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The MET's Recommendation to Light Up Your December
Martin Eiden | December 2, 2025
Martin Eiden | December 2, 2025
The first week of December in New York City brings the magic moment we've all been waiting for: the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. But this week offers so much more than one glowing moment. From December 1-7, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with tree lightings, holiday markets, and festivities that make this the most enchanting week to experience (or live in) New York.
The week begins with all major holiday attractions in full swing. Start your December adventure today by exploring the holiday markets that dot Manhattan, from Union Square to Columbus Circle and Bryant Park. Over 150 vendors at the Union Square Holiday Market sell artisan goods, jewelry, clothing, and gourmet foods, typically operating Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 8 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 8 PM at the south end of Union Square Park. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market brings European-style goods and crafts to the southwest entrance of Central Park, generally daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, while the Grand Central Holiday Fair offers convenient shopping inside the iconic terminal, usually Monday to Friday 10 AM to 8 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 7 PM. (Check individual market websites for exact 2025 hours.)
This is an ideal day for early morning ice skating sessions before crowds arrive, visiting Fifth Avenue holiday window displays, and exploring museums before school break crowds descend. Neighborhoods surrounding these major holiday markets see increased foot traffic and vibrant community energy during December, making areas like Union Square, Columbus Circle, and Grand Central especially valuable during the holidays and year-round.
Before Rockefeller steals the spotlight, Bryant Park holds its own charming ceremony at 5:30 PM. Entry opens at 4:00 PM on a first-come, first-served basis, and admission is free. The ceremony features professional ice skating performances and live entertainment at The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village, with a livestream available on BryantPark.org. The Rink closes to the public around noon for event setup and public skating resumes after the show at approximately 6:45 PM.
This tree lighting offers a less crowded alternative to Rockefeller, with professional Olympic skaters performing in an intimate, family-friendly atmosphere. Arrive early for the best viewing spots, as space is limited. After the ceremony, visitors have immediate access to the Winter Village holiday market with over 180 vendors. Living near Bryant Park means year-round access to free events, the ice rink, and holiday market vendors, with studios and one-bedrooms offering unbeatable proximity to holiday magic without the Rockefeller Center price tag. The day also presents opportunities for holiday market shopping at all locations, Broadway shows, and Fifth Avenue window displays. Tavern on the Green in Central Park often hosts its own tree lighting ceremony during early December—check their website for 2025 details.
The 99th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is the crown jewel of NYC's holiday season. Taking place from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the ceremony will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock starting at 8:00 PM. Admission is free, though the event is extremely crowded. The host and specific performers are typically announced in late November.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is typically a towering evergreen, often 75-80 feet tall, adorned with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights and crowned by the iconic 900-pound Swarovski crystal star measuring over 9 feet in diameter and featuring 3 million crystals. The specific tree selection and its origin are announced closer to the lighting date.
If attending in person, security checkpoints open around 3:00 PM, and you'll need to arrive very early, by 2-3 PM, for decent viewing spots. The best viewing locations are south of the tree on 5th Avenue or surrounding side streets. There's no bathroom access once in viewing areas, and street closures begin around 3:00 PM in the 48th-51st Streets and 5th-6th Avenues area. Dress warmly as you'll be standing outside for hours. Note that the Rockefeller Ice Rink and Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show are typically closed on December 3 for the event.
For many, a better option is to watch the ceremony from home on NBC or Peacock, then visit the tree on December 4 or later when crowds are smaller and you can actually see it up close. Transportation via the MTA subway is your best option, while buses near Rockefeller Center should be avoided. Walking is ideal if you're within 15-20 blocks, as taxis and rideshares will have surge pricing.
Once lit, the tree remains on display daily from 5:00 AM to midnight through mid-January 2026. On Christmas Eve, it stays lit for 24 hours straight. Tree viewing is free and accessible to all. Properties in Midtown with views of Rockefeller Center command premium prices during the holidays, with buildings along Fifth Avenue and in the 40s-50s blocks seeing increased short-term rental demand.
The newly lit Rockefeller tree is now available for viewing without the ceremony crowds. This is the perfect day to see the tree up close, visit the legendary Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes (with shows typically at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 8:00 PM), shop at the Grand Central Holiday Fair, explore Fifth Avenue holiday window displays, and enjoy ice skating at various rinks, all now open.
The Rockettes perform their iconic show multiple times daily throughout December, with midweek matinees offering better availability. Book tickets in advance on MSG.com, as shows run through the end of December. Ice skating under the Christmas tree at Rockefeller is the quintessential NYC experience, with the rink operating from 9 AM to midnight during extended holiday hours. Tickets range from $35 to over $100 depending on session time, and advance reservations are recommended.
Friday is perfect for exploring Brooklyn's holiday offerings. The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour showcases spectacular residential displays that rival any commercial light show. The evening also offers opportunities for ice skating, holiday cocktails at rooftop bars, and Broadway shows. After work, many New Yorkers unwind with happy hour in Midtown before heading to evening entertainment or window shopping along Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue.
Saturday mornings are ideal for brunch reservations followed by leisurely holiday market exploration. All three major markets (Union Square, Columbus Circle, Bryant Park) are operating at full capacity with weekend hours. The day presents perfect opportunities for ice skating sessions (less crowded in the morning), museum visits before peak crowds, the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show (check current schedule), and family-friendly activities throughout the city.
For those interested in a deeper dive into NYC's holiday traditions, Saturday afternoon walking tours often explore lesser-known neighborhood decorations, historic holiday spots, and the stories behind the city's most iconic seasonal traditions. Evening brings Broadway matinees and evening shows, many with holiday themes, plus special holiday concerts at venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
Sunday brings a more relaxed pace with opportunities for later starts and family-friendly activities. The Winter Jam at Central Park's Wollman Rink offers outdoor skating in a classic New York setting, while the tree at Rockefeller Center provides photo opportunities without weekday rush. Many families use Sunday to complete holiday shopping at the markets, visit the American Museum of Natural History, or take architectural tours of landmark buildings decorated for the season.
The final day of this magical week also offers Sunday brunch at iconic New York restaurants, many featuring holiday-themed menus and festive decorations. Evening activities include early dinner before the work week begins, final visits to holiday markets, and quiet moments in the city's parks and public spaces to soak in the seasonal atmosphere.
The major holiday markets continue throughout December, each offering unique shopping and dining experiences. Hours may vary slightly, so it's best to check official websites for the most current information.
The Union Square Holiday Market features over 150 vendors selling artisan goods, jewelry, clothing, and gourmet foods at the south end of Union Square Park. Typical operating hours are Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 8 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 8 PM, running through December 24, 2025. The market is easily accessible via the 4/5/6, N/Q/R/W, and L trains at 14th Street-Union Square.
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market presents European-inspired goods at Central Park's southwest corner, typically operating daily from 10 AM to 8 PM through December 24, 2025. Located at Columbus Circle at 59th Street, it's accessible via the A/B/C/D/1 trains at 59th Street-Columbus Circle.
The Grand Central Holiday Fair provides perfect convenience for commuters and offers easy shopping inside the iconic terminal. Typical operating hours are Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 7 PM through December 24, 2025, and it's accessible via all Grand Central subway lines (4/5/6/7, S).
December's first week typically brings daytime temperatures of 35-45°F and nighttime temperatures of 25-35°F, with sunset at approximately 4:30 PM. Light snow or rain is possible. Essential items include a heavy winter coat, warm hat covering ears, thick scarf for wind protection, insulated gloves or mittens, waterproof winter boots, and multiple layers since museums and stores are heated. For outdoor events, hand warmers are invaluable, especially at the tree lighting ceremony.
For tree lighting ceremony attendees, dress as if camping in winter. Bring a folding seat cushion, thermos with hot beverages, snacks (no food available in viewing areas), and a portable phone charger. The multiple hours spent standing in cold weather require serious preparation.
Popular restaurants fill up fast during tree lighting week. Tavern on the Green offers a Central Park holiday atmosphere in a landmark setting. The Rink Bar at Rockefeller Center, if open post-lighting, provides proximity to the tree. Bryant Park Grill overlooks the Winter Village with its European-style ambiance. Eataly Flatiron serves Italian holiday feast options across multiple restaurants within the marketplace. Rolf's German Restaurant in Murray Hill features over-the-top Christmas decorations that make it a destination in itself.
Reservations should be made on OpenTable or Resy at least two weeks in advance for weekend dining. Weekday lunch is often easier to book than dinner, and hotel restaurants typically have more availability. Many restaurants require a credit card to hold reservations, with cancellation fees if you don't cancel at least 24-48 hours in advance.
Download the MTA app for real-time updates and view the subway map before traveling. Express trains skip stops and are faster for longer distances, while local trains stop at every station. Multiple lines offer alternate routes if one is delayed.
During the tree lighting on December 3, avoid buses near Rockefeller Center in the 48th-51st Streets and 5th-6th Avenues area. Use subway to nearby stations like 47-50 Streets/Rockefeller Center (B/D/F/M), 5th Ave/53rd (E/M), or walk from Times Square. Allow extra time as stations will be crowded.
Throughout the week, walking between Midtown attractions is often faster than waiting for buses. Citi Bike is available for short trips when weather permits. Consider walking 5-10 blocks rather than one subway stop, and be aware that taxis and rideshares have holiday surge pricing.
For anyone considering a move to NYC, experiencing the city during the first week of December reveals something essential: New York's ability to create magic in the midst of millions. The neighborhoods that function best during this chaotic, beautiful week are the same ones that make daily life manageable year-round.
Pay attention to how easily you can navigate from your hotel or location, which neighborhoods feel energetic versus overwhelming, proximity to both excitement and quiet residential streets, access to necessities like groceries and pharmacies amid holiday crowds, the vibe of different areas at different times of day, and transit options during peak times.
Good neighborhoods show multiple subway line access, a mix of local businesses and services, quiet side streets near main attractions, parks or green spaces nearby, activity during both day and evening, and local residents visible alongside tourists. Reconsider neighborhoods with only a single subway line, all chain stores with no local businesses, areas dead after business hours, no grocery stores within walking distance, overwhelming tourist presence, or excessive noise from bars and entertainment late at night.
If you need a break from holiday chaos, several peaceful spots offer respite. The Cloisters, a medieval art museum in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, provides a serene escape. The New York Public Library offers beautiful, quiet, warm spaces for free. Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village provides charm without Midtown crowds. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade offers stunning Manhattan skyline views in a peaceful setting. Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is historic, beautiful, and serene.
Cozy cafes include Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in SoHo, which also supports a good cause. McNally Jackson Books has multiple locations with cozy reading areas. The Morgan Library & Museum is beautiful and includes a cafe. Tea lounges like Cha-An in the East Village and Bosie Tea Parlor in the West Village offer warm, quiet retreats.
The first week of December in NYC is when the city truly becomes a winter wonderland. The Rockefeller Tree Lighting on December 3 serves as the official kickoff, but the magic extends throughout the week with Bryant Park's ceremony, markets, shows, skating, and neighborhood celebrations.
Whether you're visiting for the week or considering making NYC your home, this is the time to experience what makes New York special. It's not just about one illuminated tree—it's about a city that goes all-out to celebrate the season, creating moments of wonder on nearly every block.
The neighborhoods you're drawn to during this festive, crowded week are often the ones you'll love year-round. Pay attention to which areas feel like home even amid the holiday chaos. The places where you naturally gravitate, where you feel comfortable navigating, and where the energy matches your lifestyle are the neighborhoods worth considering for your NYC life.
The week of December 1-7 perfectly captures NYC's dual nature: sophisticated and playful, crowded yet intimate, overwhelming but ultimately magical. Whether you're watching the tree lighting on TV or fighting the crowds in person, ice skating at Bryant Park or window shopping on Fifth Avenue, you're participating in traditions that define New York's holiday spirit and reveal why millions choose to call this city home.
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