New York City is the best place to be over the holidays, when Christmas tree lightings and department store window displays grace Manhattan with their cheery presence. Finding the closest and most notable tree lightings near you can be overwhelming, so we compiled a list of lightings that you and your family won’t want to miss!
Origami Holiday Tree
NOVEMBER 21-MID JANUARY
Decorated with handmade origami models inspired by items in current museum exhibitions, this unique tree lighting will delight and inspire your creative side. Enjoy its magic and learn about the art of origami folding! Free with museum admission, 10am-5pm. Grand Gallery, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, amnh.org
Neapolitan Baroque Crèche
NOVEMBER 24-JANUARY 4
This traditional, annual Christmas installation is complete with an eighteenth-century Neapolitan Nativity scene. The scene includes life-like attendants in silk robes, music, and a candlelit Spruce tree. There’s nothing like an elegant nativity Christmas tree lighting to get you in the holiday spirit! Free with museum admission, 10am-5:30am. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, metmuseum.org
84th Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting
NOVEMBER 30-JANUARY 7
You’ll want to bring your little ones to see one of the best tree lightings in the city! The 84th annual tree lighting lasts until January 7th, so stop by Rockefeller Plaza at night to see it lit up. Go ice skating or check out the department store light shows! You won’t want to miss this. Free. Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, rockefellercenter.com
The Park Avenue Tree Lighting
DECEMBER 4-MID JANUARY
Originally erected to honor the men and women who died in WWII, 70 years later the tree remains a symbol of peace. Stop by Park Avenue to marvel at the beauty of this tree, which still serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in WWII! Free. Brick Presbyterian Church, Park Avenue and 91st Street, fundforparkavenue.org
Washington Square Tree Lighting
DECEMBER 7-DECEMBER 24
It’s time to celebrate under Washington Square’s 45-foot Christmas tree under the arch! The lighting lasts until Christmas. Stop by the display on Christmas Eve at 5pm for some holiday caroling. The whole family can admire the tree and enjoy some Christmas songs. Free, 4pm-1am. Washington Square, West 4th Street, Greenwich Village, washingtonsquarenyc.org
Christmas at the Square
DECEMBER 16
Hot chocolate and presents abound at Christmas at the Square. Bring your family to Owen F. Dolen Park for a Santa meet-and-greet, Christmas music, and the lighting of the Westchester Square Christmas tree. Free, 5pm-8pm. Owen F. Dolen Park, 2551 Westchester Square, Bronx, nycgovparks.org
Holiday Party with Santa in Hudson Park
DECEMBER 17
Your little ones will love partying with Santa at Hudson Park! Take a photo with Santa or enjoy a carriage ride around the park. The event will end with the lighting of a holiday tree. It’s Christmas fun you don’t want to miss. Free, 2-5pm. Hudson Park Fountains, West 34th Street and 10th avenue, nycgovparks.org
Second Annual Tree Lighting at Railroad Park
DECEMBER 21
The whole family can enjoy this epic tree lighting at Railroad Park in the Bronx. Watch the tree come to life while enjoying hot cocoa, snacks, and holiday spirit! Free, 5-6pm. Railroad Park, Courtland Avenue and East 161st, Bronx, nycgovparks.org
