Last Updated on January 19, 2026 by Erin Donahue

Imagine the magic of New York City transforming into a twinkling wonderland, one Christmas tree lighting ceremony at a time. The tradition that was first sparked in Madison Square Park back in 1912 has now blossomed into a citywide celebration, with the most anticipated Christmas tree lighting ceremonies in NYC promising to illuminate the holiday spirit across every borough.

As a local NYC holiday enthusiast who’s attended and photographed dozens of these ceremonies, I’ve scoured the city to compile the ULTIMATE guide to these festive illuminations – saving you hours of research and ensuring you don’t miss a single magical moment in the best city in the world. Below, this guide has you covered with every confirmed 2025 date, insider tips on crowds, and photo ops.

Watch Where To Find The Best Christmas Lights In NYC on YouTube

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Manhattan

The Plaza Hotel Tree Lighting — November 18

If you’ve ever watched Home Alone, this Fairmont-managed hotel is where the famous movie took place. The beautiful Christmas trees are in the lobby, but be warned, they have an annoying “no professional cameras” policy.

• Time: 5:00 pm
• Address: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
• Official Link: Holidays at the Plaza

American Museum of Natural History Origami Holiday Tree — November 24

This year, AMNH’s 13-foot tree celebrates the variety of species that evolved after the age of dinosaurs 66 million years ago!

• Time: Museum Hours
• Address: 200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024
• Official Link: The Origami Holiday Tree

The MET Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche — TBA

The MET seems to have stopped hosting a tree lighting ceremony as of 2024, but continues its holiday tradition with a twenty-foot Christmas tree displayed alongside an eighteenth-century Neapolitan Nativity scene in the Medieval Sculpture Hall.

• Time: Museum Hours
• Address: In Gallery 305, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028
• Official Link: Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche

Bank of America Winter Village Bryant Park — December 2

On tree lighting night, the event features Tony Award-winning singers, performances by world-class ice skaters, fireworks, and more! Afterward, the ginormous Christmas tree there makes for a fabulous backdrop while strolling through all the vendor shops.

• Time: 5:30 pm
• Address: New York, NY 10018
• Official Link: Bryant Park

South Street Seaport Holiday Tree Lighting — December 2

• Time: 7 pm
• Address: 89 South St, New York, NY 10038
• Official Link: The Seaport

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree — December 3

Obviously, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is the most famous in NYC. The tourist crowds are INSANE though! The Christmas tree is lit daily from an eye-watering 5 am (changed from 6 am) until midnight. For a crowd-free viewing, you’ll have to sacrifice some sleep either late at night or early in the morning. Another option is booking a VIP Rockefeller tour, where you get access to exclusive parts of the center, like the 620 Loft & Garden.

• Time: 7 pm
• Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
• Official Link: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Tavern on the Green Tree Lighting — TBA

Personally, I think Tavern On The Green has the most beautiful Christmas lights in all of NYC. I first came across it when I photographed a proposal during the holidays a few years ago. My breath was truly taken away when I stepped foot on the backyard patio. There’s a large Christmas tree and nutcrackers throughout the outdoor area, but the real scene stealer is the front entrance. It immediately makes you feel the holiday spirit, and inside the restaurant is cozy and ambient!

• Time: 5:30-8:30 pm
• Address: W 67th St, New York, NY 10023
• Official Link: Tavern on the Green Tree Lighting

New York Stock Exchange 102nd Annual Tree Lighting — December 4

The New York Stock Exchange Tree Lighting Event is a festive evening that features the iconic NYSE Christmas tree, live music performances, and various company activations.

• Time: 3:30 pm
• Address: 11 Wall St., New York, NY 10005
• Official Link: NYSE Annual Tree Lighting

Central Park Holiday Lighting — December 4

29th annual holiday event on the Harlem Meer. Every year on this night, the Dana Center comes to life with a dazzling light display, followed by a flotilla of sparkling Christmas trees gliding across the water.

• Time: 5:30
• Address: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
• Official Link: Central Park Holiday Lighting

Park Avenue Tree Lighting — December 7

Brick Presbyterian Church hosts a cherished annual tradition on the Park Ave. steps.

• Time: 6:30 pm
• Address: The Sanctuary, 1140 Park Ave, New York, NY 10128
• Official Link: Park Avenue Tree Lighting

Riverside Park Holiday on the Hudson — TBA

• Time: 4:30 pm
• Address: W 125th & Marginal Streets
• Official Link: Holiday on the Hudson

Morningside Park Tree Lighting — TBA

Hosted by Friends of Morningside Park and The Holiday Band, this neighborhood will be having an evening of jazz and merriment as they light up the tallest living tree in a NYC park.

• Time: 6 pm
• Address: West 121st Street Picnic Area and Handball Courts
• Official Link: Morningside Park Tree Lighting

Madison Square Park Holiday Tree Lighting — December 9

As mentioned above, Madison Square Park is what started all of this. Since 1912, this has sparked the trend that has since reverberated throughout the country.

• Time: 4:30 pm
• Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
• Official Link: Madison Square Park Holiday Tree Lighting

Washington Square Park Tree Lighting — December 11

After Madison Square Park, Washington Square Park holds the title of NYC’s 2nd longest-running tree lighting ceremony. The Washington Square Association provides the annual 45-foot Christmas tree under the Arch that is lit for the season between the hours of 4 pm and 1 am.

• Time: 6 pm
• Address: Washington Square, New York, NY 10012
• Official Link: Washington Square Park Tree Lighting

Lincoln Center, Lotte New York Palace, Zuccotti Park — TBA

Keep an eye on these – dates not yet announced.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Brooklyn

Downtown Brooklyn Gets Lit! — November 25

• Time: 6 pm
• Address: Albee Square
• Official Link: DTBK Gets Lit!

Light Up Brooklyn Commons — TBA

Presented by Brookfield Properties, attendees can explore an exhibition of carved ice sculptures by Okamoto Studio, observe live ice carving, sample holiday treats, and look on as Santa lights up the Brooklyn Commons Christmas tree.

• Time: 5 pm
• Address: 100 Myrtle Avenue, Downtown Brooklyn
• Official Link: Brookfield Properties Light Up Brooklyn Commons

Park Slope Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony — November 29

• Time: 5:15 pm
• Address: 4th St. Plaza on the corner of 5th Ave. Brooklyn
• Official Link: N/A

Fort Greene Tree Lighting — December 5

The 11th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in partnership with Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.

• Time: 5-6 pm
• Address: Myrtle Ave and St Edwards Street entrance
• Official Link: Fort Greene Tree Lighting

DUMBO Holiday Tree Lighting — December 5

While you’re there, also look for the Construction Cone Tree made by DUMBO artist Casey Opstad.

• Time: 5:30 pm
• Address: Dumbo Archway + Plaza
• Official Link: DUMBO Holiday Tree Lighting

Carroll Park Holiday Tree Lighting — December 5

• Time: 6:00 pm
• Address: 245 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY, United States, New York 11231
• Official Link: Carroll Park Holiday Tree Lighting 

Industry City, Grand Army Plaza — TBA

Keep an eye on these – dates not yet announced.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Queens

LIC Lights Up — December 5

• Time: 5:00 pm
• Address: 43-81 Hunter Street, Long Island City, NY 11101
• Official Link: A Holiday Celebration of Lights in LIC

Astoria Tree Lighting — December 7

Historically held at Athens Square Park, an Astoria neighborhood favorite, it moved to two locations in 2024. In 2025, Central Astoria LDC hosted its 12th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Astoria Park’s newly reopened Great Lawn.

• Time: 4:15 pm
• Address: Astoria Park
• Official Link: Astoria Tree Lighting

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Staten Island

Empire Outlets — TBA

Staten Island might be the borough everyone forgets (because it’s the pits), but adding this here to ensure there’s a full spectrum of Christmas tree lighting ceremonies throughout all five boroughs.

• Time: 6:30 pm
• Address: 55 Richmond Ter, Staten Island, NY 10301
• Official Link: Empire Outlets Holiday Tree Lighting

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