A Guide to the 22 Best NYC Christmas Tree and Holiday Lighting Events
The most sparkling New York City Christmas trees and holiday lightings are the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Bronx Little Italy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, the NYSE Annual Tree Lighting, Astoria Park Annual Tree Lighting, and the HopeNYC Tree Lighting. These NYC Christmas trees and ceremonies offer the best NYC Christmas tree lighting and celebrations.
Nothing rings in the holiday season like a Christmas tree lighting, and there’s truly no place to stay like New York City during Christmas! The Christmas season is the only time we get to enjoy carols, Santa appearances, bright and lively Christmas trees, juggling performances, and neighborhood celebrations. While the Rockefeller Christmas tree gets most of the attention, there are plenty of other Christmas trees in New York City with sparkling lights and fun Christmas ceremonies. Check out these tree lightings around New York City and kick off the holiday season the right way with your family.
Too long, Didn’t Read
- Biggest & Most Iconic Events: Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park Winter Village, Central Park’s floating trees, NYSE’s 100+ year tradition, and the Washington Square Arch tree lighting.
- Things to Expect: Santa meet-and-greets, hot cocoa, live music, caroling, dance performances, juggling performances, giveaways, fireworks, lantern walks, toy distributions, and festive photo ops and celebrations.
- Where They’re Happening: Across the five boroughs in New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island).
- Cost: Most events are free. The only one with a small fee is Winter Wonder at Queens Botanical Garden.
- Best for: Families, kids, holiday lovers, and anyone who wants to enjoy the NYC Christmas season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
22 Christmas Tree and Holiday Tree Lightings 2025
Click on your region to jump to events near you!
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Manhattan
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park Tree Lighting
Bryant Park, 41st St. and 6th Ave, Midtown
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
All ages
Free
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park kicks off the season with its Annual Tree Lighting. Hosted by David Burtka, the celebration features dazzling performances from world-class skaters—including Olympian Mariah Bell and U.S. medalists Kaitlin Hawayek & Jean-Luc Baker—alongside Ice Theatre of New York, Figure Skating in Harlem, and The Skyliners. The 45-foot NYC Christmas tree, adorned with more than 1,200 ornaments and illuminated by 12,000 lights, will anchor an evening filled with fireworks, holiday music, and festive cheer.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 7 – 10 pm
All ages
Free
After being wrapped with more than 50,000 multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star, this iconic NYC Christmas tree will be lit during the live broadcast “Christmas in Rockefeller Center.” The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be on display until mid-January 2026. After the season, the tree will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.
NYSE 102nd Annual Tree Lighting
New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall St., Downtown Manhattan
Thursday, Dec. 4, 3:30 – 6:30 pm
All ages
Free
Be there for the 102nd annual New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree Lighting, an incredible community celebration that marks the start of the holiday season! This festive evening features the iconic NYSE Christmas tree, live music performances, and various company activations. Performances and activities are open to the public; snacks and refreshments will also be served.
29th Annual Central Park Holiday Lighting
Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Central Park N., Upper East Side
Thursday, Dec. 4, 5:30 pm
All ages
Free
Meet Santa and friends, sing carols on the plaza, and warm up with hot cocoa while enjoying a variety of exciting seasonal activities. The night culminates with the magical lighting of a flotilla of sparkling trees, illuminating the water and welcoming the spirit of the NYC Christmas holidays to Central Park.
Holiday Lights Celebration
Rockefeller Park, Chambers St. & River Terrace, Battery Park City
Thursday, Dec. 4, 6 – 7:30 pm
All ages
Free
Kick off this amazing holiday season with the illumination of the Battery Park City Christmas Tree. The festive evening features lively carols, beverages, and treats, and many special guest appearances, including PS/IS 276 Advance Chorus, BMCC Downtown Chorus, and a visit from you-know-who!
Holiday on the Hudson
Riverside Park, W 125th & Marginal St., Harlem
Saturday, Dec. 6, 4 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the New York Christmas season with a holiday tree lighting, live music, decoration making, and hot chocolate (while supplies last).
2025 Washington Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
Washington Square Park Arch, 17 Washington Square North, Greenwich Village
Thursday, Dec. 11, 6 – 7 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate your favorite winter holiday in Washington Square. The Rob Susman Brass Quartet, vocalist Linseigh Green, and children and grown-ups alike will sing holiday songs. The sparkling lights on the resplendent Christmas tree will be turned on to mark the beginning of festive winter evenings. Santa Claus himself has promised to appear, candy canes in hand, and lead the children in the illumination countdown.
Bronx
Tree Lighting
The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Ave., Co-Op City
Friday, Nov. 21, 5 – 6:30 pm
All ages
Free
Be there for this Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with a live performance from X-Factor Marching Band, stilt walking toy soldier and elf, live juggling, music, and more. Plus, Santa will be there to light this New York Christmas tree at 6 pm!
Bronx Little Italy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Ciccarone Park, Ciccarone Park Arthur Ave. & East 188th St., Little Italy
Saturday, Dec. 6, 4 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
The Belmont BID welcomes the return of the Holiday Season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony! All are welcome to meet Santa, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy Italian cookies and hot chocolate from local small businesses.
It’s a Winter Wonderland
Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval East, Norwood
Friday, Dec. 12, 4:30 – 7 pm
All ages
Free
Families are invited to join in some winter fun and bring in the season with icicles and snowflakes. Christmas activities will include arts and crafts, winter games, a tree lighting, and a special visit from Santa himself.
Brooklyn
Atlantic Avenue Annual Tree Lighting
St. Cyril of Turov Belarusian Church, 401 Atlantic Ave., Boerum Hill
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 6 pm
All ages
Free
Families from the community are invited to the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon and Council Member Lincoln Restler will officiate the ceremony and share holiday greetings. The celebration will include a special countdown led by Girl Scouts Troops 2133 and 2518, comprised of first-, second-, and third-grade students from P.S. 261 Philip Livingston School. Once this Christmas tree is lit, the Brooklyn High School of the Arts choir will perform classic holiday songs, spreading cheer to all in attendance. People can stop by and receive a free ‘Shop & Dine Atlantic Ave’ tote bag.
DTBK Gets Lit!
Albee Square, Albee Square W & Fulton St., Downtown Brooklyn
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 6 – 7 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate this NYC Christmas season in true Downtown Brooklyn style! Head to Albee Square for this annual holiday lighting ceremony, where DJ Mike Doelo creates the perfect seasonal vibes. Take delight in the festive harmonies of Janis Weatherly and members of The Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble. Adding to the fun are entertainers Andrea Flow, Brianna Kalisch, Flow Juggle, and Roller Boogie. Plus, win prizes and savor delicious hot chocolate while supplies last.
DUMBO Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Dumbo Archway Plaza, Water St. bet. Pearl St. and Anchorage Place, Dumbo
Thursday, Dec. 4, 4 pm
All ages
Free
This annual NYC Christmas tree lighting takes place at 5:30 pm sharp with a countdown led by Alexandria Sica, Team Dumbo President. Enjoy Santa in a photo booth and Dumbo’s cheeky construction cone tree. This is the last year to catch this creation!
11th Annual Fort Greene Tree Lighting
Fort Greene Tree Lighting, Myrtle Ave and St Edwards St., Fort Greene
Friday, Dec. 5, 5 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Bring the family out for a magical evening to illuminate the park for the holidays.
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Queens
The Shops at Atlas Park Christmas Tree Lighting
The Shops at Atlas Park, 8000 Cooper Ave., Glendale
Saturday, Nov. 29, 5 – 6:30 pm
All ages
Free
The Shops at Atlas Park Christmas Tree Lighting features a DJ, hot cocoa and cookies for children, strolling entertainment, and face painting. performance by local dance studios, and a special appearance by Santa!
The 105th Precinct 1st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
NYPD – 105th Precinct, 92-08 222nd St., Queens Village
Thursday, Nov. 29, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
All ages
Free
The 105th Precinct will host its 1st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, bringing holiday magic to the heart of Queens. Families are invited to enjoy festive activities, including hot cocoa, Christmas caroling, meeting Santa, music, giveaways, and more!
HopeNYC Tree Lighting
HopeNYC, 14282 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica
Friday, Dec. 5, 5 pm
All ages
Free
Be there for the lighting of the largest Christmas tree in Queens!
Holiday Tree Lighting & Toy Distribution in Woodside!
Sohncke Square, 58th St. & Woodside Ave., Woodside
Saturday, Dec. 6, 6 – 8 pm
All ages
Free
Woodside on the Move is hosting their annual Holiday Tree Lighting event with an early visit from Santa! Expect Christmas lights, music, dance performances, toy giveaways for children under 12 years old, seasonal treats, and much more!
Winter Wonder at Queens Botanical Garden
Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 – 5 pm
All ages
$6
Celebrate the holiday season with live music, crafts, and festive shopping. Snap amazing photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, take selfies among the beautiful evergreen displays in the Garden, and enjoy seasonal drinks from the Holiday Bar. The night concludes with a lantern walk to the Christmas tree lighting.
Astoria Park Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Astoria Park Lawn, 19 19th St., Astoria
Sunday, Dec. 7, 4 – 5:15 pm
All ages
Free
Embrace the excitement of this New York City holiday season with the Central Astoria LDC 2025 Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring caroling, The Sugarplums, and a special visit from Santa!
Staten Island
Historic Richmond Town Tree Lighting
Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave.
Friday, Dec. 5, 5 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Enjoy a lineup of holiday events, including performances by the Richmond County Orchestra Brass Quintet and GRACE-ful Glee Choir, greetings from Santa Claus, and end the evening with the lighting of this beloved NYC Christmas tree.
Ronnie’s Sandwich Shoppe and 122 Precinct Community Council Christmas Tree Lighting and Toy Giveaway
Ronnie’s Sandwich Shoppe, 2300 Hylan Blvd., Midland Beach
Saturday, Dec. 6, 5 – 8 pm
All ages
Free
Take a picture with Santa, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy festive treats at this sparkling NYC Christmas Tree lighting! Children must be accompanied by an adult to receive a toy while supplies last.
Borough Hall Tree Lighting
Borough Hall Plaza, 10 Richmond Terrace, St. George
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6:30 pm
All ages
Free
The evening will feature NYC Christmas carolers, hot chocolate and cookies, a dance performance, book giveaways, a mind-blowing appearance by Santa, and more. Also accepting new & unopened toy donations during the festivities.
Rosebank Holiday Event
Bay Street bet. Lynhurst Ave. and Sylvaton Terrace, Todt Hill
Friday, Dec. 12, 5 – 7 pm
All ages
Free
Enjoy an evening of seasonal fun featuring one of the best NYC Christmas tree lightings, Santa visits, raffles, kids’ entertainment, a DJ, and local food vendors.
| Event Name | Bouroughs | Location | Date & Time | Ages | Cost | Highlights |
| Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park Tree Lighting | Manhattan | Bryant Park, 41st St & 6th Ave, Midtown | Tue, Dec 2 • 5:30–7:30 pm | All ages | Free | World-class skaters, Olympians, fireworks, 45-ft tree, holiday music |
| Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | Manhattan | 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown | Wed, Dec 3 • 7–10 pm | All ages | Free | 50,000 LED lights, Swarovski star, live broadcast, tree shown till mid-Jan |
| NYSE 102nd Annual Tree Lighting | Manhattan | 11 Wall St, Downtown | Thu, Dec 4 • 3:30–6:30 pm | All ages | Free | Live music, snacks, NYSE tradition, company activations |
| 29th Annual Central Park Holiday Lighting | Manhattan | Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Upper East Side | Thu, Dec 4 • 5:30 pm | All ages | Free | Santa, carols, hot cocoa, illuminated trees on water |
| Holiday Lights Celebration
Borough |
Manhattan | Rockefeller Park, Battery Park City | Thu, Dec 4 • 6–7:30 pm | All ages | Free | Tree lighting, carols, treats, and guest performances |
| Holiday on the Hudson | Manhattan | Riverside Park, W 125th & Marginal St | Sat, Dec 6 • 4–6 pm | All ages | Free | Live music, crafts, hot chocolate |
| Washington Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
|
Manhattan | Washington Square Park Arch | Thu, Dec 11. 6-7 pm. | All ages | Free | Brass quartet, Santa, caroling |
| Tree Lighting at The Mall at Bay Plaza | Bronx | 200 Baychester Ave | Fri, Nov 21 • 5–6:30 pm | All ages | Free | Marching band, toy soldier, juggling, Santa at 6 pm |
| Bronx Little Italy Christmas Tree Lighting
|
Bronx | Ciccarone Park | Sat, Dec 6 • 4–6 pm | All ages | Free | Santa, carols, Italian cookies, hot chocolate |
| It’s a Winter Wonderland
|
Bronx | Williamsbridge Oval Rec Center | Fri, Dec 12 • 4:30–7 pm | All ages | Free | Winter games, crafts, Santa visit |
| Atlantic Avenue Annual Tree Lighting
|
Brooklyn | 401 Atlantic Ave | Tue, Nov 25 • 6 pm | All ages | Free | Choir, Girl Scouts countdown, free tote |
| DTBK Gets Lit!
|
Brooklyn | Albee Square | Tue, Nov 25 • 6–7 pm | All ages | Free | DJ, performers, prizes, hot chocolate |
| DUMBO Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
|
Brooklyn | Dumbo Archway Plaza | Thu, Dec 4 • 4 pm (lighting 5:30) | All ages | Free | Santa photos, cone-tree art |
| 11th Annual Fort Greene Tree Lighting | Brooklyn | Myrtle Ave & St Edwards St | Fri, Dec 5 • 5–6 pm | All ages | Free | Neighborhood tree lighting |
| Shops at Atlas Park Christmas Tree Lighting
|
Queens | 8000 Cooper Ave | Sat, Nov 29 • 5–6:30 pm | All ages | Free | DJ, cocoa, entertainers, face painting, Santa |
| 105th Precinct Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
|
Queens | Thu, Nov 29 • 5:30–8:30 pm | 92-08 222nd St | All ages | Free | Caroling, cocoa, giveaways, Santa |
| HopeNYC Tree Lighting | Queens | Fri, Dec 5 • 5 pm | 14282 Rockaway Blvd | All ages | Free | Largest tree in Queens |
| Woodside Holiday Tree Lighting & Toy Distribution
|
Queens | Sat, Dec 6 • 6–8 pm | Sohncke Square | All ages | Free | Santa, toys, music, dance |
| Winter Wonder at Queens Botanical Garden
|
Queens | Sun, Dec 7 • 2–5 pm
A |
43-50 Main St | All ages | $6 | Crafts, live music, Santa photos, lantern walk |
| Astoria Park Annual Tree Lighting
|
Queens | Astoria Park Lawn | Sun, Dec 7 • 4–5:15 pm | All ages | Free | Caroling, Santa, Sugarplums show |
| Historic Richmond Town Tree Lighting | Staten Island | 441 Clarke Ave | Fri, Dec 5 • 5–6 pm | All ages | Free | Orchestra, choir, Santa |
| Ronnie’s Sandwich Shoppe Tree Lighting & Toy Giveaway | Staten Island | 2300 Hylan Blvd | Sat, Dec 6 • 5–8 pm | All ages | Free | Santa, hot chocolate, toys |
| Borough Hall Tree Lighting | Staten Island | 10 Richmond Terrace | Tue, Dec 9 • 6:30 pm | All ages | Free | Carolers, cocoa, dance, Santa, books |
| Rosebank Holiday Event
|
Staten Island | Bay St, Todt Hill | Fri, Dec 12 • 5–7 pm | All ages | Free | Santa, raffles, kids entertainment, DJ, vendors |
How to Avoid the Crowds at Popular Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC
Seeing a Christmas tree lighting in NYC is magical, but big crowds can make the experience stressful, especially for families. Whether you are visiting a famous New York Christmas tree lighting or a neighborhood event, choosing the right viewing spot can make a huge difference. Some places give you a close look, others give you more space, and a few spots offer great photos without having to stand shoulder to shoulder with people.
Many times, the best views are a short walk away from the main ceremony. A nearby plaza, corner, or side street can feel calmer while still letting you enjoy the sparkling lights and holiday music.
What kind of view do you want? Think about whether you prefer close-up photos, a wide view of the tree, or a place where you can see the lights without the crowd pressing in.
Where you stand matters: look for sidewalks or small plazas near the event instead of standing right in the center. Being just a block away can feel easier to move around and gives kids more breathing room.
Best times to go: NYC tree lightings get crowded during the actual lighting, but things calm down right after. So, it’s best to arrive early or stay a little longer after the main moment.
Try nearby streets instead of the main walkway: At many NYC Christmas tree lighting events, the main entrance gets crowded fast. So, it’s advisable to stand around less busy places or side streets.
This simple plan works whether you are attending a big NYC Christmas celebration, a neighborhood Christmas tree lighting, or one of the many local tree lighting events happening around the city. The most crucial thing is to give yourself space so you can relax and take in the holiday magic.
Questions People Ask About NYC Tree Lightings
Q1. What time do they light the tree in NYC?
Once the flip is switched tonight, the massive Christmas tree will light up daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. On Christmas Eve, it will shine for 24 hours, but on New Year’s Eve, the tree is illuminated only from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The tree will be on display to the public through mid-January.
Q2. What date do Christmas decorations go up in New York City?
Christmas Time in New York 2025. The Christmas decorations in shops are usually revealed at the end of November or the beginning of December, typically after Thanksgiving. This is also the case for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. After the New Year, most of the shops will remove their decorations.
Q3. Are NYC Christmas tree lighting events free to attend?
Most New York Christmas tree lighting events are completely free, including big ones like the Rockefeller Center lighting and almost all neighborhood celebrations. The only event that requires a small fee is Winter Wonder at Queens Botanical Garden, which charges $6 for entry.
Q4.What time do the NYC Christmas tree lights turn on each day after the ceremony?
Most Christmas trees in NYC stay lit from sunset until around midnight.
The Rockefeller Center tree has its own schedule. It lights up from 5 a.m. to midnight every day, stays on for 24 hours on Christmas Eve, and turns off early at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. The tree is usually taken down in mid-January.
