Where to See the Best Lights in NYC This Holiday Season
Rolf’s Christmas Display via Rolf’s
It’s Christmastime in the city! It’s also time to see what New York City has to offer in this year’s twinkly lights department. We’ve seen it time and time again—New York City painted as a romantic holiday backdrop, perfect for evoking the true Christmas spirit. Most of us are already familiar with classic destinations like Rockefeller Center and the Macy’s window display, so in lieu of the standard roster 6sqft has put together the following list to help you find some of the less obvious (but no less spectacular) places to see fabulous lights for the 2015 holiday season.
Dyker Heights via wonggawei via photopin cc
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
There are few spots as brightly lit during the holidays as Brooklyn’s very own Dyker Heights. The neighborhood, which is now world-famous for its elaborate Christmas light displays, has been given nicknames like “Con Ed’s warmest heartthrob” and the “undisputed capital of Christmas pageantry.” Although it’s unclear exactly when this awesome trend started, newspaper reports and tours in the area suggest it was sometime in the early to mid- ’80s. Check out their Facebook page for the complete lowdown on this very merry–and very Brooklyn–holiday tradition. Or read 6sqft’s interview with local Tony Muia, who gives bus tours of the spectacle for more info.
Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan via City Pass
World’s Largest Menorah – Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn and Manhattan
Festival of lights? Yes please! Since 1985, Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope has been home to the world’s largest menorah (though it now is battling for that title with a Manhattan menorah). The monstrous menorah stands 32 feet high and is ceremoniously lit every night during Hanukkah alongside live music, food and gifts. Join Chabad Brooklyn to get a piece of this holiday miracle every night between now and December 13th. Visit the menorah’s official webpage for more information and exact times.
Via Rolf’s
Rolf’s Bar – Gramercy Park, Manhattan
If you’ve haven’t been to Rolf’s during the holidays, you should definitely put this one on your list of to-dos. Their display of holiday lights is not only awesome to look at, it’s also in a bar–so a visit to Rolf’s will potentially include booze, friends, and most definitely holiday cheer. We could go on and on describing the massive collection of holiday memorabilia, which includes weird Santa and baby girl dolls, but it would hardly do this place justice. Easier for you to check out their photo gallery here.
Luminaries via Arbuckle Industries
Brookfield Place – Financial District, Manhattan
Every year Brookfield Place outfits their space with a spectacular light display, but this year’s is downright epic. Through January 10, 2016, the mall’s lobby will be decorated with 650 illuminated lanterns that are choreographed in musical light shows every day. Visitors can send a wish to the light-up lanterns at a corresponding Wish Station, and for every wish made, Brookfield place will make a donation ranging from $1 to $25,000 to the GRAMMY foundation.
NYBG Holiday Train Show via via Inhabitat via photopin
The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show – Bronx
The New York Botanical Garden is beautiful almost anytime of year, but it’s especially breathtaking in the winter months. To conjure the holiday spirit, the garden is decorated with thousands (maybe millions) of twinkling lights, but that’s not even the best part. Every year the garden ups its game with a must-see Holiday Train Show. This awesome site includes enchanting model trains that zip around an amazing miniature city with more than 150 iconic buildings including the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center. Visit their website to learn more about this attraction and other programs they offer during the holiday season.
Via SI Live.com
Historic Richmond Town – Staten Island
Did you know there’s an original town and farm museum featuring goodies that date back to the mid-1600s in Staten Island? Well, there is, and they have Christmas lights. Come Christmas time the whole village is decked out in holiday lights and jubilation, including carolers and a traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Have another favorite spot? Tell us about it in the comments.
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