It’s hard to think of something for festive than a grand Christmas tree decked in lights and ornaments. While the tree at Rockefeller Center is at the top of most peoples’ lists, there are dozens of Christmas trees all over New York City and they’re all so different! We’re sharing where to see the best Christmas trees in New York City, from the spot of the first-ever public tree lighting to a unique origami tree to the classic must-see spots. So bundle up and let’s jump into the 13 best Christmas trees NYC has to offer this holiday season!
1. Rockefeller Center
Perhaps the most famous of all is at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. It appears in countless Christmas movies set in New York and is visited by 125 million people each year. The over 80-foot tree is selected at a farm in Upstate New York and driven to Rockefeller Plaza where it’s illuminated with over 50,000 lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star. It’s a sight to see and the lighting is broadcast on national television. If you’re lucky, you can snag a spot and see the lighting yourself but the tree remains lit for the entire holiday season.
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2. The Met
The Metropolitan Museum has a long-standing tradition of adorning its’ Medieval Sculpture Hall with a large Christmas tree. The tradition started in 1957 and each year, the tree is decorated with Neapolitan angel and cherub figures from the 18th century. At the base of the tree is an elaborate Nativity scene with similar figurines. The museum was granted the collection of figurines by Loretta Hines Howard in 1925 and the collection has grown over the years.
3. Wall Street
Another tradition is the New York Stock Exchange’s Christmas tree located at 11 Wall Street, which has been an attraction since 1923. During the tree lighting, there are musical performances, activities, and hot chocolate. It’s much less crowded than Rockefeller Center’s tree lighting and a great family-friendly activity.
4. Bryant Park
It’s not Christmas in New York if you don’t visit Bryant Park’s Winter Village! Here you can enjoy a holiday market, festive food, free ice skating, and a beautiful 55-foot Christmas tree decorated with custom ornaments. The tree and the ceremony are a very close rival to Rockefeller Center. The lighting ceremony includes a celebrity guest reading a Christmas story, Olympic figure skaters, and a firework finale. Throughout the season there are choirs and carolers who sing under the tree as well.
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5. Lincoln Center
Add this Upper West Side Christmas tree to your list. Located right in front of the Lincoln Center, where the Nutcracker is performed, is a towering Christmas tree. It usually has a theme reflecting the local community, and the lighting brings together members and businesses from the neighborhood.
6. Washington Square Park
The Washington Square Park Christmas tree is a magical sight to see. The nearly 50-foot tree is placed beneath the iconic Washington Square Arch, making it a tree unlike any other in the city. During the Christmas season, locals from the neighborhood gather around the tree to sing Christmas carols and holiday songs.
7. Park Ave
The Christmas trees on Park Ave might be lesser known but they’re certainly worth visiting, especially given their meaning. They were first lit in 1945 as a way to honor the men and women who died in World War II. The tradition has remained to this day and now there are Christmas trees all along 54th through 97th Street funded by The Fund for Park Avenue.
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8. American Museum of Natural History
This might just be the most unique Christmas tree on the list! Each year, the American Museum of Natural History sets up a 14-foot tree decorated entirely with hundreds of origami ornaments shaped like objects and creatures from the museum’s collection. The ornaments are created in partnership with OrigamiUSA. Each year the theme changes and during the holiday season, visitors can attend workshops and learn how to make origami ornaments themselves!
9. Seaport
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This quiet lower Manhattan neighborhood is becoming quite a hot spot for holiday attractions! In Seaport you’ll find a 60-foot Christmas tree and a Winterland rooftop ice skating rink at Pier 17. Head to the harbor, and you’ll even spot some trees on the ships nearby!
10. Madison Square Park
Fun fact: Madison Square Park hosted the first public Christmas tree lighting in the entire country in 1912! The tradition lives on in this park right in the middle of the busy Flat Iron neighborhood. You’ll even see the iconic Flat Iron building right behind the tree! This is a great spot to stroll, see the Christmas tree, and enjoy some cozy drinks from the first Shake Shack, also located in the park.
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11. New York Public Library
Add this indoor tree to your list. The main branch of the New York Public Library, located right next to Bryant Park, decks its halls with an elegant, traditional Christmas tree. Standing in the lobby at 35 feet tall, it’s decorated in fake snow, festive red ribbons, and lights.
12. Brookfield Place
You’ll find multiple Christmas trees throughout the shopping center at Brookfield Place. While you’re there, check out the Luminaries light show, which takes place every hour and is set to Christmas music. Don’t miss the winter village and the ice skating rink as well!
13. The Plaza Hotel
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Have yourself an Eloise moment at The Plaza Hotel and see the ornate Christmas tree in the lobby, covered with lights and ornaments and with wrapped gifts underneath. Treat yourself to a festive treat or drink at the Palm Court restaurant in the hotel lobby.
And there you have it, the 13 best Christmas trees in New York City. We hope this list gave you some inspiration to get into the holiday cheer or add some stops to your Christmas in New York itinerary.
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