New York City transforms into a winter wonderland every year when the holiday season rolls around. From glittering lights to festive shop windows, the city that never sleeps certainly doesn’t sleep on its Christmas decorations. When does this magical transformation begin? Let's unwrap the layers of NYC's holiday decorations and find out when they typically go up, how they're prepared, and where to see the most dazzling displays.
The Early Bird: Pre-Thanksgiving Decorations
Believe it or not, some of NYC’s Christmas decor start going up even before Thanksgiving. Here’s what you can expect:
- Macy’s and other big department stores begin setting up their holiday window displays around mid to late October. These are not just decorations; they are grand art installations that take weeks to create.
- The New York Botanical Garden initiates its holiday train show in mid-November, but preparations start much earlier.
🍂 Note: While some might argue this is too early, retailers jumpstart the holiday spirit to capture the shopping buzz, setting the festive mood in the city.
Thanksgiving Day - The Official Start
Thanksgiving is essentially NYC’s starter gun for the holiday season:
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade isn’t just about balloons and marching bands. It’s where the holiday season officially kicks off with Santa’s arrival, which is a symbol of the festive season’s commencement.
- The Rockefeller Center Tree is also erected post-Thanksgiving, usually in the first week of December. However, setup begins weeks in advance with a smaller-scale lighting event.
Post-Thanksgiving Rush
The days following Thanksgiving are a flurry of activity:
- Most neighborhoods start with decorations on the day after Thanksgiving. Brownstones and apartment buildings might put up wreaths, lights, and garlands.
- Street vendors set up their festive stalls selling everything from mistletoe to holiday-themed trinkets.
- City parks like Bryant Park and Washington Square Park begin their holiday markets in early December, but the setup can take weeks, with decorations going up beforehand.
The Spectacle of NYC’s Commercial Decorations
NYC’s retail sector doesn’t hold back:
| Store | When Decorations Go Up | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Saks Fifth Avenue | Mid-November | Imposing window displays that are revealed with a light show event. |
| Bergdorf Goodman | Late November | Artful windows known for their avant-garde theme displays. |
| Lord & Taylor | Early December | Classic holiday scenes with moving figures and captivating stories. |
Lighting Up Manhattan
Manhattan’s streets and avenues are adorned with lights:
- The city’s lighting contractor often starts hanging up lights from Thanksgiving till mid-December, with certain areas like 5th Avenue and Times Square lighting up first.
- Special installations like the famous Dyker Heights Christmas lights in Brooklyn are a late December attraction, where residents compete in a friendly spirit of holiday decoration.
When Does NYC Really Shine?
As December unfolds:
- The lights, decorations, and events become more intense. Events like the tree lighting in Washington Square Park and light displays on Queens Boulevard happen around mid-December.
- Residential neighborhoods like Bay Ridge in Brooklyn ramp up their decorations, turning entire streets into luminous Christmas card scenes.
💡 Note: While some neighborhoods delay decorating until a bit later, others compete to be the first to shine, often turning entire blocks into dazzling holiday spectacles.
New York City’s Christmas decorations create an enchanting atmosphere, drawing visitors from around the globe. The city’s festive spirit starts before Thanksgiving with major stores setting the scene. The real magic, however, begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, when the city officially steps into the holiday season. Residential areas, parks, and major attractions contribute to the city's festive landscape, making NYC a twinkling marvel. Whether it’s the iconic Rockefeller Center tree, vibrant window displays, or the dazzling lights of Dyker Heights, the magic of Christmas in New York City is an event in itself, one that captures the imagination and brings joy to millions.
What is the earliest you can expect to see Christmas decorations in NYC?
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Some department stores like Macy’s begin setting up their holiday window displays in mid to late October.
When does the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree go up?
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The tree is typically erected post-Thanksgiving, in the first week of December, with the official lighting ceremony happening soon after.
Do New Yorkers have specific traditions related to Christmas decorations?
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Yes, for example, in neighborhoods like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, residents compete in a friendly manner to have the most elaborately decorated houses.
Can you still see Christmas decorations after the holidays?
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Yes, some decorations might linger until early January, especially in residential areas, and events like the tree lighting might still be up for a week or two after New Year’s Day.
