Each year at Christmastime, the streets of New York erupt with a festive flavor of holiday lights and decorations. Whether you are looking to deck your halls or just to come out and experience all that the Big Apple has to offer during the yuletide season, here are some of the best places to find unique and seasonal decor, in the city of New York.
Where to Go for the Best Christmas Lights in NYC
The holiday season in New York City is quite spectacular, even more so when illuminated by a festive assortment of Christmas lights. Here are a few of the best spots in NYC to take in the beauty of the season each year:
• Rockefeller Center – Unquestionably the most recognized Christmas tree, the one in Rockefeller center is a glamorous and grand sight to behold with its 70 feet tall Norway Spruce tree and more than 5 miles of lights.
• Soho Lights – Every year for two weeks during the winter, Soho’s streets come alive with a colorful display of decorations and lights. There are many cute spots for Instagram-worthy pics here, with attractions such as the twinkling tree canopy over Mercer Street.
• Dyker Heights – Over 100 homes in this Brooklyn neighborhood, battle it out to see who can create the best and most over-the-top holiday decorations in town. Lights and lavish lit displays come together to create a unique spectacle that’s one of a kind.
• Coney Island Christmas Lights – Here at what has been called the “Electric Eden”, you get to witness a spectacle of several million multicolored Christmas lights, decorating the amusement park´s trees and roller coasters.
Where to Find Unique Decorations and Christmas Ornaments in NYC
Christmas trees adorned by ornaments may be part of the holiday tradition, but New York City visitors and locals can opt for something more unique and special to decorate their homes. Here are a few of the best spots to get one-of-a-kind pieces of festive decor in the city:
• NY Christmas Loft – Since 1986, this spot on W. Broadway Soho, has been the place to get custom-made of festive wreaths, hand-crafted ornaments, and lots more with light displays to match.
• Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland – Brewster, NY is the place to go for the festive home decorator’s dream come true. This warehouse-like store, overflowing with Christmas decorations, might just be the most eclectic place to shop for unique yuletide decorations.
• Bloomingdales – Don’t miss the annual Holiday Artist Shop at Bloomingdales. An impressive array of craftsmen, painters, and artisans come together to offer some of the most amazing Christmas ornaments from across the globe.
• NYC Christmas Market – Popular holiday spots like Bryant Park and Union Square usually host a variety of Christmas Markets at which shoppers can purchase festive supplies and lots of unique home decorations.
Where to Find the Best Christmas Trees in NYC
One of the most important elements of decorating for Christmas is getting the right tree, but in a busy city like New York that can become a tall order. These highly recommended spots can help find the perfect holiday tree in the Big Apple:
• Van Cortlandt Manor – During this winter event each year, use a wheelbarrow to transport a pre-cut Fraser Fir tree or select a Virginia Pine (baby blue spruce) while enjoying live music.
• Holiday Tree Forest – After strolling the grounds of this lovely 18th-century estate in Tarrytown, pick out a pre-cut tree for a great price.
• Nicko’s Christmas Trees – Whether you prefer the convenience of a pre-cut tree or the fun of cutting your own, this Christmas tree farm in White Plains, NY is a seasonal must when looking for the perfect holiday tree.
• UrbanSpace Holiday Market – This seasonal market at Vanderbilt Avenue in Midtown Manhattan offers fresh-cut and cut-yourself trees with a dizzying selection of sizes.
Celebrations and Outdoor Events to Experience in NYC During Christmas
New York City is home to a wide selection of holiday events, both indoor and outdoor, that celebrate the Christmas season. Here a few of the best-loved and most popular annual events:
• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – this lively and joyous parade takes place each year the day after Thanksgiving, starting at the American Museum of Natural History and ending at Herald Square in front of the iconic Macy’s store, where the magnificent holiday windows are unveiled.
• Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – The same show has been performed at the legendary Radio City Music Hall since 1933, telling the story of Christmas in New York through song and dance.
• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights – Witnessing all the fabulous homes in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights illuminated by their seasonal decorations is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
• The Christmas Movie at Bryant Park – Besides its holiday market, Bryant Park also plays seasonal movies that visitors can enjoy for free, outdoors, on Fridays and Sundays throughout December.
• NYPD Benefit Concert – The New York Police Department’s Chorus joins forces with choirs from several other local law enforcement agencies to perform a delightful seasonal concert at Carnegie Hall.
Spending Christmas in New York City is an unforgettable experience and makes for an absolutely unforgettable setting for a holiday celebration. From savvy shoppers looking to find unique decorations to festive events meant to get everyone in the spirit, New York City is sure to provide a magical and memorable way to celebrate this special season.
