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
Star light, star bright – this magical (free!) light show delights children and adults alike every season. In celebration of their 20th Anniversary, The Shops at Columbus Circle have launched a brand new Holiday Under the Stars show – consisting of 300,000 twinkling lights and illuminated stars that transform into a kaleidoscope of colors. More than just twinkling lights – the glowing, color-changing installation dances to choreographed holiday music every 30 minutes from 5 PM to midnight daily in the atrium. Be sure to stroll through the shops – sparkling stars, photo moments, and glimmering garland are sprinkled throughout (making for many amazing photo ops!). Check the website for additional holiday programming including FREE Broadway performances that run under the stars on Thursdays through December 19th, the larger-than-life Gingerbread Lane display with ticketed classes, and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s WeBop Holiday Jazz Jam performances for young music lovers.
WHERE: The Shops at Columbus Circle. Light show is located in the main atrium.
WHEN: Through January 5th
TIME: Light show every half hour, on the hour, from 5pm to Midnight daily.
SHINE BRIGHT
Let it Glow! The ENTIRE Hudson Yards complex has been decorated with endless twinkling Christmas light display. 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. Manhattan, NYC. Throughout the complex.
WHEN: Lights through the Holiday season into early January.
TIME: Lights are on continuously when the mall is open.
LOUIS VUITTON’S HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW
Have you seen this mesmerizing Holiday visual symphony? The Louis Vuitton Flagship Store on Fifth Avenue has been covered in a 240-foot-tall scaffolding/façade resembling its iconic hardsided trunks. So much more than just the scaffolding! The flagship also features a nightly animated light spectacle daily – a celebration of Louis Vuitton’s heritage, creativity, and festive spirit.
WHERE: Louis Vuitton. 57th Street & Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, NYC
WHEN: Through December 25.
TIME: Light Show runs nightly from 5 pm to 10 pm through December 25. The show lasts four-minutes, and runs every half hour (on the half hour).
MoonGARDEN
There’s a new light installation in Manhattan! MoonGARDEN. An immersive art installation that transforms the night with a luminous dreamscape. The installation consists of 20 spheres in varying size that are spread across the pier. At the heart of this installation is the largest sphere, which is 30 feet in diameter. Look closely – this large sphere has holes sprinkled across the perimeter – allowing visitors to peer into the scene. Inside you will find wheels, gears, fragments and trains. As light reflects on these items it casts a shadow on the sphere that dances across the walls, conjuring shadow puppet scenes of an aquatic life reimagined.
Be sure to walk up the pier/towards the water to find the cluster of 3 immersive spheres. These spheres are highly responsive to various light sources—such as flashlights and smartphones. Using this light you can paint luminous streaks on the spheres’ surfaces. By directing light toward themselves, visitors can capture luminous selfies on the chosen surface, making each interaction a blend of personal expression and collaborative creation. More HERE.
WHERE: Seaport District. Pier 17. Manhattan, NYC.
WHEN: Opening Nov 27. Through Feb 2025.
TIME: From dusk to 11pm daily.
DYKER HEIGHTS HOLIDAY LIGHTS
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.)
