The Holidays and the City

CHRISTMAS TREES OF NYC

A visit to New York City is always an exciting experience. But there is something extraordinarily magical about the holiday season. A walk through Zuccotti Park is suddenly enveloped in twinkling lights. The air is electric with joy and wonder. And most spectacularly, there is a Christmas tree around nearly every corner. We’ve compiled a list of the most iconic trees to take in on your visit.

ROCKEFELLER CENTER

One of the most iconic symbols of the holidays in NYC can be found in the plaza of Rockefeller Center. For nearly a century, this tree has attracted visitors from around the world. Its bright lights and stunning topper are an inspiration to the season.

The tradition began in 1931 when construction workers building the complex pooled their money and put up a 20-foot tree. They decorated the balsam fir with garland made by their families. In 1933, Rockefeller Center decided to make the tree an annual tradition and held the very first lighting ceremony.

Over time, the tree has grown to epic proportions. This year’s tree is a 74-foot-tall Norway spruce. It weighs 11 tons and stretches 43 feet wide. Hailing from Massachusetts, it is the first time since 1959 that the tree has come from the state. It is decorated with over five miles of lights and a magnificent Swarovski star with three million crystals measuring just over nine feet high.

Other Trees

While the Rockefeller Tree is the most well-known, make sure to visit some of the many other trees featured throughout the city.

The Christmas Tree at Bryant Park – Sixth Avenue and 42nd Street

This tree typically averages 50 feet tall. It is adorned with 12,000 lights and thousands of oversized ornaments. It is one of the most heavily decorated Christmas trees in the city.

New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree – 11 Wall Street

A tradition dating back to 1923, this is the oldest in the city. Usually over 60 feet high it is one of the tallest trees in town. In fact, in 2023, it was taller than the tree at Rockefeller Center.

Washington Square Park Christmas Tree – Fifth Avenue and Washington Square North

This 45-foot beauty sits under the famous marble arch at the entrance to the park. The lighting ceremony is the first week of December, and if you’re in town for the holiday, make sure to visit Christmas Eve for some old-fashioned caroling.

The Christmas Tree at Lotte New York Palace – 455 Madison Avenue

This luxury Midtown hotel hosts one of the most embellished trees in its courtyard. Filled with ornate ornaments it is truly an elegant sight to behold.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree – 1000 5th Avenue

This glorious 20-foot blue spruce is decorated with silk-robed angels that loom over an 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene. The elaborate and detailed work of art makes for a tree perfectly befitting this world-renowned museum.

Radio City Music Hall – 1260 Sixth Avenue

The tree atop Radio City Music Hall’s marquee will most likely look quite familiar. It has been featured in films such as Home Alone 2 and The Godfather. While there, make sure to visit the giant red ornaments in the fountain across the street.

American Museum of Natural History Origami Tree – 200 Central Park West

This 13-foot pine is a tradition that dates back over five decades. It features 1,000 origami ornaments inspired by fossils, dinosaurs, rare gems, and the museum’s legendary blue whale.

South Street Seaport Christmas Tree – Fulton and Water Streets

This hidden gem of a neighborhood is a beautiful part of the Financial District right alongside the East River. The entire seaport is always festively decorated for the holidays, but the crown jewel is its Christmas tree. At 60 feet in height, it is one of New York City's tallest. This quiet neighborhood is also much less crowded than many of the others, making for a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

Avenue of the Americas - 1211 Sixth Avenue

Down in the plaza you will find this vibrantly adorned tree with thousands of twinkling lights. The base is carved out, creating a sparkling backdrop for photos.

TAKE IN THE HOLIDAY MAGIC

Not only will visiting the many trees featured here fill you with holiday joy, but they’ll also bring you to some of the most special places and neighborhoods that are a must-see. So, grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate and follow the sparkling lights of NYC’s trees to experience a holiday you’ll never forget.