New York City shines with iconic Christmas light displays across the five boroughs. From the legendary Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to Bryant Park Winter Village and the festive windows of Fifth Avenue, NYC offers world-famous holiday attractions. Explore neighborhood lights in Dyker Heights, the Union Square Holiday Market, and spectacular displays throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond.
Holiday Train Show
Location: Bronx
Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Cost: $$$
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden features model trains navigating through a display of miniature NYC landmarks made entirely from natural plant materials. Visitors can explore nearly 200 twinkling replicas, including the new Delacorte Theater, and enjoy themed drinks during 'Holiday Train Nights' for a unique after-dark experience.
Highlights:
- NYC's favorite holiday tradition, the Holiday Train Show, returns to the New York Botanical Garden.
- Model trains journey through a wonderland of miniature New York landmarks, all constructed from natural plant materials.
- Special 'Holiday Train Nights' offer a magical after-dark experience with themed drinks.
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
Location: Holmdel
Dates: November 21 - January 3: Sunday - Thursday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Friday - Saturday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost: $$
The Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center is a drive-through holiday light show that spans over a mile, featuring dazzling displays of festive scenes and characters. Visitors can also stop at the Toyota Holiday Village for additional festive attractions and photo opportunities, with special events like 'Double Drive Thru on Tuesdays' enhancing the experience.
Address: 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A spectacular drive-through light show with over a mile of dazzling displays.
- The Toyota Holiday Village offers a chance to get out of the car for more festive fun.
- Special events like 'Double Drive Thru on Tuesdays' and 'Petting Zoo' add extra magic.
Media:
NYC Christmas Window Displays
Location: New York
Dates: Dates for 2025 are yet to be announced, but typically run from mid-November to late December.
Cost: $
The NYC Christmas Window Displays along Fifth Avenue feature the iconic holiday displays of the city's most famous department stores, showcasing unique themes that change annually. Visitors can enjoy festive decorations, including the Empire State Building's red and green spire illumination, and explore various store windows that celebrate the holiday spirit.
Highlights:
- Experience the iconic holiday window displays of New York City's most famous department stores.
- See the festive illumination of the Empire State Building's spire in red and green.
- Discover unique themes and designs that change annually, offering a fresh perspective each year.
Westchester's Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza
Location: Valhalla
Dates: November 21 - December 24 (specific dates and times vary, check ticket selector)
Cost: $$
Westchester's Winter Wonderland offers a 1.2-mile drive-thru holiday light extravaganza where visitors can see festive displays and beloved holiday characters from their cars. The experience includes a 175-foot Transporter Tunnel and Rudolph's Runway, along with music and stories accessed through the free Otocast app.
Address: 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY 10595
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A spectacular 1.2-mile drive-thru holiday light extravaganza.
- The opportunity to see Westchester's best Santa from the comfort of your car.
- Enhanced experience with the free Otocast app for music and stories.
Media:
Magic of Lights at Jones Beach
Location: Wantagh
Dates: November 21, 2025 - January 3, 2026: Sunday - Thursday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Friday - Saturday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost: $$
The Magic of Lights at Jones Beach is a drive-through holiday light experience featuring LED displays and digital animations of beloved holiday scenes and characters. Visitors can also enjoy a Holiday Village with festive activities, including hot cocoa and roasted marshmallows at select stops.
Address: 895 Bay Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Drive through a spectacular display of LED lights and digital animations.
- See beloved holiday scenes and characters brought to life with cutting-edge technology.
- Enjoy the festive atmosphere from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle.
Media:
Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour
Location: New York
Dates: November - January
Cost: $$
The Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour in New York City takes visitors on a bus journey to iconic holiday movie filming locations, from Columbus Circle to Fifth Avenue. The tour highlights famous scenes amidst the city's festive decorations, making it a cinematic holiday experience.
Highlights:
- Experience the magic of New York City during the holidays through the lens of classic and modern films.
- Journey through Manhattan, from Columbus Circle to Fifth Avenue, spotting cinematic holiday scenes.
- Enjoy a guided tour that brings movie magic to life amidst festive city decorations.
Camuso Holiday Display
Location: Livingston
Dates: December 2025
Cost: FREE
The Camuso Holiday Display features a historic Christmas light display with restored animated toy-making figures and a 26-foot rotating Christmas tree adorned with over 10,000 lights. This beloved community tradition offers visitors a chance to experience an elaborate showcase of festive charm.
Address: Robert H Harp Dr, Livingston, NJ 07039
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A historic, elaborate Christmas light display featuring animated figures and a towering, illuminated tree.
- A beloved community tradition that has enchanted generations with its festive charm.
- Marvel at a 26-foot rotating Christmas tree adorned with over 10,000 lights and a 4-foot star.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Location: New York
Dates: Check back later this year for details on the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a symbol of holiday cheer for over eight decades, is adorned with a dazzling Swarovski star and is the centerpiece of the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This iconic event attracts large crowds and marks the beginning of the holiday season in New York City.
Highlights:
- The world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a symbol of holiday cheer for over eight decades.
- The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, a televised event drawing crowds and festive spirit.
- The dazzling Swarovski star, a breathtaking centerpiece that illuminates the holiday season.
Media:
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Location: Brooklyn
Dates: November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026
Cost: $$
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers an immersive light trail experience featuring artistic light installations and themed evenings, including 21+ nights and sensory-friendly early entry. Visitors can stroll through the enchanted display while enjoying festive food and beverages from on-site concessions.
Highlights:
- An immersive light trail experience through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
- A new and reimagined artistic light show for the holiday season.
- Special themed evenings including 21+ nights and sensory-friendly early entry.
Media:
Macy's Christmas Windows
Location: New York
Dates: Mid-November through early January (exact dates vary annually)
Cost: $
Macy's Christmas Windows at Herald Square showcase iconic animated holiday displays, including the beloved character Tiptoe the reindeer. The store's festive ambiance is enhanced by holiday music and decorations, inviting visitors to explore interactive scenes and visit Santaland for a meet-and-greet with Santa.
Address: 151 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Witness the iconic Macy's Christmas Windows, a beloved New York holiday tradition.
- Experience the magic of Tiptoe the reindeer, a recurring and beloved character in the displays.
- Enjoy the festive ambiance of Herald Square, transformed into a holiday wonderland.
Festive Christmas Cruise
Location: New York
Cost: From $79
The Festive Christmas Cruise departs from Pier 40 at Hudson River Park and offers an immersive holiday experience with Santa and his elves. Guests can enjoy picturesque views of the Manhattan skyline while being entertained by festive music and activities on board.
Media:
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
Location: West Orange
Cost: $$
The Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular features a dazzling holiday lights display throughout the zoo, with a charming miniature train ride offering a unique perspective of the decorations. Visitors can explore animal habitats transformed into winter wonderlands and enjoy synchronized light displays set to holiday music.
Highlights:
- A spectacular holiday lights display throughout the zoo.
- A charming miniature train ride offering a unique perspective of the lights.
- Enjoy a festive miniature train ride through illuminated scenery.
Media:
Victorian Christmas at The Octagon House
Location: Irvington
Dates: November - December
Cost: $$
Experience a Victorian Christmas at The Armour-Stiner Octagon House, featuring elaborate decorations and guided tours that transport visitors back to the 1870s. Highlighted by three grand Christmas trees, the event showcases stunning 19th-century holiday décor, including antique ornaments, wreaths, and garlands.
Highlights:
- Step back in time with a Victorian Christmas celebration at the historic Octagon House.
- Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Christmas in the 1870s.
- Enjoy a unique holiday experience in a beautifully restored architectural marvel.
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
Location: Hillsdale
Dates: November 22nd - December 30th, 2025. Hours: 5 pm to 8 pm on select dates in November and December.
Cost: $$
The Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms features a captivating 32-acre drive-through holiday light display, where visitors can enjoy a guided vehicle tour of dazzling light displays synchronized to music. Guests can also meet Santa and participate in festive activities like S'mores making at the farm market.
Highlights:
- A captivating drive-through holiday light tour spanning 32 acres.
- Opportunities to meet Santa and enjoy festive activities like S'mores making.
- A charming farm market offering seasonal treats and holiday shopping.
Media:
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Location: Bronx
Dates: November 21, 2025 — January 4, 2026 (Member Previews November 18-20)
Cost: $$
At the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, millions of lights illuminate the zoo across six lantern trails, creating a festive atmosphere celebrating wildlife. Visitors can enjoy new snow tube slides, engage in virtual snowball throwing, and explore beloved traditions like the Holiday Train and Enchanted Sea.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in a festive holiday festival celebrating wildlife with stunning light displays.
- Enjoy a magical night out with friends and family, filled with holiday cheer.
- Discover new surprises and beloved traditions at this iconic New York holiday event.
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in New York.