When Do the Christmas Decorations Go Up in New York?
The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Travelers, Families & Holiday Lovers
If you’re planning a trip to New York City during the festive season, one question matters more than anything: When do the Christmas decorations actually go up in NYC?
Whether you’re visiting for the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the Fifth Avenue windows, or the magical lights across the city, this guide gives you the exact timeline, optimized for search engines and real traveler needs.
Quick Answer: When NYC Puts Up Christmas Decorations
New York City begins decorating in late October and reaches full Christmas mode by the end of November.
Here’s the yearly pattern:
- Late October → Bryant Park Winter Village opens (NYC’s earliest holiday setup)
- Early–Mid November → Rockefeller tree arrives + many stores begin decorating
- Mid–Late November → Fifth Avenue holiday windows are unveiled
- Weekend After Thanksgiving → Dyker Heights Christmas lights begin
- Late November–Early December → Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony
- All December → City is in peak Christmas mode
- Early–Mid January → Decorations remain, then slowly come down
If your goal is to experience maximum Christmas magic, plan for early to mid-December.
Detailed Timeline: When Each NYC Christmas Attraction Decorates
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
This is the centerpiece of Christmas in New York.
- Tree arrives: Mid-November
- Tree lighting ceremony: Last week of November or first week of December
- Tree stays up: Until mid-January
Best time to see it fully decorated and lit:
Early December to early January
2. Bryant Park Winter Village
NYC’s earliest holiday launch.
- Opening date: Last week of October
- Holiday market + rink: Open through February/March
Best time to visit:
Late October for early festive vibes
November–December for the peak Christmas atmosphere
3. Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays
Famous department stores go all out with elaborate displays.
- Macy’s
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Bloomingdale’s
- Tiffany & Co.
- Bergdorf Goodman
Unveiling period: Mid to late November
Displays remain: Through early January
Best time to walk Fifth Avenue:
Last week of November through New Year’s
4. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn)
One of NYC’s most extravagant residential light displays.
- Lights begin: Weekend after Thanksgiving
- Peak brightness: Early–mid December
- Lights stay up: Through New Year’s Eve
Best time to visit:
December 5–25
5. General City Decorations
Across Manhattan, you’ll find:
- The hotel lobby displays
- Street garlands and lamppost wreaths
- Building facades with lights
- Christmas trees in plazas
These typically appear:
Early to mid-November
Almost everything is entirely decorated by Thanksgiving weekend
Month-by-Month Breakdown: What NYC Looks Like
Late October
- Winter Village is open
- City still feels more “autumn” than “Christmas”
- Great time for fewer crowds
Early–Mid November
- Rockefeller tree arrives
- First store decorations go up
- Decorations feel “in progress”
Late November
- Full Fifth Avenue windows
- Major hotels and landmarks are decorated
- Beginning of Dyker Heights lights
- Start of the authentic Christmas vibe
December (Peak Season)
This is the best and most magical time:
- Rockefeller tree lit
- All windows, markets, and facades are decorated
- Ice rinks open everywhere
- Christmas shows and markets are running daily
Early–Mid January
- The Rockefeller tree is still up
- Many decorations remain
- Far fewer crowds
Best Time to Visit NYC for Christmas Decorations
For the complete Christmas experience (all decorations):
December 5–20
For fewer crowds but complete decor:
Late November (after Thanksgiving)
First week of January
For budget travelers:
Early November (partial decor but lower hotel prices)
Expert Tips for Seeing Christmas Decorations in NYC
1. Go early in the morning for Rockefeller Center photos
It’s the only time you can get the tree without massive crowds.
2. Walk Fifth Avenue at night
Lights + windows + decorations = the best experience.
3. Visit Dyker Heights around 6–9 p.m.
It’s the perfect time for complete illumination and safety.
4. Book holiday tours and skating rinks in advance
December reservations fill up fast.
5. Dress warmly
NYC winters are freezing, especially near the rivers and tall buildings.
FAQs
When do Christmas decorations go up in New York?
Most decorations go up throughout November, and NYC is fully decorated by the weekend after Thanksgiving.
When is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lit?
Usually, the last Wednesday in November or the first Wednesday in December.
How long do NYC Christmas decorations stay up?
Decorations remain through early to mid-January.
When is the best time to see NYC Christmas lights?
Early mid-December offers the best combination of lights, events, and atmosphere.
Final Recommendation
If you’re planning a Christmas trip to NYC, the safest time to see ALL decorations, including the Rockefeller Tree, window displays, Dyker Heights, Winter Village, and street lights, is:
December 5–20
This is peak Christmas magic in New York.
