When Do New York Christmas Lights Go On?: Fast-Track Guide to NYC's Holiday Lighting DatesSarah ThompsonSep 06, 2025Table of ContentsTips 1FAQFree Smart Home PlannerAI-Powered smart home design software 2025Home Design for FreeNew York City transforms into a vibrant winter wonderland every holiday season, with Christmas lights adorning buildings, streets, and iconic landmarks. The timing of when the city’s Christmas lights are switched on is eagerly anticipated by locals and tourists alike. Typically, the main festivities begin in late November and early December, with different neighborhoods and venues following their own traditions. For example, the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting usually takes place in the week after Thanksgiving—most commonly on the Wednesday following the holiday. In 2024, this is expected to occur on November 27th.Other landmarks, like Saks Fifth Avenue, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, and Bryant Park’s Winter Village, have their own lighting schedules. Many department stores along Fifth Avenue unveil their holiday window displays and exterior lighting from mid-to-late November as well. By the first week of December, most of Manhattan’s key attractions are fully aglow, providing both locals and visitors with a dazzling holiday atmosphere throughout the city.As a designer, I think good holiday lighting is about more than spectacle—it brings warmth, cohesion, and an inviting ambiance to often-busy urban streets. Whether you’re inspired by New York’s creative outdoor displays or looking to design a cozy winter-inspired interior, consider how layering light textures, using accent lighting, and mixing warm and cool tones can create drama and depth in your own home. If you’re planning to map out the perfect space to showcase your holiday decor, using a dedicated room planner can help you visualize lighting arrangements and ensure your festive vision comes to life seamlessly.Tips 1:Take a stroll through various neighborhoods—like Upper West Side brownstones or DUMBO in Brooklyn—to experience a variety of festive lighting styles and inspirations. Snap photos for your own decorating ideas, and note how layering string lights, lanterns, and themed projections can impact the overall atmosphere in a space.FAQQ: When are the Rockefeller Center Christmas lights switched on each year?A: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is typically lit the Wednesday after Thanksgiving; this year, the ceremony is expected on November 27, 2024.Q: When does Dyker Heights in Brooklyn put up its Christmas lights?A: Most homes in Dyker Heights start decorating shortly after Thanksgiving, with lights fully on display by early December.Q: Which New York streets have the best Christmas lights?A: Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue, and the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge are particularly renowned for their festive displays.Q: Are store window displays and lights up before Thanksgiving?A: Some department stores start their window display setups mid-November, but most lighting displays and formal unveilings occur after Thanksgiving.Q: How long do the Christmas lights stay on in New York City?A: Most lights remain up through the first week of January, with major displays turned off soon after January 6 (Three Kings’ Day or Epiphany).Home Design for FreePlease check with customer service before testing new feature.