Short answer: New York City’s Christmas decorations shine from mid-November through early January. Most big displays (Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue windows, Dyker Heights) are still up the first week of January, with a few lasting until around January 4–6. Holiday markets close earlier—many by December 24 or 31.
How long are Christmas decorations up in New York City?
Across NYC, holiday décor appears in mid-November and is fully glowing by Thanksgiving. Most major displays stay up through the first week of January, and a few run until about January 6 (Epiphany) or “mid‑January,” depending on the venue.
Key takeaways for travelers
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- Best window: Late November–December for peak buzz; January 2–6 for lighter crowds with most lights still on.
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- Iconic tree: Rockefeller Center Tree remains on view until mid‑January.
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- Holiday markets: Union Square ends Dec 24; Columbus Circle ends Dec 31; Bryant Park shops end Jan 4.
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- Fifth Avenue windows: Generally through early January; Bergdorf’s announced displays through Jan 5, 2026.
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- Neighborhood lights: Dyker Heights typically glows through the end of the first week of January.
Where the lights last the longest (and exact 2025–26 dates)
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The 2025 Rockefeller Center Tree was lit on December 3, 2025. Expect it to remain on display through mid‑January 2026. The tree features about 50,000 LED lights and the Swarovski star.
Fifth Avenue store windows and light shows
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- Saks Fifth Avenue: Nightly light shows every 10 minutes from 5–11 p.m. through early January. Some reports list shows through Jan 4, 2026.
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- Bergdorf Goodman: 2025 windows scheduled to remain on view until January 5, 2026.
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- Other windows (Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s): Typically visible into early January.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn)
Homeowners flip the switch right after Thanksgiving; the best viewing is mid‑December to New Year’s Eve. Displays usually stay up until around the end of the first week of January. Go at dusk–9 p.m. for most lights.
Holiday markets and winter villages
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- Union Square Holiday Market: Nov 13–Dec 24, 2025 (closes 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve).
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- Columbus Circle Holiday Market: Dec 2–31, 2025 (closes 4 p.m. on Dec 31).
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- Bryant Park Winter Village: Holiday Shops through Jan 4, 2026; the rink and lodge continue through Mar 1, 2026, so there’s still plenty of winter cheer after the holidays.
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- Macy’s Holiday Square (Herald & Greeley Squares): Outdoor market through Jan 3, 2026.
Shows that signal the season’s end
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular runs Nov 6, 2025–Jan 4, 2026. If the Rockettes are still kicking, you’re still in the holiday window.
Practical tips for travelers
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- Shoot for Jan 2–6 to catch lights with fewer crowds and lower hotel rates than December.
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- Plan by neighborhood: Pair Rockefeller Center with Saks/Bergdorf windows; combine Columbus Circle Market with a Central Park stroll.
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- Time your visit: Go early morning or late evening for Rockefeller Center photos without shoulder‑to‑shoulder crowds.
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- Markets close earlier than lights: Don’t expect Union Square or Columbus Circle after New Year’s; Bryant Park’s shops end Jan 4.
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- Dress smart: December winds cut through Midtown canyons—bring layers, warm socks, and a thermos.
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- Transit beats driving to Dyker Heights; subways + a short walk save time versus traffic and parking.
Common mistakes to avoid
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- Assuming all markets run into January (many end Dec 24 or 31).
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- Visiting Dyker Heights too late at night when most houses have turned lights off. Aim for dusk–9 p.m.
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- Thinking Fifth Avenue light shows run past mid‑January—most wrap in early January.
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- Planning your only Rockefeller stop on lighting night—crowds are intense; go another evening.
FAQs
Are NYC Christmas decorations still up after New Year’s Day?
Yes. The big highlights—Rockefeller Center Tree, Dyker Heights, and many Fifth Avenue displays—are typically still up during the first week of January, with some listed as “through early January” or “mid‑January.”
What’s the absolute latest I can see holiday lights?
Plan for January 4–6 to be safe. A few displays (like Rockefeller Center) may extend a bit beyond that, but most windows and light shows finish by early January.
Will I miss everything if I come mid‑January?
Most holiday décor will be gone, but you can still enjoy winter‑themed fun like Bryant Park’s rink and lodge through March 1, 2026.
Which markets are open the longest?
Bryant Park’s Holiday Shops run the latest—through January 4, 2026. Union Square closes Dec 24; Columbus Circle closes Dec 31.
What time are the Saks light shows?
Every 10 minutes from 5–11 p.m. nightly, through early January/Jan 4, 2026 (as reported this season).
Final thoughts
If you want maximum sparkle, visit between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. If you prefer elbow room with nearly all the magic, target January 2–6. Either way, bundle up, pace yourself, and let Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and Dyker Heights do the rest. Happy holiday wandering from Question Miles.