December might just be my favorite time to be in New York City. I always make it a point to visit festive locations around the city and take in all the holiday cheer. For those of you who are local or may be visiting this season, I’m excited today to share my favorite Instagram-worthy spots around New York during Christmas. Between the many lit up trees, decorated store fronts, and festive neighborhoods, there is much to see and enjoy. What are your favorite Instagram spots to visit?!

The Most Instagram-Worthy Holiday Spots in NYC

TREES

Rockefeller Center

Of course the most famous of the New York Christmas sites, the tree in Rockefeller Center is right in the middle of so many other favorite stops of mine and worth an Insta. Make your visit first thing in the morning or late at night to avoid the biggest crowds. This angle from 5th Avenue is also a gorgeous view and picture! 45 Rockefeller Plaza, 10111

Lotte New York Palace Hotel

The tree at the Palace is a must visit in my opinion. It looks beautiful from the street but make sure to also walk through the courtyard and take a pic with St. Paul’s Cathedral in the background. The decorations in the hotel lobby are worth a peek, too. 455 Madison Avenue, 10022

Tavern on the Green

I definitely need to add Tavern on the Green to my list this year, how cute is this Christmas tree set up at a New York classic in Central Park? 67th Street & Central Park West, 10023 (Image via)

Brownstone on Charles Street

Located between 7th Avenue and West 4th Street, this West Village gem is picture perfect. Charles Street, 10014 

Wall Street

If you find yourself downtown, this tree is right in front of the Stock Exchange on Wall Street. Wall Street, 10005 (Image via)

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is Instagram-worthy any day of the year but the combination of the lit up tree, Arch monument and Empire State Building in the background is extra special. 5th Avenue & Waverly Place, 10012 (Image via)

New York Public Library

On your way to Bryant Park, stop into the 42nd Street Branch of the New York Public Library and take in this gorgeous Christmas tree display. 476 5th Avenue, 10018

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

I am a member at The Met so when a reader alerted me to this gorgeous tree, it was immediately added to my list to check out. It’s located in the Medieval Sculpture Hall making the backdrop especially dramatic! 1000 Fifth Avenue, 10028 (Image via)

Sites

The Plaza Hotel

“The Plaza Hotel, New York’s most exciting hotel experience!” Both inside and out, The Plaza Hotel does Christmas décor right. The lights and mini trees in the fountain, the grand tree in the foyer, and the wreaths outside are all worth a stop and its location at the top of 5th Avenue makes it the perfect place to start your holiday light adventure. 768 5th Avenue, 10019

Saks Fifth Avenue

Directly across from Rockefeller Center, the decorated windows and light show make Saks Fifth Avenue a must-see stop during the holidays in the evening. The light show begins at 5pm each evening and runs even 10 minutes. 611 5th Avenue, 10022

Cartier Mansion

While taking in all of the 5th Avenue windows, don’t miss the Cartier Mansion. The red awnings and four-story red bow make it a real showstopper. It is one of my absolute favorites! 653 5th Avenue, 10022

Bryant Park Market & Rink

The winter market at Bryant Park will instantly put you in the holiday spirit. (Recognize it from this recent post?) Snap a picture on the ice rink with the gorgeous market and Midtown skyline surrounding you. West 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues, 10018 (Image via)

Dyker Heights

While a bit of a hike from Manhattan, the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn is such a fun visit and worth the Uber ride split with friends. I finally made the trek last year and had such fun seeing how this neighborhood goes ALL OUT for this time of year. The majority of the decorated homes are between 11th Avenue to 13th Avenue and from 83rd to 86th Street. Dyker Heights, 11228 

Radio City Music Hall

Home of the Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall adds to their lit up exterior with a bright tree during the holidays. Pop across 6th Avenue and don’t miss a picture of the oversized ornaments. 1260 6th Avenue, 10020

6th Avenue Displays

I love that the office buildings along upper Sixth Avenue really go all out with their holiday displays. Don’t miss these red ornaments at West 50th Street, the life size Christmas lights at West 49th Street or new this year, the larger than life candy canes at 51st Street. A few other buildings in the area show off with beautiful trees too! Sixth Avenue between 47th Street & 52nd Street, 10020

Food & Drink

Ralph’s Coffee Cart

This outpost of my favorite Ralph’s Coffee is just too darling to not snap a photo of. Grab a hot beverage here to keep you toasty while you hit all the best area spots and watch the skaters at Rock Center. 45 Rockefeller Plaza, 10111

Rolf’s

Skip the food and sit at the bar with a warm drink while taking in all the festivities around you at Instagram-famous Rolf’s. Make reservations or be prepared to hunker down in line! 281 3rd Avenue, 10010

Eataly Rooftop

Included on my Holiday Bucket List, the rooftop at Eataly is turned into a gorgeous winter wonderland and I can’t wait to see it for myself this year. (They change the decorations out seasonally). 200 5th Avenue, 10010 (Image via)

The Standard East Village Winter Garden

This spot was right around the corner from my East Village apartment and I loved stopping in for a drink (& Instagram story) during the holiday season. You can rent out huts with friends for fondue and hot cocktails – it makes for such a fun evening! 25 Cooper Square, 10003

Miracle on 9th Street

Who doesn’t love a Christmas-themed bar?! This pop up is on my visit list for this year and I can’t wait to snap a picture with a themed beverage. There is also a location on West 8th Street this season. 649 East 9th Street, 10009 (Image via)

Central Park Boathouse

It is impossible to visit the The Loeb Boathouse during the holidays and not take a picture of the lit up little Christmas tree out in the lake. East 72nd Street, 10021

The Hoxton Williamsburg

I scrolled past this image on Instagram recently and knew it needed to be included here. Is anything more Instagrammable than a drink in one of these cozy glass houses? 97 Wythe Avenue, 11249 (Image via)

The Stackery at Bryant Park

You can find these decadent treats at the Bryant Park Winter Village. Can confirm they are indeed delicious! West 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues, 10018 (Image via)

Lillie’s Victorian

I came across this new-to-me spot while doing some research for this post and I’ve definitely bookmarked it for a visit! The décor is oh so festive and with its location near the Theater District, its a perfect pre-show stop. 249 West 49th Street, 10019 (Image via)

Any recommendations that I missed? Please share in the comments!

p.s. my holiday bucket list & my complete NYC guide.

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