My family and I love NYC at any time of year. (Ok maybe not in the dead of summer!) But Christmas is the very best time to visit New York. It’s busy and jolly, but it can get expensive for for a family.

A number of years ago, my boys and I went into the city to see as many beautiful Christmas trees as we could in an afternoon. We call it our NYC Christmas Tree walk. The best part of it, is it is low to no cost! Plus it is something to do that is unique to New York City.

We will start with the big ones!

Famous Christmas Trees in New York City

Rockefeller Center Tree

This tree is known the world over as THE New York City Christmas tree!  An enormous Norway Spruce is brought in from CT, NY, or NJ and decorated with colorful lights and a Swarovski crystal topper. The tree overlooks the ice rink at Rockefeller Center and all around are enormous nutcrackers and lit angels.

It is estimated that 125 million people visit the Rockefeller Center Tree each year. Despite the crowds its very easy to get close to the tree and take a few pictures.

Bryant Park Tree

The Bryant Park Tree stands in the middle of the midtown park and overlooks the Bryant Park ice rink. It is decorated in blue, purple and pink lights. They have a tree lighting at the beginning of December and it is calmer and less busy alternative to the Rockefeller Center tree.

Natural History Museum

This museum is favorite with my kids! They love the dinosaurs, the underwater life exhibits and bugs. But at Christmas the Origami tree is a big draw for us. One thousand hand folded paper decorations deck this tree. Each year there is a different theme, and it is so much fun to hunt down different shapes and identify them.

The museum allows you to pay what you wish at the ticket counter. (You can’t buy online tickets that way.)

St. John the Divine

Here is another tree decorated with folded paper, but this tree features origami cranes. The tree is dubbed “the peace tree” and was inspired by a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing. It is such a simple tree and fits in to its gothic surroundings perfectly.

The Plaza Hotel Tree

The tree in The Plaza is always an enormous affair that takes up a large spot in the enormous lobby. The decorations change from year to year, and it is always gorgeous.

Lotte New York Palace

This tree has become an instagram favorite, and for good reason. This enormous tree is decorated in the most plush red and gold ribbon, hundreds of red and gold balls and pinecones. The beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a breathtaking background for photos.

Washington Square Park Christmas Tree

I love how the Washington Square arch perfectly frames the Washington Square Park Christmas tree. It is as pretty as a picture, and lots and lots of people take pictures of it. Generally adorned in all white lights, this beauty shows that simple is elegant.

To get the best pics you need to go across the street to frame the tree in the arch!

Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree

This large Blue Spruce is decorated with Italian angels and real candles in the branches. Beneath the tree  is an elaborate Nativity scene with dozens of pieces spread below. It is one of the most beloved trees in New York City.

*While this tree does cost money if you don’t live in New York State kids under 12 are free. If you are a student in NY, NJ, or CT it is pay what you want. So when we go we pay for 2 adults and the other’s are free! We try to spend an hour there to make the admission worth it.

NY Public Library Christmas Tree

This tree is probably the most traditional of all the trees you will see. It stands at the main entrance to the public library. This is just around the corner from Bryant Park.

Are you ready to take your very own Christmas Tree walking tour? Do you want a free map?

christmas in nyc New York City NYC