The festive season in New York City transforms it into a dazzling winter wonderland, with Christmas decorations starting to light up the city as early as November. If you're planning to visit NYC for its iconic holiday displays in 2019, knowing when to see them will ensure you catch the city in its full festive splendor.
November Festivities
The holiday season officially kicks off with several time-honored traditions:
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Held on Thanksgiving, this parade features elaborate floats, giant balloons, and Santa’s arrival to signify the start of the Christmas season.
- Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting: The lighting ceremony for the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center typically occurs during the week after Thanksgiving. This event marks the unofficial start of holiday decorations across the city, although the tree itself is in place a bit earlier.
🎄 Note: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in 2019 was on December 4, with the tree remaining up until January 15, 2020.
December Magic
By December, NYC is ablaze with holiday lights and decorations:
- Window Displays: Department stores like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman unveil spectacular window displays that are a must-see. These displays are usually set up by the first week of December.
- Holiday Markets: Bryant Park and Union Square Holiday Markets, among others, open around late November to early December, featuring twinkling lights and festive decor.
- Public Light Shows: Saks Fifth Avenue hosts a light show, and the Empire State Building often glows in holiday colors. These displays can be enjoyed throughout the month.
Mid-December to New Year’s Eve
The closer you get to New Year’s Eve, the more intense the holiday atmosphere becomes:
- Christmas Eve: While official displays might not change, the energy in the city peaks with last-minute shopping and holiday parties.
- New Year’s Eve: Times Square transforms into a hub of celebration, where the famed ball drop happens at midnight, with decorations lasting until the early morning of January 1.
Here's a table of notable events with their approximate dates:
| Event | When to See It |
|---|---|
| Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade | November 28, 2019 |
| Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting | December 4, 2019 |
| Department Store Windows | Early December |
| Holiday Markets | Late November to December 24 |
| New Year's Eve Ball Drop | December 31, 2019 |
To wrap up, visiting New York City during the holiday season offers a magical experience, with decorations turning the city into a spectacle of joy and light. Whether you're looking forward to the iconic Rockefeller Center tree lighting, the dazzling window displays at department stores, or the electrifying atmosphere of New Year's Eve, timing your visit in mid-to-late December ensures you witness NYC in all its festive glory. Remember, the charm isn't just in the scheduled events but in the spontaneous moments of joy and community spirit that fill the city with warmth during this special time of the year.
When does the holiday season start in NYC?
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The holiday season in NYC traditionally kicks off with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting, usually held the week after Thanksgiving.
When can visitors see the famous department store window displays?
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Department stores like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman typically set up their holiday window displays by the first week of December, and they remain in place until the end of the year.
What are some less-known holiday events in NYC?
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While everyone knows about the big events, lesser-known celebrations like the Dyker Heights Christmas lights in Brooklyn or the Nutcracker Ballet at the New York City Ballet offer unique holiday experiences.
