A Local’s Guide to Christmas Lights & Holiday Festivities on the UWS

Christmas Lights in NYC - Image by Elnur / Shutterstock.com

When December arrives, few places sparkle like the Upper West Side. The tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and neighborhood charm blend with festive lights, window displays, and the unmistakable spirit of Christmas in New York. 

From world-famous attractions to beloved local traditions, the UWS offers a magical mix of holiday cheer that’s both dazzling and cozy. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or visiting for the season, this guide highlights the best Christmas lights and holiday festivities.

Lincoln Center & Plaza Decorations

The grandeur of Lincoln Center, just a 15-minute walk from the Wallace Hotel, feels especially enchanting during the holidays. Each year, the plaza transforms into a winter wonderland.

You’ll often catch carolers singing, couples skating at nearby pop-up rinks, and the gentle sound of music floating from the world-famous Metropolitan Opera House. Whether you’re attending a seasonal performance like The Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet or simply taking in the glow of the plaza, Lincoln Center captures the elegance and artistry that define Christmas in New York.

Cathedral of St. John the Divine Holiday Concerts & Nativity Scene

One of the most breathtaking holiday experiences on the Upper West Side can be found within the soaring walls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, just a 10-minute rideshare from the Wallace Hotel. The annual holiday concerts here feature choirs, organ music, and candlelight that fill the massive Gothic cathedral with awe-inspiring sound and beauty. 

Don’t miss the cathedral’s life-sized nativity scene, complete with hand-carved figures and real animals, an enduring Christmas tradition that has enchanted visitors for generations. The atmosphere here is reverent yet joyful, reminding everyone of the deeper meaning behind the season.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market: A Quintessential Christmas Market in NYC

Few seasonal traditions capture the spirit of the holidays like a Christmas market in NYC, and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is one of the best. Nestled at the entrance to Central Park, just a 20-minute walk from the Wallace, this festive fair is filled with twinkling lights, artisan gifts, and irresistible scents of cinnamon, roasted nuts, and mulled wine. 

Browse handcrafted jewelry, winter accessories, ornaments, and gourmet treats while music plays and snowflakes fall. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself to a warm pretzel and hot cider, this is the kind of Christmas fair in New York that locals look forward to all year long.

American Museum of Natural History: The Origami Holiday Tree

A visit to the American Museum of Natural History, just a 10-minute walk from the Wallace, during December comes with an extra surprise, the stunning Origami Holiday Tree. Decorated with over 800 hand-folded paper creations inspired by the museum’s exhibits, this tree is a testament to art, science, and imagination. 

Volunteers spend months crafting origami dinosaurs, stars, and celestial figures that make this display unlike any other in the city. While you’re there, explore the museum’s enchanting halls and exhibits; it’s a joyful, family-friendly way to celebrate the season while staying close to home.

Broadening the Magic: NYC’s Must-See Christmas Attractions

While the Upper West Side offers a warm, neighborhood charm, part of the joy of Christmas in New York is exploring its grander displays and citywide events.

  • Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (Midtown) – A 20-minute ride from The Wallace, the Rockefeller Center Tree is the crown jewel of Christmas in New York. Standing over 75 feet tall and covered in thousands of lights, it’s a breathtaking sight whether viewed from the skating rink below or while sipping cocoa from one of the surrounding cafés.

  • Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Midtown) – Also about 20 minutes from the UWS, this iconic show featuring the Rockettes has been a beloved tradition since 1933. The precision dance numbers, festive music, and nostalgic charm make it one of the most enduring holiday experiences in the city.

  • Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn) – About a 55-minute ride from The Wallace Hotel, the Dyker Heights neighborhood is famous for its over-the-top light displays. Homeowners compete to create the most extravagant decorations, drawing visitors from around the world.

Stay Close to the Magic at The Wallace Hotel

Located in the heart of the Upper West Side, The Wallace Hotel places you within walking distance of many of these beloved holiday attractions. Its elegant rooms and welcoming atmosphere provide the perfect retreat after a day spent exploring festive lights and Christmas markets. 

Experience the warmth, wonder, and neighborhood charm of Christmas in New York, and make The Wallace your home for the holidays.

We look forward to welcoming you this holiday season.