The Most Magical Christmas Photo Spots in NYC
The Most Magical Christmas Photo Spots in NYC
If you want those dreamy holiday shots that actually look good, these are the spots you need to hit.
Written by
Kattie
Updated:
Updated:
December 10, 2025
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
You have to do it at least once – that massive glowing tree with the golden Prometheus statue is pure magic. Try shooting from different angles or go up to Top of the Rock for an aerial view that completely changes the vibe.
Ralph's Coffee
This place is perfect for those cozy café shots with steaming lattes and plaid blankets. The lighting is soft and warm, so your photos come out looking effortless and festive without trying too hard. You can also find more NYC coffee spots to choose from.
Cartier (Fifth Avenue)
That red ribbon wrapped around the whole building is ridiculously photogenic. The symmetry is insane, and at night the lighting makes everything look editorial.
Lotte New York Palace Courtyard
This is kind of a hidden gem – gorgeous European-style courtyard with massive Christmas tree and twinkling lights everywhere. The arches and architecture frame your shots beautifully, and the golden glow makes everything look romantic and dreamy.
Dyker Heights (Brooklyn)
If you want fun, colorful, totally over-the-top content, this is it. Entire houses covered in lights, giant inflatables, synchronized shows – every block is a different fantasy. Bring your wide lens because some of these displays are massive.
Bryant Park Christmas Tree
The tree surrounded by those cute market kiosks creates the perfect winter storybook scene. You get ice skaters, string lights, steaming food stands all in one shot – it's layered and feels alive.
Hudson Yards
Go here for sleek, modern holiday content that's totally different from the classic NYC look. Giant metallic ornaments and sculptural installations give you that high-fashion, futuristic holiday aesthetic.
West Village Street Corners
Honestly some of my favorite shots come from just wandering Bedford, Grove, and Commerce Streets. Brownstones with wreaths, trees wrapped in lights, cobblestone streets – it's pure charm. Hit it during golden hour and the light through the branches is unreal.
If you want more Instagram spots in NYC check out our list, as well as our map with New York Christmas Vibes places.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
You have to do it at least once – that massive glowing tree with the golden Prometheus statue is pure magic. Try shooting from different angles or go up to Top of the Rock for an aerial view that completely changes the vibe.
Ralph's Coffee
This place is perfect for those cozy café shots with steaming lattes and plaid blankets. The lighting is soft and warm, so your photos come out looking effortless and festive without trying too hard. You can also find more NYC coffee spots to choose from.
Cartier (Fifth Avenue)
That red ribbon wrapped around the whole building is ridiculously photogenic. The symmetry is insane, and at night the lighting makes everything look editorial.
Lotte New York Palace Courtyard
This is kind of a hidden gem – gorgeous European-style courtyard with massive Christmas tree and twinkling lights everywhere. The arches and architecture frame your shots beautifully, and the golden glow makes everything look romantic and dreamy.
Dyker Heights (Brooklyn)
If you want fun, colorful, totally over-the-top content, this is it. Entire houses covered in lights, giant inflatables, synchronized shows – every block is a different fantasy. Bring your wide lens because some of these displays are massive.
Bryant Park Christmas Tree
The tree surrounded by those cute market kiosks creates the perfect winter storybook scene. You get ice skaters, string lights, steaming food stands all in one shot – it's layered and feels alive.
Hudson Yards
Go here for sleek, modern holiday content that's totally different from the classic NYC look. Giant metallic ornaments and sculptural installations give you that high-fashion, futuristic holiday aesthetic.
West Village Street Corners
Honestly some of my favorite shots come from just wandering Bedford, Grove, and Commerce Streets. Brownstones with wreaths, trees wrapped in lights, cobblestone streets – it's pure charm. Hit it during golden hour and the light through the branches is unreal.
If you want more Instagram spots in NYC check out our list, as well as our map with New York Christmas Vibes places.
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Access all saved spots
Google Maps with 400+ amazing spots.
✅ Skip tourists traps
✅ Save your time
✅ Access all 400+ spots
✅ Open in Google Maps
✅ New spots added regularly
✅ Lifetime updates
$39
$29
Access all saved spots
Google Maps with 400+ amazing spots.
✅ Skip tourists traps
✅ Save your time
✅ Access all 400+ spots
✅ Open in Google Maps
✅ New spots added regularly
✅ Lifetime updates
$39
$29