Christmas in New York is synonymous with enchantment, with the city streets transformed into a winter wonderland adorned with sparkling lights and festive decor. If you're planning to visit New York during the holiday season or are a local looking to immerse in the festivities, understanding when Christmas decorations go up in New York can enrich your experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your holiday outings.
The Early Birds: Commercial Decorations
Some retailers are eager to capture the holiday spirit (and the holiday spending) well before Thanksgiving. Here are some key dates:
- Macy’s – Starts decking out its iconic 34th Street location in early to mid-November, famous for its holiday window displays and festive decorations.
- Bloomingdale’s – Their holiday theme decorations also go up around mid-November.
- Saks Fifth Avenue – Known for its elaborate window displays, they usually kick off the decorations around early November.
Official Lightings and Public Spaces
The city really starts to embrace the Christmas spirit with official lightings and decorations in public spaces:
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting – The tree typically gets hoisted into place in mid-November, with the official lighting ceremony usually held the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. This event marks the city’s unofficial kickoff to the holiday season.
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights – This Brooklyn neighborhood starts lighting up their elaborate home decorations around mid-November, though some residents might start as early as late October.
- Washington Square Park – Its winter market and holiday decorations go up in late November.
- Bryant Park – Here, the Winter Village and its holiday decor start emerging in late October or early November, offering an early festive ambiance.
The Main Events: Thanksgiving Weekend
Thanksgiving weekend is when New York City officially comes alive with Christmas:
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Held on Thanksgiving Day, the parade wraps up at Macy’s in Herald Square, where Santa Claus arrives to officially kick off the Christmas season.
- Black Friday and Small Business Saturday – Many stores and neighborhoods decorate further for these shopping events.
The Neighborhoods
Here’s how different neighborhoods in New York get dressed up for the holiday season:
| Neighborhood | Decorations Up By |
|---|---|
| Fifth Avenue | Mid-November |
| Midtown | Early November |
| Upper East Side | Thanksgiving weekend |
| Downtown and Brooklyn | Mid to late November |
Embracing the Tradition
New York City’s Christmas decorations have become a tradition that locals and tourists alike eagerly anticipate. Here are some notes:
🎄 Note: The timing of decorations can vary, influenced by factors like weather and construction schedules. Keep an eye on local news or official websites for real-time updates on holiday events.
So, when do Christmas decorations go up in New York? It’s a multi-stage event. From early commercial displays in November to the city-wide illumination around Thanksgiving, New York embraces the holiday spirit with enthusiasm and grandeur. Plan your visit accordingly to catch the city at its most festive, and remember that the magic of New York at Christmas lies not just in the decorations but in the air of excitement and wonder that fills every street.
When can you start seeing Christmas decorations in New York?
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Some department stores and luxury retailers like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue start decorating in early to mid-November, with full displays typically completed by Thanksgiving weekend.
What’s the big Christmas event in New York City?
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The lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is a highlight, officially kicking off the holiday season with a grand ceremony held the Wednesday after Thanksgiving.
Are there any historic neighborhoods known for their Christmas decorations?
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Yes, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is famous for its lavish home decorations, creating a spectacle that’s a must-see for many New Yorkers and tourists.
