NYC Christmas 2025 Guide: Lights, Tree, and Ice Skating! All I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS NEW YORK

Why New York City Is the Best Place for Christmas

Few cities do the holidays quite like New York. Every winter, Midtown Manhattan transforms into a winter wonderland. Storefronts sparkle, rich holiday music drifts down Fifth Avenue, and iconic landmarks glow under tens of thousands of lights. For locals and visitors alike, the season is a chance to take in traditions, feel that unique festive energy, and maybe snap a few Instagram-worthy photos.

This year, 2025, brings some exciting holiday updates, including the return of a fan favorite light show, new festive displays, and of course the classic tree lighting and ice-skating at Rockefeller Center.

Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show 2025 Dates and Schedule

After a one-year break in 2024, the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show is back .

• Start date: Monday, November 24, 2025
• Schedule: Nightly, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with shows every 10 minutes. Each show lasts about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Location: 611 Fifth Avenue, Midtown Manhattan, right across from Rockefeller Center.
• Cost: Free! No tickets or reservations needed

Expect synchronized lights, holiday music, and festive projections adorning the entire façade. The 2025 edition includes new animations, making it a must-see for both holiday newcomers and longtime fans.

Best Places to Watch the Saks Light Show

For the best view, stand across from the store, ideally near the Channel Gardens behind Rockefeller Center. That spot gives you a full view of the building’s illuminated façade. Avoid peak weekend crowds by going on a weekday evening, or later at night when the crowd thins.

Dior × Saks Holiday Light Show (2023 Throwback)

In 2023, the light show took on a glamorous twist: a collaboration between Saks and Dior under the title Carousel of Dreams. The building façade transformed with shimmering lights, celestial motifs like stars, clovers, and Zodiac signs, a nod to Dior’s luxury aesthetic.

That show debuted on November 20, 2023 and ran daily until January 5, 2024. Projections began at 5 p.m. and repeated every 10 minutes until about 10 p.m. It was the first time Saks partnered exclusively with a high-end fashion house for the light show.

For many, that year remains one of the most magical holiday light experiences at Saks, part glamour, part classic NYC holiday charm.

Cartier Fifth Avenue Holiday Lights 2025

This year also adds a new twist: the luxury jeweler Cartier is reportedly dressing up its Fifth Avenue flagship in holiday lights. While specifics remain limited, its participation reflects a growing trend of high-end stores enhancing the festive scenery up Fifth Avenue. These installations, paired with the Saks show and holiday windows at other department stores, make Fifth Avenue a prime destination for nighttime holiday strolls.

NYC Christmas Tree Lightings 2025

Here are the confirmed tree lighting events and major holiday displays for winter 2025.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2025

Tree lighting date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Ceremony from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Lighting hours after ceremony:
The tree remains lit nightly from 5:00 AM to midnight.
On Christmas Eve it remains lit 24 hours.
On New Year’s Eve it stays lit until 9:00 PM.
Display stays up through mid January 2026.

Why go:
Iconic NYC holiday tradition. Huge tree, beautiful lights, famous ice rink, and the magical Midtown holiday atmosphere.

Bryant Park Winter Village Tree Lighting 2025

Tree lighting date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

What to expect:

• Skating performances
• Live music
• Holiday market
• Festive lights
• Cheerful winter atmosphere

Bonus:
Winter Village also offers holiday shopping, food stalls, hot drinks, cozy winter vibes, and a lively Christmas market.

Central Park Harlem Meer Holiday Lights 2025

Lighting date: Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

This includes the holiday lights at the northeast section of Central Park with festive decorations and a flotilla of lights on Harlem Meer.

Why it’s special:
A quieter, more peaceful winter celebration. Great for photos, couples, families, and anyone wanting to avoid Midtown crowds.

Other NYC Neighborhood Tree Lightings 2025

Madison Square Park

Tree lighting: Around December 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

Washington Square Park

Tree lighting: December 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
The decorated 45 foot tree stays lit daily from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

These smaller events have a cozy, local neighborhood feel.

Ice Skating in NYC 2025–2026

Wollman Rink Central Park 2025 Season

Season: October 26, 2025 to March 15, 2026.

Hours:

• Mon & Tue: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Wed & Thu: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Fri & Sat: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sun: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Holiday hours may vary.

Prices:

• Adults: 16 USD to 40 USD (depending on peak time)
• Children (4 to 12): 11 USD
• Skate rental: 12 USD

Why go:
Skate with a view of the Manhattan skyline inside Central Park. One of the most classic NYC winter experiences.

Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink 2025

Season: October 24, 2025 to March 1, 2026.

Hours:
Generally 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
During peak holiday season (Nov 24 – Jan 4), some days extend until midnight.

Cost:

• Free admission if you bring your own skates
• Rentals available

What else is there:

• 180+ holiday shops
• Cozy food hall & bar
• Igloos / heated seating
• Hot drinks
• Christmas market

Perfect for families, groups, and anyone wanting skating + shopping + dining.

Tips for Seeing NYC Christmas Lights Without Stress

1. Choose weekdays or off-peak hours: Weeknights or late evenings tend to be less crowded, and you’ll get better photos.
2. Bundle up: NYC winters are cold, dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.
3. Combine attractions efficiently: Saks Light Show, Rockefeller Center Tree, and Fifth Avenue windows are all within walking distance.
4. Book skating tickets early: The ice rink fills up fast, especially on weekends.
5. Be patient with crowds: During peak holiday season, sidewalks and streets get packed. Give yourself extra time if you plan to walk between spots.

Final Thoughts on Christmas in NYC 2025

New York City during the holidays is an experience like no other. In 2025, the return of the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, the new festive additions from Cartier, and the evergreen tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and skating rink come together to create a dazzling holiday tapestry. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime local, seeing the lights, feeling the festive buzz, and sharing the moment with friends or loved ones never gets old.

If you plan to visit this season, bring your camera, wrap up warm, and prepare to be awed. The city is ready to shine.

ALL I WNAT FOR CHRISTMAS IS NEW YORK!!🎅🎄