When is the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting in 2026?

Wednesday, December 2, 2026. The tree arrives at Rockefeller Center on November 7.

When do the Dyker Heights Christmas lights start in 2026?

Around Thanksgiving. Organized tours begin November 27, and most houses are fully lit by early December.

November 14, 2026 to January 10, 2027, at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.

Weeknights in the first two weeks of December, after the tree is lit on December 2 and before the pre-Christmas crowds.

NYC › Guides › Christmas in NYC 2026

By Jared Green, founder of ZipOuts · Facts checked October 26, 2026 · Live listings refreshed every morning

Every big holiday date in one place, from the tree lighting to the windows and the lights, plus holiday shows and events on our live listings.

What	2026 dates	Cost
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree	Arrives November 7; lighting ceremony Wednesday, December 2	Free to see
Radio City Christmas Spectacular	November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027 (230 performances)	Ticketed
NYBG Holiday Train Show (Bronx)	November 14, 2026 to January 10, 2027; open until 8 pm on select nights	Ticketed
Saks Fifth Avenue windows and light show	From November 23	Free
Dyker Heights Christmas lights (Brooklyn)	From about November 27; most houses fully lit by early December, many into early January	Free to walk
Bryant Park Winter Village	Open now; free skating (rentals extra)	Free entry
Holiday markets	Union Square and Grand Central from mid-November; Columbus Circle dates to be announced	Free to browse
Times Square New Year's Eve ball drop	Thursday, December 31	Free, with very early arrival

Best time: weeknights in the first two weeks of December, when everything is lit but crowds have not peaked.
One Midtown evening: the Rockefeller tree, the Saks light show across Fifth Avenue, then Bryant Park, all within a short walk.
Dyker Heights is a trip to southern Brooklyn; go after 5 pm on a weeknight and start on 84th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues.
Book ahead for the Rockettes and the Holiday Train Show, especially weekends and the week before Christmas.

Live listings, refreshed every morning.

Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City RockettesSensory supports offered
3:00 PM · Radio City Music Hall · See prices on Ticketmaster

Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City RockettesSensory supports offered
3:00 PM · Radio City Music Hall · See prices on Ticketmaster

Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City RockettesSensory supports offered
3:00 PM · Radio City Music Hall · See prices on Ticketmaster

Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City RockettesSensory supports offered
11:00 AM · Radio City Music Hall · See prices on Ticketmaster

Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City RockettesSensory supports offered
1:00 PM · Radio City Music Hall · See prices on Ticketmaster
Christmas Spectacular (Autism-Friendly Performance)Designed for neurodivergent guests
9:30 AM · Radio City Music Hall · See listing for price

Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City RockettesSensory supports offered
3:00 PM · Radio City Music Hall · See prices on Ticketmaster

Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City RockettesSensory supports offered
11:00 AM · Radio City Music Hall · See prices on Ticketmaster

When is the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting in 2026?: Wednesday, December 2, 2026. The tree arrives at Rockefeller Center on November 7.
When do the Dyker Heights Christmas lights start in 2026?: Around Thanksgiving. Organized tours begin November 27, and most houses are fully lit by early December.
When is the Holiday Train Show in 2026?: November 14, 2026 to January 10, 2027, at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.
When is the best time to see Christmas in NYC?: Weeknights in the first two weeks of December, after the tree is lit on December 2 and before the pre-Christmas crowds.

Visiting soon? Get free NYC picks by email every Thursday, matched to what you like and the dates you are in town.