Top Christmas Photo Spots in NYC

Capture those magical moments with my guide to the top Christmas photo spots in NYC. There are so many of those classic locations like Rockefeller Center Tree, Cartier Bow and Radio City that I go back to again and again.

1.Rockefeller Center

The most classic Christmas spot in all of NYC! Although it will be very busy, there are definitely ways to get a great shot. Just be a little creative with your angles!

Tip **On Christmas Day the tree stays lit for 24 hours!

girl wearing red standing in front of a Christmas tree

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

2. Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is a fun place for photos. I love the giant ornaments they put up every year as well as the tree! This is the home of The Christmas Spectacular show featuring the Rockettes!

: Standing across from Radio City

: Ornaments across from Radio City

3. Cartier Bow

In my opinion, Cartier takes first place for the classiest decor! The simple red bow is so cute!

Tip **Make sure you go to the Cartier store located on Fifth Avenue

girl walking in front of fifth avenue shop

Cartier Fifth Avenue

4. Wollman’s Rink

Wollman’s Rink is at the bottom at Central Park and has skyscrapers in the backdrop. Being here at dusk was so gorgeous.

Tip ** Be aware is it CASH only. They do have an ATM on site.

5. Lotte Palace

I don’t know why I’ve never visited this tree until this year, but now it is my favourite in the city! The courtyard at Lotte Palace Hotel is open to the public and you’ll find plenty of people here getting their family Christmas photo.

Tip ** Walk inside the hotel for another tree and a look at the gorgeous interior.

Lotte Palace Christmas Tree

6. Bryant Park Winter Village

The skating rink at Bryant Park Winter Village looks even prettier at night when all the buildings around it light up. From a certain angle you can even see the Empire State building in the background!

7. Rolf’s

The most festive place to grab a drink in the city. They’re decorations are always amazing and would even put a grinch in the Holiday Spirit!

Tip ** Rolfs gets VERY busy around the holidays. There is usually already a line forming by the time is opens at noon.

: Rolf’s German Restaurant

8. Occulus

The Occulus gets a little festive with some ornaments and evergreen. It’s is a nice contrast to the other types of holiday photos. I would love to get a shot here all dressed up!

Tip ** For ease free photo taking come in the middle of the night! or just be very patient 🙂

The Occulus

9. Madison Square Park

The combo of the lit up tree with the ever famous Flatiron building in the back makes for a perfect vantage point!

Tip ** This is also the location of the original Shake Shack. Grab a hot chocolate from there to stay warm.

girl sitting in front of tree and building

Madison Square Park

10. Shop fronts

Two of the most festive shop fronts are Lillies Victorian Establishment(Union Square) and Sezane on Elizabeth street. It was actually snowing the day we visited Lillies, which couldn’t have been more perfect!