15 Best Christmas in New York Photo Ideas
Making holiday memories sparkle in the Big Apple takes more than just a quick snapshot – it’s about capturing those fleeting moments when New York City’s festive energy transforms into pure photography magic. With this year bringing both beloved traditions and exciting new holiday displays across Manhattan, photographers of all skill levels are finding innovative ways to document the season’s spirit. But how can you turn the city’s winter charm into images that truly stand out?
We’ve assembled 15 Christmas in New York photo ideas or concepts that’ll help you see familiar festive New York landmarks through a fresh creative lens. Whether you’re planning this year’s holiday card or building your photography portfolio, these photo ideas blend NYC’s iconic holiday atmosphere with unexpected artistic approaches and some of the best places to take photos in New York.
Our guide covers everything from working with reflections in store windows to capturing the perfect moment when holiday lights first twinkle to life at dusk, plus insider tips for avoiding tourist crowds while finding unique perspectives.
Step into a world of 15 remarkable Instagrammable photo opportunities that capture New York’s holiday magic, from timeless architectural shots to creative interpretations that’ll make your holiday memories truly unforgettable!
1. Magical Igloos in Bryant Park
Step into a winter wonderland where glass igloos sparkle against Manhattan’s skyline. This dreamy setup at Bryant Park creates the most Instagram-worthy holiday moments, with each dome offering a cozy refuge amid the snowfall. The purple lighting adds such a magical touch, making every photo look straight out of a winter fairytale.
Photography Tips: Capture during blue hour for magical city light reflections. Use snowfall for dreamy bokeh effect. Position yourself between igloos for depth. Get low angles to showcase the skyline backdrop.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon (4-6 PM) for perfect lighting and fewer crowds. The igloos look especially magical as dusk settles in!
Fashion Tips: Layer with a chic puffer coat in soft, snow-matching tones. Add sleek leggings and trendy winter boots. Try playful poses like twirling or candid laughs. Accessorize with plush earmuffs or a fluffy scarf.
2. Angels at Rockefeller Center Tree
The quintessential NYC Christmas photo spot! Those stunning crystal angels leading to the magnificent Christmas tree create such a magical pathway. The mix of classic architecture and twinkling lights makes every photo look totally festive and utterly New York.
Photography Tips: Use the Channel Gardens’ leading lines. Shoot from low angle to capture angels and tree. Include symmetrical elements in your frame. Focus on capturing the golden trumpets’ glow.
Best Time to Visit: Super early (7-8 AM) for tourist-free shots, or after 9 PM when the lights create pure magic!
Fashion Tips: Rock festive red with matching hair bow. Try the iconic “looking up” pose. Keep outfit classic and elegant. Add touches of sparkle to match the scenery.
3. Rooftop Winter Forest Dreams
This rooftop winter wonderland at 230 Fifth is literally holiday goals! The twinkling Christmas trees create this absolutely enchanting forest vibe, while the city lights add that perfect NYC sparkle. It’s like stepping into a magical snow globe with the best view in town.
Photography Tips: Create dreamy bokeh with fairy lights. Frame shots between illuminated trees. Include city backdrop for context. Use night mode for best light capture.
Best Time to Visit: Arrive at sunset (around 4:30 PM in winter) to catch both daylight and evening magic!
Fashion Tips: Style a cozy sweater dress for comfort. Rock statement winter boots. Play with movement near the lights. Add soft accessories like scarves or hats.
4. Giant Ornaments Radio City
Talk about larger-than-life holiday vibes! These massive red ornaments are literally the most perfect holiday backdrop ever and one of the top things to do in New York during Christmas. The way they catch the light against Radio City’s iconic architecture creates such a festive, glamorous NYC moment.
Photography Tips: Use wide-angle shots to capture scale. Incorporate fountain in foreground. Play with reflections in ornaments. Frame subject between decorations.
Best Time to Visit: Golden hour for the perfect glow on those shiny ornaments!
Fashion Tips: Choose winter whites to pop against red. Try playful jumping shots. Keep looks sophisticated and classic. Add metallic accessories to match.
5. Cartier Holiday Lights Magic
Cartier’s building wrapped in those gorgeous lights and ribbons is pure Fifth Avenue glamour. The mix of historic architecture and festive decor creates the most sophisticated holiday backdrop ever.
Photography Tips: Shoot during blue hour for ambient light. Use crosswalk lines as leading elements. Capture building’s full facade. Include street lamps for extra glow.
Best Time to Visit: Dusk (around 4:30-5:30 PM) when the building illumination is perfect!
Fashion Tips: Go bold with red monochrome look. Strike fierce street-style poses. Add statement accessories. Choose elegant, fitted silhouettes.
6. Rockefeller Ice Skating Magic
During Christmas in New York ice skating is a must! The iconic Rockefeller Center ice rink creates the perfect winter wonderland setting, with the magnificent Christmas tree twinkling in the background. The combination of holiday décor, historic architecture, and seasonal activities captures the quintessential New York Christmas experience.
Photography Tips: Center your shot to capture both the tree and skating rink. Take advantage of the natural frame created by surrounding buildings. Capture candid moments of joy and movement on the ice.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8-9 AM) to avoid crowds, or during golden hour when the tree lights begin to sparkle against the dimming sky.
Fashion Tips: Sport a sporty-chic look with a classic puffer jacket. Pair with comfortable jeans and ear muffs. Create movement in photos by extending arms or spinning on ice.
7. Radio City Spectacular Lights
Image Credit: @hannah_hcb
One of the top places to visit in New York at Christmas is Radio City. The iconic Radio City Music Hall marquee presents a dazzling backdrop of vintage glamour and holiday charm. The neon lights and Art Deco architecture create an unmistakably New York Christmas moment.
Photography Tips: Position yourself at a slight angle to capture both the marquee and building height. Use the crosswalk lines as leading lines in your composition.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to dusk when the neon signs begin to glow against the darkening sky.
Fashion Tips: Make a statement with a bold colored coat and festive accessories. Try angled poses to complement the building’s architecture.
8. Candy Cane Magic at Manhattan
The giant candy cane installation offers a whimsical backdrop that perfectly captures the playful spirit of Christmas in New York. The red and white stripes create a striking contrast against Radio City’s classic facade.
Photography Tips: Incorporate the candy canes as natural frames. Play with perspective to show scale. Capture movement in your poses.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when the lighting is even and the holiday crowds have thinned.
Fashion Tips: Embrace holiday colors with a red and white ensemble. Choose a flowing skirt for movement. Add classic winter accessories.
9. Saks Fifth Holiday Windows
The enchanting holiday decorations along Fifth Avenue combine whimsy and sophistication. The celestial-themed displays create a dreamy atmosphere perfect for fashion-forward holiday photos.
Photography Tips: Get close to the decorative elements for detail shots. Use the street signs and building architecture as compositional elements.
Best Time to Visit: Early evening when the window displays are illuminated but natural light still remains.
Fashion Tips: Choose rich textures like velvet and fur. Incorporate seasonal accessories like berets and statement boots. Pose sitting elegantly on built-in ledges.
10. Ralph’s Coffee Christmas Break
The charming Ralph Lauren coffee shop window creates an intimate holiday moment. The vintage-style signage and festive decorations offer a cozy, luxurious take on New York Christmas.
Photography Tips: Focus on details like coffee cups and holiday decorations. Use window reflections creatively. Frame shots through greenery.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning for perfect coffee shop ambiance and optimal natural lighting.
Fashion Tips: Layer cozy knits with elegant accessories. Add a statement holiday bow. Keep poses natural and candid with coffee cup in hand.
11. Dyker Heights Believe Display
A magical residential wonderland where the iconic “Believe” sign and life-sized nutcrackers create an enchanting holiday display. The multicolored lights and decorative angels transform this Brooklyn neighborhood into a Christmas fairy tale come true.
Photography Tips: Capture the full facade to show the scale of decorations. Use night mode for best light capture. Position yourself centered on the red carpet for symmetrical shots.
Best Time to Visit: 5-9 PM when all lights are on and the display is in full glow. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Fashion Tips: Keep it cozy and festive with midi skirts and warm boots. Add playful accessories like beanies and scarves. Try joyful poses that match the “Believe” theme..
12. Lotte Palace Christmas Court
The elegant courtyard of Lotte Palace Hotel showcases a majestic Christmas tree adorned with red and gold ornaments, creating a sophisticated holiday atmosphere against the historic architecture.
Photography Tips: Stand centered for symmetrical shots. Use the courtyard’s natural framing. Capture both tree and architecture details.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for empty courtyard shots, or sunset for warm golden lighting on the ornaments.
Fashion Tips: Choose elegant, form-fitting outfits that complement the sophisticated setting. Back-facing poses work beautifully with this grand backdrop.
13. Holiday Market Ornament Paradise
A charming treasure trove of handcrafted ornaments and decorations at the holiday market, offering a delightful peek into New York’s festive shopping tradition.
Photography Tips: Get close-up shots of ornament details. Use portrait mode to blur busy backgrounds. Capture candid browsing moments.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning when vendors are setting up and crowds are minimal.
Fashion Tips: Casual cozy look with corduroy or winter jackets. Keep it comfortable for shopping. Natural, candid poses work best.
14. Hudson Yards Light Globe
A stunning light installation featuring a giant illuminated globe creates a modern winter wonderland experience, perfect for glamorous holiday photos in New York at Christmas.
Photography Tips: Use the surrounding light curtains as natural frames. Capture reflections on the floor. Position subject centered in the globe.
Best Time to Visit: Evening hours when all lights are activated and create maximum impact.
Fashion Tips: Go bold with party dresses or glamorous outfits. The setting calls for feminine, romantic styling.
15. Bryant Park Holiday Treats
This is one of the best places to take photos in New York at Christmas. The charming holiday market stalls serving seasonal treats offer a cozy, authentic New York Christmas experience against the backdrop of the winter village.
Photography Tips: Include the festive market signage. Capture steam from hot drinks. Use portrait mode for depth.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when the market is bustling but lighting is still good.
Fashion Tips: Layer classic winter pieces in dark tones. Add a statement coat. Casual poses with holiday drinks create authentic moments.