The Top 10 Must-See Christmas Trees in New York City

Hi friends!

The most magical time of the year is here, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share something truly special with you. If you’ve been following along with my vlogmas adventures, you know the holiday season holds a near and dear spot in my heart. But today’s post feels a little extra special because (drumroll, please)… we’re talking about the top 10 Christmas trees in New York City!

This post has an accompanying video that you need to watch to see these beautiful trees in all their sparkling glory. I’ll embed the video below, so stick around for it!

New York City during Christmas is truly like stepping into a holiday movie set. The festive spirit, sparkling lights, and magical decorations transform the entire city into a winter wonderland. Whether you’re local or just planning a visit someday, there’s something unreal about seeing these iconic Christmas trees up close. This post is for everyone who’s curious about my personal favorites and tips for soaking up the most festive vibes.

Here’s a breakdown of my top 10 Christmas trees in NYC ✨

1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 🌟

This one is the ultimate holiday icon, right? If you visit New York City during the holidays and miss the Rockefeller Center tree, did you even visit? This tree, towering above the skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza, is easily the most famous Christmas tree in the world. Every year, it feels fresh yet nostalgic, with dazzling lights and classic decorations.

Pro Tip: Come early in the morning or late at night to beat the crowds. I’ve gone around midnight, and the quiet, peaceful moment makes the visit extra special.

2. Radio City Music Hall Tree 🌟

This one is such an underrated gem! Technically, it’s not a “tree-tree” but a gorgeous illuminated structure that stands tall outside the iconic Radio City Music Hall. The vibrant neon lights glow beautifully against the city’s buzz. It’s the perfect spot for a selfie with Radio City in the background.

3. Wall Street Christmas Tree 🎄

Now here’s one that often flies under the radar unless you hang out in lower Manhattan. The Wall Street tree stands majestically right in front of the New York Stock Exchange. What makes this tree amazing is how close you can get to it. Standing right under it, surrounded by shimmering lights, is honestly magical. Plus, it’s way less crowded than the Rockefeller tree, making it perfect for snapping pictures without waiting ages.

4. Bryant Park Winter Village Tree 🎄

Nestled in the heart of Bryant Park’s charming Winter Village, this tree offers something unique. You can stroll through the holiday market, warm up with some hot chocolate, and then take a picture right next to its magical lights. You can even touch the tree (though signs say “don’t,” haha…you didn’t hear it from me!).

I highly recommend making a whole afternoon of it. The stalls at the Winter Village have the coziest gifts and yummiest snacks.

5. Washington Square Park Tree 🎄

This tree isn’t the biggest or flashiest, but its charm lies in its location beneath the historic Washington Square Arch. The way the arch frames the tree is so picturesque. At night, with the lights twinkling, it’s nothing short of magical. If you love a more laid-back, neighborhood holiday vibe, this is your pick.

6. Madison Square Park Tree 🎄

This tree holds some serious history! Madison Square Park was actually home to the first-ever public Christmas tree lighting ceremony. While the tree itself may not win the contest for the most glamorous in the city, it’s a must-visit if you love history. There’s a touching sense of nostalgia standing there, knowing you’re witnessing a site that’s been part of New York’s holiday traditions for over 100 years.

7. The Peninsula Hotel Trees 🎄

The lobby at The Peninsula Hotel is out of this world during the holidays. It’s like stepping into a chic, sparkly wonderland. Even if you’re not staying there, you can head inside to admire the elegant décor and multiple dazzling trees. I didn’t expect to fall in love with it so much, but now it’s a must-see every year.

8. The Seaport Tree 🎄

This one’s perfect for anyone looking to snap a photo without fighting crowds. Nestled by the waterfront, the Seaport tree is stunning and offers a more peaceful vibe compared to the chaos of Midtown. If you’re bringing kids (or just want to take your time with photos), this is the tree to visit.

9. New York Public Library Tree 🎄

This tree is located right inside the main entrance of the iconic New York Public Library near Bryant Park. The library itself is already a magical, grand space, and the Christmas tree just amplifies that feeling. I discovered this tree by accident a few years ago, and it has since become one of my big Christmas must-dos.

10. The Lotte New York Palace Tree 🎄

Now we’re at my all-time favorite tree. It’s located in the beautiful courtyard of the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. This tree is truly a show-stopper, exquisitely decorated and framed by the historic architecture of the hotel. Sadly, for a couple of years, the tree was missing due to renovations, but it’s back this year, and it’s breathtaking.

Pro Tip: Patience pays off when visiting this tree. Even though it gets busy, wait for the perfect photo opp, and I promise it’s worth it.

Watch the Video!

If you want a closer look at these trees and some behind-the-scenes vibes, check out my video below! I’ve included footage of each tree, my candid reactions to seeing them, and tips for visiting them. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoy it!

Final Thoughts

New York City is magical all year round, but during the holidays, it truly feels like living in a fairytale. These Christmas trees are not just decorations; they’re traditions, memories, and little pieces of joy scattered across the city.

If you’ve visited any of these trees, share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you haven’t, which one would you want to visit most?

Happy holidays, my loves! 💖

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like my previous vlogmas:

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