FESTIVE SEASON · NEW YORK
Christmas in New York 2026: the tree lighting, the Rockettes and the season
The Rockefeller Center tree is lit on 2 December 2026 and the Christmas Spectacular runs from 4 November to 4 January. How to plan a festive stay in New York, from suites to skating.
Published 22 October 2026 · ATLAS MAISON editorial team
- Tree lighting
- Wednesday 2 December 2026, Rockefeller Center
- The tree arrives
- Saturday 7 November 2026
- Christmas Spectacular
- 4 November 2026 to 4 January 2027, Radio City Music Hall
- The Rink
- Open for the season since 10 October 2026
- From London
- About 8 hours by direct flight
Few cities do December like New York. The tree at Rockefeller Center, the Rockettes at Radio City, skating under the skyscrapers, Fifth Avenue windows and a city that dresses itself in light from Thanksgiving to New Year. For families crossing from Europe, it is the most magical way to begin the holidays, if the details are right.
The dates that matter
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree arrives in Midtown on Saturday 7 November 2026 and is lit on Wednesday 2 December 2026. The Rink at Rockefeller Center opened for the season on 10 October. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes, runs from 4 November 2026 to 4 January 2027. Dates are as published by the organisers; tickets are sold through the official box offices only.
Where to stay
Midtown and the Upper East Side put the tree, Fifth Avenue and Central Park within a short walk; the great hotels around the park are the most requested in December and the family suites go first. A residence in the West Village or Tribeca suits those who prefer a quieter base and a city that feels more like home. We research the options against your dates; you book directly.
Festive days
A private skating session, the windows along Fifth Avenue in the early evening, afternoon tea, a matinee of the Christmas Spectacular, a carriage ride in Central Park and a dinner reservation on the one night everyone wants: December in New York rewards planning. The weeks between the tree lighting and Christmas are the busiest; the days just after Thanksgiving and in early December are often calmer.
With children and grandparents
New York in winter is cold, busy and wonderful. We plan around the youngest and the eldest: a car waiting rather than a taxi queue, seats rather than standing room, cots and car seats ready on arrival, a nanny for the evenings through registered agencies and a gentle pace for grandparents. See Family Care.
New Year’s Eve
The ball drops in Times Square at midnight on 31 December, but most of our clients prefer to watch from a private dinner, a hotel terrace or a quieter celebration away from the crowds. New Year’s Eve reservations are committed early; tell us your plans in good time. Prefer the Alps, Dubai or London for the festive fortnight? See our festive season guide.
Dates and details as published by the organisers and subject to change. Please always confirm with the official source. We do not sell event tickets.
Christmas in New York 2026: questions
When is the Rockefeller Center tree lighting in 2026?
Wednesday 2 December 2026. The tree arrives in Midtown on Saturday 7 November 2026.
When is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular 2026?
From 4 November 2026 to 4 January 2027 at Radio City Music Hall. Tickets are sold through the official box office.
When should I book a New York hotel for December?
As early as possible. The suites around Central Park and Fifth Avenue are the first to be committed for December, especially around the tree lighting and Christmas.
How long is the flight from London to New York?
About eight hours on a direct flight, a little less on the way back to London.