New York City's Best Holiday Lights and Decorations

There is nowhere else in the world like New York City at Christmas: the twinkling lights, the elaborate holiday window displays, the festive decorations. It's enough to warm the heart of even the most cynical New York grinch.

The only problem with our famous holiday decorations is that they draw such big crowds of tourists. It's hard to stop to admire the holiday bling without being run over by bargain hunters, tour groups, or a wayward pedicab. If you can't beat them, join them. Don't let the crowds prevent you from getting out to see New York City's holiday sparkle.

1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Holiday Lights

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Photo by Pamela Skillings

Rockefeller Center is New York City's most famous and popular destination for holiday decorations. Tens of thousands of people turn out for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony every year and tens of thousands more stop by Rockefeller Center to shop, skate, or admire the lights during the holiday season.

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2. "Under the Stars" at Time Warner Center

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Photo by Bjorg Magnea

Twelve 14-ft stars dazzle from the soaring ceilings of Time Warner Center, lighting up all of Columbus Circle throughout the holiday season. A fabulous light show takes place every night at 5PM from November 14th, 2007 through January 2nd, 2008.

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3. The Bronx Zoo

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Photo by Pamela Skillings

Take a short train ride to admire the beautiful holiday light display at the Bronx Zoo. See the Zoo sparkle with more than 500,000 lights and admire larger-than-life animal sculptures. Spend the evening at the Zoo and kids can visit the nocturnal animals and enjoy storytelling, ice-carving, stilt-walking, and other entertainment.

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4. Fifth Avenue Department Stores

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Photo by Pamela Skillings

Take a stroll up Fifth Avenue and admire the brilliance of the holiday window displays -- true works of art in many cases. Stroll by Bergdorf's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's, and all of the stores competing to capture your attention. Don't miss the famous UNICEF snowflake made of Baccarat crystal, which illuminates Fifth Avenue near Tiffany's at 57th Street.

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5. Bryant Park

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Bryant Park transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. See the decorations, take a free spin around the Bryant Park ice skating rink, or browse for unique gifts at the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.

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6. Origami Holiday Tree and Holiday Dinos at the American Museum of Natural History

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Visit the American Museum of Natural History during the holiday season and marvel at the famous Origami Holiday Tree, a New York City tradition for more than 30 years. Volunteers started folding in July to make the 500 origami decorations on display and master folders will be on hand during the holiday season to teach visitors the art of origami.

Also on display at the Museum are two 19-foot Holiday Barosaurs constructed of openwork stainless steel and decorated with pine boughs and lights. Illuminated at night, the dinosaurs greet visitors outside the Museum's main entrance on Central Park West and 79th Street.

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