We are in the thick of the holiday season and it feels so good to be here! We’ve been spending time at light displays, a holiday market, shopping in Columbus Circle and obviously admiring Saks Fifth Avenue displays. The Christmas season in New York feels like a winter wonderland and one way to get into the holiday spirit is to tour all the best Christmas lights New York City has to offer. I’ve narrowed down our top holiday displays to spread the holiday cheer this winter. Make sure to make your way over before the end of the year because they don’t last long around here!
Rockefeller Tree
We have to kick it off with the most iconic special event: The Rockefeller Christmas Tree. After all, it is the most well-known tree in the city. It will stay lit until January 13th, so if you can’t make it before Christmas Day, you’re in luck. We like to make an entire day out of seeing the lit tree, which includes ice skating at the rink, eating lunch and getting some holiday shopping done!
Winter Village
For those that are familiar with winter in the city, the holiday markets are where New York City transforms into the North Pole. There are so many things to do at The Bryant Park Winter Village and while there are plenty of others around the city, I consider this to be the largest. Begin your day by going ice skating, they have a great rink with free admission with nice rental skates. Then head on over to the Holiday Shops where you can find really cool gifts for loved ones this season. Finish your day by unwinding with the best hot chocolate. They also have cocktails and food options to offer at Bryant Park. The giant tree is surrounded by holiday music and holiday decorations.
Park Avenue
Park Avenue has a tradition where they light trees to honor those who had fought and passed in the second world war. These are a reminder of peace and there’s something about this sparkly display that constantly makes everyone feel a sense of gratitude. With such an amazing purpose, they do also make for a beautiful display this winter. You can make a contribution towards here, as well, to the Fund for Park Avenue.
Fifth Avenue
People come from far and near to see Fifth Avenue in its best holiday light. We look out for the Saks Fifth Avenue light show each year, which is beyond gorgeous. This is when they decorate the outside of the store with beautiful lights and light them up to perform a show. Different colors and times, it’s all a magical experience! We make sure to go every year! Even if you’re not planning on shopping, the light installations are a sight to see.
BBG
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is always one of our favorite places to go. At this time of the year, they have something extra special going on! It’s called Lightscape which is an illuminated trail that you can walk through! It takes my breath away and this is the perfect time to go see it. They have different colored lights and shapes of lights that they cast over different objects in nature and hang. This is a great place to bring your family and friends, not to mention it’s makes for a great photo opportunity and walk-through experience.
Macy’s Windows
As you all know, I’m a major Macy’s fan! On top of having a whole photo opportunity at the North Pole with Santa Claus on the 8th floor, their windows are some of the best displays in town! A few are actually interactive, so you can take a moment and play a game or admire the trends emerging this holiday season, wrapped in the best window design you’ll see all year.
Columbus Circle
Have you checked out Holiday Under the Stars? It’s the largest specialty crafted exhibit in the city and features 12 fourteen foot stars that hang from the ceiling to provide color to the cold winter. They’re a wonder to see and make for a great photo, as well!
Dyker Heights
We love going out to Dyker Heights to catch neighborhood spectacular Christmas lights. This Brooklyn display is a must-see for us each year. The neighborhood goes all out and it’s so merry and bright! This is something we like to do on a weekend night with the kids! One thing to note is a lot of houses turn their lights off around 9PM so make sure to get there early to not miss anything!
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
The Holiday lights are back at the Bronx Zoo! Now through January 7th, you can experience the wildlife amongst stunning holiday lights. Not only will there be holiday decor, but expect animal lanterns, arches, colored tunnels, tree lighting and more! Use my code: STROLLERINTHECITYHL for 15% off tickets.
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