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Classic Christmas Decorations in NYC

There’s no better place to spend the holidays than in New York City. We’ve got snow, enormous trees, holiday markets, and holiday decorations galore. If you’re wanting to see the best NYC has to offer this Christmas season, make sure you check out the five classic Christmas decorations we’ve rounded up below. From Rockefeller to Saks Fifth Avenue, these icons are the kind of stuff you write home about.

NYC’s Best Christmas Decorations: Giant Red Ornaments (Midtown West)

Giant Red Ornaments on 6th Ave.

Image: Charlie Lhasa/Flickr

Ever wanted to see a larger-than-life pyramid of shiny red ornaments sitting in a fountain? Only in NYC. Head over to the corner of Sixth Ave. and 50th to get your selfie in front of one of New York City’s most famed decorations. Want to make a day out of it? Radio City Music Hall is right across the way, and you haven’t experienced a true NYC Christmas until you’ve caught the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes™. They sure can kick. 1251 Sixth Ave.

NYC’s Best Christmas Decorations: Rockefeller Center (Midtown West)

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Image: Anthony Quintano/Flickr

The city’s most famous Christmas tree can be found at Rockefeller Center, and the lighting ceremony tends to mark the unofficial start of the holiday season in New York City. This year the tree is stands at a towering 94 feet and is covered with five miles worth of multi-colored lights. However, none of that is to outdo the top, where a Swarovski star made up of 25,000 crystals sits aglow. Admire the tree from the sidewalk, or if you’re feeling extra festive, go for a skate on The Rink at Rockefeller Center. 45 Rockefeller Plz., 212-632-3975, rockefellercenter.com

NYC’s Best Christmas Decorations: “Holiday Under the Stars” (Midtown West)

Holiday Under the Stars

Image: www.GlynLowe.com/Flickr

Want to kill two Christmas birds with one stone? Get your holiday shopping done at The Shops at Columbus Circle mall and take in some noteworthy decorations hanging above you while you do it. “Holiday Under the Stars” is a NYC Christmas installation that features 14-foot LED Christmas stars dangling down from the shopping center’s 150-foot ceiling. As if they weren’t already pretty enough, these stars change color in time with the festive holiday soundtrack that accompanies the installation. Just lovely. 10 Columbus Cir., 212-823-6300, theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com

NYC’s Best Christmas Decorations: Saks Fifth Avenue (Midtown East)

Saks Fifth Avenue

Image: Jeff Kern/Flickr

Saks Fifth Avenue’s exterior transforms during the Christmas season when its 10-story façade is turned into a projected winter wonderland. Catch the light show by looking up, and when it’s over, make sure you get a peek in every store window (where this year the decoration theme will be “Land of 1000 Delights”). While Saks Fifth Avenue tends to steal the show, don’t stop there. You’ll find decorated storefronts along Fifth Ave. running from 59th St. to 39th St., including Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., and Henri Bendel. 611 Fifth Ave., 212-753-4000, saksfifthavenue.com

NYC’s Best Christmas Decorations: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn)

Dyker Heights

Image: Sergii Rodionov/Flickr

Just because you’re in the city doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy some good ol’ fashioned Christmas lights strung up along a neighborhood street. Dyker Heights is NYC’s most famous neighborhood when it comes to home decorations, and thousands of locals and tourists alike flock out to Brooklyn yearly to take in the spectacle. The tradition began in 1986, and it’s grown to the point of home owners hiring professional light installers to try to outdo each other. Now through Dec. 30 (except Christmas Day) A Slice of Brooklyn's Holiday Lights in Dyker Heights Tour takes you right to the heart of it all, basically "Deck the Halls" in real life. Click here for $5 off the Holiday Lights in Dyker Heights Tour. 12th Ave. & 84th St., Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

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