 drones. The exterior of Radio City Music Hall is where you will find over 57,000 Christmas lights strung up. Their feature of a giant Christmas tree along with sparkling garland has placed Radio City Music Hall as a top Christmas light attraction here in the city. The Christmas Spectacular will run through the holidays and typically ends the first week of January.
Giant Ornaments at Manhattan Fountain
Another great holiday display that you simply cannot miss out on during your stay this holiday season is the giant ornaments set up over in Midtown Manhattan. Each year these ornaments are mysteriously set up for the holidays before being taken down just as quickly after the season has ended. While the mystery of the ornaments has subsided (Dallas founded company VenueArts has publicly confirmed they put up the ornaments each year), you will still find them to be fascinating. These ornaments are larger than life and stand over 25 feet tall. Photos with the ornaments are sure to stand out for years to come when you look back at your trip with fondness.
Holiday Lights Tour with Santa
New York City is a big place to explore, so by end of the day, you may be wanting to have someone take you around to these incredible spots with Christmas lights. Let a conductor be your guide with a Holiday Lights Tour with Santa with TopView Sightseeing. This Christmas lights tour will take you all over the city from the comfort of a double decker bus that provides you with the best views of the lights. Your journey will be led by the Express Conductor along with Santa Claus and two of his elves. They will usher you to the locations already mentioned and many more. As you navigate the city, you will be guaranteed a spot on the second floor of the double decker bus. Enjoy complimentary tweets such as hot cocoa and chocolate. Your trip will also include a blanket and winter hat to help you stay warm during the trip. Christmas caroling will also be enjoyed along your 7-mile route that will eventually end at “The North Pole.” Don’t miss out on the opportunity for you to be shown these wonderful areas full of holiday lights!
New York City Is Waiting
Get ready for an unbelievable holiday getaway like no other when you choose our vacation rentals for your stay. New York City has never looked so magical than how it does right here in the winter. Get ready for festive lights and tons of holiday events to keep you entertained. Contact us to find your favorite New York City vacation rental and check out New York City for yourself.