New York City transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland during the holidays. From elaborate over-the-top décor in Brooklyn, to illuminated stars and interactive lanterns and even a sea of lights in Lower Manhattan, there are plenty of bright ways to celebrate the Holidays with the family. The best part? They are all completely FREE! Grab your shades and read on as we shine a light on our favorite light displays in the city.
HOLIDAY UNDER THE STARS
What to Expect: Star light, star bright – this magical celestial show has delighted children and adults alike for years. Overlooking iconic Central Park, Holiday Under the Stars is the largest specialty-crafted exhibit of illuminated color mixing in the world. The indoor installation features twelve 14-foot stars that hang from the ceiling of the Time Warner Building, inside the 150-foot glass atrium. The stars morph into a wide range of colors, and every half hour the colorful spectacle performs a fun choreographed show to Christmas carols. Be sure to check the webiste for a list of FREE Broadway performances that run under the lights on Wednesday evenings during the holiday season.
WHERE: Time Warner Center, Columbus Circle. Light show is located in the main atrium.
WHEN: Through January 3rd
TIME: Sunday through Friday, 5 PM to 11 PM. Saturday 5 PM – 12 PM. Light show every half hour, on the hour.
SAKS HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW
At 10 stories tall, the famous Saks Fifth Avenue annual theatrical installation is the largest light show in all of Manhattan. The lights transform the famed department store into a magical castle, completely illuminating the Fifth Avenue façade of the building with the use of dancing 3D projection technology. The light show lasts a few minutes and is choreographed to playful music, complementing the window theme. Be sure to check out the store windows beneath, and then turn around and check out the other famous scene – the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is steps away.
WHERE: Saks Fifth Avenue. The light show takes place outside, on the Fifth Avenue side of the building
WHEN: Opening Nov 21st. Through January 2nd
TIME: 5:00 pm to 11 p.m. Daily. Light show every 10 minutes.
LUMINARIES
Lanterns embedded with LED lights create an all-day, all-night lighting experience at Brookfield Place in Battery Park City. Lumonaries is based on traditions of sharing, giving, and community – each of the 650 glowing lanterns changes color and intensity, and are choreographed in a mesmerizing color display. The light show is interactive and invites visitors to illuminate a wish by placing their hands on a wishing station. Once the wish is released, children can watch the lanterns dance with color from beneath, as the wish makes its way through the spectacular reflective atrium. For each wish made, Arts Brookfield donates $1 to charity programs.
WHERE: Brookfield Place Atrium, Battery Park City
WHEN: November 24 through January 6
TIME: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Daily.
SHINE BRIGHT
Let it Glow! The ENTIRE Hudson Yards complex has been decorated with endless twinkling Christmas lights. Magical and spectacular, Shine Bright uses 2 million shimmering white lights and features a 32-foot hot air balloon suspended from the ceiling. A must-see. New this year- Santa! Come meet the big guy in red and snap some pics for FREE during the season. Full schedule HERE.
WHERE: Hudson Yards NYC. Throughout the complex.
WHEN: Launches Nov 14th! Lights through the Holiday season.
TIME: Lights are on continuously when the mall is open.
DYKER HEIGHTS HOLIDAY LIGHTS
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is something you must see to believe. Each year, over 100,000 people flock to the neighborhood of Brooklyn to witness this crazy holiday extravaganza, where residents dress up their homes in over-the-top holiday paraphernalia. The holiday light fight has been going on for more than 20 years and gets bigger with each passing year. Which house will be the biggest this year? From dancing statues, reindeer, inflatable Santas, holiday friends, Christmas lights galore, and crazy plastic decor, a tour of this neighborhood will have you asking if there is even a house behind the holiday madness. Put on your walking shoes and meander the blocks to find your favorite – this is simply one spectacle your family can’t miss.
WHERE: 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
WHEN: Most homes finish their displays by Thanksgiving. Typically through the first week of January.
TIME: From dusk until approximately 9 p.m. Daily. (Most of the houses turn their displays off after 9 p.m.)
