Discover New York State’s Jaw-Dropping Christmas Light Displays in 2025 That Everyone’s Raving About — Don’t Miss These Magical Holiday Spectacles!

Every year, New York lights up and gets festive as soon as the holiday season kicks in. All across the city and in nearby neighborhoods, people decorate blocks and buildings with colorful lights for Christmas.

I’m hoping readers will find simple ways to see the best Christmas light displays in New York in 2025. Whether you’re just visiting or you live close by, this guide should help you plan where to catch these popular holiday sights.

1) Lights for Life

Last winter, I went to Lights for Life on Staten Island. This holiday display sits in the southern part of New York City and gives you a peaceful spot away from the chaos of Manhattan.

It’s pretty close to residential neighborhoods, so families living nearby or anyone driving in will find it convenient. The display covers the grounds with a big variety of Christmas lights arranged along paths.

I liked how organized it felt, with plenty of space to walk and see everything. Usually, a steady stream of visitors shows up in the evenings.

I’d suggest arriving early if you want to snag a parking spot and avoid the biggest crowds. The event keeps things simple—no rides or carnival attractions, just the visual experience.

I saw families, couples, and groups of friends wandering around and enjoying the lights together. They usually set up the lights in November and keep them going through December.

Rating: 4.9 (157 reviews)
Location: 107 Sharrotts Rd, Staten Island, NY 10309

Dates (2025)	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
TBA (Nov-Dec)	TBA	107 Sharrotts Rd, Staten Island	TBA	Hilton Garden Inn	N/A

2) Westchester Winter Wonderland

Every holiday season, I make a point to visit the Westchester Winter Wonderland. It’s hands-down one of the most popular Christmas light drive-thru events near New York.

They set it up at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, and thousands of people show up to see the light displays. Cars cruise through the park, passing big themed installations and sparkling decorations.

Holiday music plays as you drive, and the festive mood really kicks in. The show usually runs in the evenings from late November through New Year’s Eve.

You’ll need to buy tickets online for each car, so check their official website before you go. Westchester County Parks runs the event, with help from local sponsors, and that support keeps things lively for the community.

Rating: 4.3 (142 reviews)
Location: 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY 10595
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Late Nov – Dec 31, 2025	Evenings (see website)	1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY 10595	$	Hotels in Valhalla, NY	wwinterwonderland.com

3) We Put Up Christmas Lights of New York

I checked out We Put Up Christmas Lights of New York to see what makes their approach different. This business helps people decorate for Christmas by setting up lights for homes and stores in New York City.

The store’s easy to spot in Manhattan. When I walked by, I watched the staff working fast and handling decorations right there on-site.

They use all kinds of lights and styles depending on what the customer wants. It’s not your usual retail shop—they focus on installation services for folks who want a pro to handle their holiday lighting.

If you want more info or want to book something, just call or check their website.

Rating: 5 (3 reviews)
Location: 15 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (646) 701-8362
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
November–January	Varies	15 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002	Varies by service	Booking.com – Lower East Side Hotels	https://weputupchristmaslightsofnewyork.com/

4) Christmas Lights Pros of New York

I’ve visited a lot of Christmas light displays around New York, but Christmas Lights Pros of New York really stands out for their custom installations. They design and set up Christmas lights for homes, storefronts, and public spaces all over the city.

Their team handles everything—planning, installation, and even removal after the holidays. I noticed they use LED lights and stick with classic designs, always focusing on safety and keeping things tidy.

You’ll find their office on East 78th Street, not far from Central Park. If you want them to decorate your place, I’d say call ahead because their schedule fills up pretty fast once the season starts.

Rating: 5 (7 reviews)
Location: 344 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075
Contact: (347) 486-3173

5) Christmas in New York – Little Italy

I stopped by Christmas in New York in Little Italy and found a store that’s all about Christmas decorations and ornaments. This shop stays open year-round, so you can browse Christmas stuff even in the middle of summer.

They’re famous for a huge selection of ornaments, collectibles, and themed decorations. The shop sits right in the heart of Little Italy.

I saw ornaments for pretty much every occasion—family sets, New York landmarks, sports teams, animals. You can even get some of them personalized with names or dates.

There are also table-top decorations, stockings, wreaths, and novelty lights. The shop carries gifts for all kinds of groups—new babies, pet lovers, and people with special interests.

They’ve got licensed products too, like Coca-Cola, TV shows, and movie characters. The store’s been around for years and draws both tourists and locals.

If you’re hunting for unique holiday decorations while you’re in New York City, I’d definitely suggest stopping by.

Rating: 4.4 (1020 reviews)
Location: 142 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 693-1600
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (booking.com)	Website Address
Year-round, daily	Varies	142 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013	Free to browse	Nearby Hotels	https://christmasandcity.com/

6) ROC Lights at Victor Hills

Last winter, I drove through ROC Lights at Victor Hills and found it to be a classic outdoor Christmas light show. The event works as a drive-through, so it’s perfect if you want to stay warm in your car.

Each vehicle moves slowly through the property, passing decorated trees, glowing arches, and themed displays. The displays use tons of colored lights, shaped into holiday scenes.

I noticed all the classics—snowmen, candy canes, reindeer. Some sections even sync up with holiday music you can tune into on a local FM radio station.

The whole drive usually takes about 25 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy it is. Parking is simple at the starting point, and they sell tickets by the car.

The site opens on select evenings from November through early January. Definitely check the official website for dates, hours, and weather before you go.

Rating: 4.5 (66 reviews)
Location: 1450 Brace Rd, Victor, NY 14564
Contact: (585) 739-0335
Website: Visit Website

Dates (2025)	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov–early Jan	Evenings, check website	1450 Brace Rd, Victor, NY 14564	By vehicle	Hotels near Victor, NY	http://www.roclights.com/

7) Christmas Lights R Us Of Manhattan

Whenever I stroll through the Upper West Side in December, I always spot a crowd gathering at Christmas Lights R Us Of Manhattan. This place focuses on Christmas lights and holiday displays for homes and businesses.

I find shelves packed with everything from old-school string lights to the latest LED styles. The staff here actually chat with you, offering advice on installation and lighting ideas.

Since the shop only opens for the season, I always check their hours before heading over. Getting there isn’t tough, but I’d say public transit or just walking works best—the area gets hectic around the holidays.

You’ll find it right on Columbus Avenue, close to other shops and restaurants.

Rating: 5 (4 reviews)
Location: 505 Columbus Ave #793, New York, NY 10024
Contact: (332) 230-9342

8) Holiday Train Show, NYBG

Every winter, I make my way to the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, I watch model trains zip around plant-made replicas of NYC landmarks.

The creators build every building from leaves, bark, and other natural bits. During the day, sunlight pours in and you can really see the details.

At night, the whole place glows with colorful lights, making the glasshouse feel extra festive. Holiday music fills the air and you’ll find special treats during Holiday Train Nights—sometimes even live shows or seasonal snacks.

Families usually swing by the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Pop-Up for hands-on activities, which run from mid-November through late January. When hunger hits, I’ve tried the Hudson Garden Grill, Pine Tree Café, and the seasonal pop-up stands.

Rating: 4.6 (156 reviews)
Location: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
Contact: (718) 817-8700
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost (General Admission)	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 16, 2024–Jan 20, 2025	10am–6pm	2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458	Varies; see website	Bronx Hotels	nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show

9) Festival of Lights

I’ve found that the Festival of Lights in Hamburg, New York really stands out as one of the bigger holiday light events in western New York. The fairgrounds light up with thousands of holiday lights and displays.

Families and groups come out for a festive evening together. You can walk or drive through the displays, which is nice if the weather’s not great.

They add animated lights and themed sections every year, which keeps things interesting. Sometimes, the event throws in extras like indoor activities, live music, or contests.

Parking’s right on-site, so you won’t stress about that. I usually grab tickets online ahead of time, just in case. Definitely check their website for the latest dates and updates before you go.

Rating: 3.7 (212 reviews)
Location: Festival of Lights
Contact: (716) 649-3900
Website: Visit Website

10) Giant Red Ornaments (Christmas)

I make it a point to visit the Giant Red Ornaments in Midtown Manhattan every December. You’ll spot these enormous ornaments outside office buildings along 6th Avenue, right by Rockefeller Center.

They stack the shiny red ornaments into a giant pile—honestly, it’s hard to miss. Everyone takes photos here; it’s become a famous spot for holiday snapshots.

Most people show up in December, and the evenings get especially busy. After dark, the lights around the display bounce off the fountain, and the whole scene feels kind of magical.

You can get here easily by subway or just walking from other holiday attractions. The display sits outside, so you don’t need a ticket. With so many hotels and places to eat nearby, it’s simple to stick around or grab a bite after.

Rating: 4.7 (39 reviews)
Location: 1251 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020

11) Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Every year, I head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see the Christmas lights. This neighborhood really goes all out with huge displays.

Some houses change themes every season, so you never quite know what you’ll find. The guided tour picks you up in Manhattan, which is a relief since the subway doesn’t really get you close.

A local guide leads the way, sharing stories about the tradition and the neighborhood’s history. Walking around lets you get right up to the wildest decorations.

Sometimes, the tour stops for Brooklyn pizza and hot chocolate—can’t complain about that. People also mention meeting Santa along the route.

I like that locals run the tours and give back to the community. Hearing their personal stories makes the whole thing feel more authentic.

Rating: 4.7 (2679 reviews)
Location: 1072 80th St 1st. Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11228
Contact: (855) 395-3754
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Early Dec–Jan	Evenings	1072 80th St 1st. Floor, Brooklyn, NY	Varies; tour tickets required	See hotels	https://www.dykerheightschristmaslights.com/

12) Radio City Music Hall

Honestly, I always tell people they should see the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall at least once. The Rockettes, classic holiday music, and all those big stage effects make it a real New York experience.

The theater’s lobby glows with wreaths, garlands, and twinkling lights. When you step inside, you’ll see art deco holiday touches everywhere.

On stage, the lights, sets, and costumes all sparkle. Even outside, Radio City stands out with its own festive lighting, so you can’t really miss it during the season.

Shows run a bunch of times each day from mid-November through early January. You’ll need to buy tickets ahead of time. I’d suggest checking their seat map and calendar online to pick the best show for you.

Rating: 4.8 (24,596 reviews)
Location: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Contact: (212) 465-6000
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Mid-November to early January	Multiple shows daily	1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020	Varies by date and seat, from $50+	Hotels near Radio City Music Hall	https://www.msg.com/radio-city-music-hall

13) Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park sits in the heart of Greenwich Village, and I think most New Yorkers know it for the marble arch and big central fountain. In December, the park puts up a huge Christmas tree and strings up lights around the arch and plaza.

Crowds come by to snap photos with the arch and enjoy the decorations. The space feels open, and from late afternoon into the night, there’s usually a steady buzz of people.

Street performers and musicians sometimes show up, which adds a bit of charm. The park has public restrooms, dog-friendly spots, and free Wi-Fi, which is honestly a plus.

You can get here by subway or bus, and there are plenty of coffee shops nearby. If you want to stay close, booking.com lists hotels within walking distance.

Rating: 4.6 (30,092 reviews)
Location: Washington Square Park, New York, NY 10012
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Early Dec–early Jan	Dusk–10:00 PM	Washington Square, New York, NY 10012	Free	Booking.com – Greenwich Village Hotels	nycgovparks.org

14) We Hang Christmas Lights

I swing by Woodside, Queens to check out We Hang Christmas Lights. This business handles professional Christmas light installations for homes and businesses.

Locals here hire them to deck out their places for the holidays. The crew puts up custom displays based on what you want.

I’ve seen them take on both tiny jobs and huge setups. They’ll do outdoor lighting, roofline designs, and even wrap trees.

If you want their help, you’ll need to book an appointment. I’ve noticed a lot of folks use them to avoid the hassle of hanging lights themselves.

Their website gives you all the info and lets you book a slot.

Rating: 5 (1 review)
Location: 50-47 45th St, Woodside, NY 11377
Contact: (646) 342-9036
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website
November–December (by appt.)	By appointment	50-47 45th St, Woodside, NY 11377	Varies (quote)	Woodside Hotels	wehangchristmaslightsny.com

15) The Channel Gardens

Every year, I make it a point to stop by The Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center to catch their seasonal holiday displays.

This spot bursts with carefully arranged gardens and water features that shift with each season.

Come December, the place glows with festive lights, decorated trees, and themed plantings.

You’ll find the gardens open-air, right between Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza.

I usually notice it’s less crowded than the main plaza, which is a relief.

Most evenings in December, people gather here to snap photos of the illuminated angels and twinkling decorations.

The displays don’t cost a thing and anyone can wander through.

If you ask me, sunset is the best time to swing by for the Christmas lights.

Since it’s just steps from the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, you can easily see both in one trip.

Rating: 4.6 (612 reviews)
Location: New York, NY 10020
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Late Nov – Early Jan	All day	45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111	Free	Hotels near Rockefeller Center	https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/the-channel-gardens/

16) Lights on the Lake

I drove out to Lights on the Lake in Liverpool, New York, to see this popular drive-thru holiday light show.

The event stretches for two miles, with more than 600,000 lights spread across themed sections like the Land of Oz, a fantasy forest, and classic holiday scenes.

Every year, over 40,000 vehicles make their way through the show, so it gets pretty busy during Central New York’s holiday season.

You have to buy tickets online ahead of time—there’s no option at the gate.

At entry, visitors show a QR code or printed ticket, so everything stays contactless and quick.

On my drive, I tuned the radio to Sunny 102.1 FM for holiday music, which really set the mood.

The lights felt colorful but not overwhelming, and staff made sure everyone followed traffic rules for safety.

Rating: 4.5 (1,022 reviews)
Location: 6790 Onondaga Lake Pkwy, Liverpool, NY 13088
Contact: (315) 453-6712
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov–Early Jan	Evenings (see website)	6790 Onondaga Lake Pkwy, Liverpool, NY 13088	Varies by day (online)	Hotels in Liverpool, NY	http://www.lightsonthelake.com/

17) Christmas Tree Brooklyn

When I want a real, fresh Christmas tree without dealing with hauling it myself, I go to Christmas Tree Brooklyn.

This family-run spot in Brooklyn delivers fast and free to all five boroughs of New York City.

Their main tree is the premium Fraser Fir, which smells amazing and keeps its needles longer than most.

If I need help decorating, they’ll handle setup and even decorate right in my home or business.

They also sell wreaths, garlands, and Christmas lights, so you can get everything in one go.

Ordering online is easy, and their team handles delivery and setup.

They back every tree with a “Perfect Tree Guarantee.” If I’m not happy with my tree, they’ll swap it out.

People often mention the friendly staff and the high quality of their trees and service.

Rating: 4.9 (312 reviews)
Location: 184 Underhill Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Contact: (917) 997-1216
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November–December	Varies (usually 10am–9pm)	184 Underhill Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238	Varies by tree size	Hotels near Christmas Tree Brooklyn	christmastreebrooklyn.com

18) Central Park

Central Park stands out in New York City for holiday lights and winter activities.

Every December, I spot simple but charming lights strung along paths and bridges.

The Central Park Mall and Bethesda Terrace usually stand out with the best decorations.

I like to visit in the evening, just to watch the lights reflect off the ponds and trees.

There’s no huge light show here, but the soft glow across the park feels pretty magical.

Families and visitors wander through, and the city skyline in the distance adds to the vibe.

Nearby, the Central Park Zoo and Wollman Rink sometimes join in with their own lights and decorations.

Guided walks and special events pop up in December, making it easy to find a little holiday spirit.

Just a tip—dress warmly because it can get cold and windy out there.

Rating: 4.8 (281,683 reviews)
Location: Central Park, New York, NY
Contact: (212) 310-6600
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website Address
December 2025 (all month)	6pm – 10pm	New York, NY	Free	Hotels near Central Park	https://www.centralparknyc.org/

19) New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx always seems to draw a crowd during the winter holidays.

They host the Holiday Train Show every year, where model trains zip past tiny versions of New York landmarks.

The event happens inside a glasshouse, so you can stay warm while you check out the lights.

When I walk the grounds, I’m surrounded by more than 250 acres of gardens and collections.

In December, lights and artistic installations line many of the paths.

Different parts of the garden show off unique themes and illuminated plants.

NYBG also puts on evening programs called Glow, where thousands of lights transform the gardens at night.

Guests can walk specific routes, pop into indoor galleries, and grab warm drinks from select vendors.

Both the Holiday Train Show and Glow events require timed tickets, so you’ll want to check the schedule online before planning anything.

Rating: 4.7 (12,152 reviews)
Location: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
Contact: (718) 817-8700
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November – January	10am – 6pm	2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY	Varies by event (may require tickets)	Hotels Near NYBG	https://www.nybg.org/

20) Rockefeller Center

Every December, I make a point to swing by Rockefeller Center just to catch a glimpse of their famous Christmas tree and the wild holiday lights. The decorations? They’re massive and honestly pretty dazzling—no wonder people fly in from all over just to see them.

TV stations broadcast the tree lighting ceremony each year, and honestly, it kind of feels like that’s when the holiday season really kicks off in New York.

Right under the tree, you’ll spot the ice skating rink. Anyone can skate there, though you might end up waiting in a long line if you go during busy hours.

If you ask me, nighttime is the best time to visit. The tree glows above the rink, and all the buildings nearby sparkle with decorations.

I’ve noticed the crowds get intense in December. The streets fill up with people snapping photos of the tree and checking out the window displays.

Radio City Music Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are both just a quick walk away, so you can easily squeeze in a few holiday sights in one evening.

There are tons of hotels and restaurants around Rockefeller Center, so it’s super convenient if you want to grab a bite or stay nearby.

Shops in the area sell all sorts of holiday gifts and souvenirs. Sometimes you’ll stumble across public art displays, which just add to the whole festive vibe.

Rating: 4.7 (187,644 reviews)
Location: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
Contact: (212) 588-8601
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Late Nov–Early Jan*	6am–midnight	45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY	Free (tree)	Hotels on Booking.com	rockefellercenter.com

*Exact dates vary; tree usually lights up from late November to early January. Skating has a separate fee.