The Magic Behind Christmas Decorations in New York City
Each winter, New York City transforms into a glittering canvas of light and wonder — a place where art, architecture, and imagination unite to celebrate the most magical time of year. From Midtown’s sleek skyscrapers to the legendary streets surrounding Rockefeller Center, the city’s holiday displays have become symbols of joy recognized around the world.
Believe it or not, we, American Christmas, have the honor of being the creative force behind some of the most iconic Christmas decorations in New York City. With decades of expertise in design, fabrication, and installation, we blend craftsmanship and innovation to create displays that dazzle millions each season.
Here’s a look at some of the most stunning installations that define the city’s festive glow — each one a masterpiece of artistry, precision, and holiday spirit.
Paramount Group – 1301 Avenue of the Americas
At 1301 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan, the Paramount Group’s sophisticated holiday décor is a testament to elegance and artistry. Working alongside this leading real estate investment trust, we crafted an installation that harmonizes with the building’s distinctive architecture and art collection.
The challenge was as creative as it was technical: to complement Jim Dine’s “Looking Toward the Avenue” sculptures — modern Venus de Milo figures that have adorned the property since 1989. The result is a seamless blend of sculpture and sparkle. Two 14-foot Christmas trees and a pair of 12-foot trees nestled in the exterior fountains anchor the display, surrounded by four 6-foot wreaths and more than 500 feet of garland.
With a total of 252,398 individual lights, the building’s façade and lobby glow in Paramount’s signature navy tones, ensuring visual unity from street to ceiling. Completed by a team of 15 installers in just 10 hours, the installation embodies the precision and artistry that define Christmas decorations in New York City.
1221 Avenue of the Americas
A short walk south, at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, another Rockefeller Group property becomes a beacon of holiday cheer. Each December, visitors are drawn to its glittering centerpiece — a 36-foot walk-through Christmas tree illuminated by 49,000 LED lights.
The towering structure transforms the building’s courtyard into an immersive winter wonderland. It’s a space designed to be experienced — where families gather, friends take photos, and the magic of the season comes to life. With over 500 hours dedicated to crafting this display, the result is an unforgettable addition to Midtown’s holiday skyline.
Rockefeller Group – 1271 Avenue of the Americas
A parade of giant red and white candy canes brings a playful touch of nostalgia to 1271 Avenue of the Americas, another Rockefeller Group landmark. Eleven candy canes, each soaring 15 feet tall, rise from sturdy 3,000-pound steel platforms to ensure stability and safety in the busy Midtown corridor.
These larger-than-life sweet treats evoke childhood wonder — a whimsical nod to tradition set against the sleek lines of modern architecture. The installation transforms the plaza into a joyful urban candyland, embodying the spirit of Christmas in New York City with vibrant color and oversized charm.
CommonWealth Partners – 787 Seventh Avenue
At 787 Seventh Avenue, CommonWealth Partners’ holiday display exudes pure grandeur. Inside the building’s expansive atrium, a towering Christmas tree draped in shimmering gold ornaments stands as the centerpiece, crowned by a radiant starburst topper.
From the ceiling hang enormous golden pinecones, framing the entrance with opulence, while thick red and gold ribbons cascade down toward a second ribbon-ornamented tree overflowing with presents at the base. The result is a celebration of color, scale, and holiday indulgence — a reminder that in New York, festive décor can be both elegant and extravagant.
Vornado Realty Trust – 2 Penn Plaza
At the crossroads of the city — directly above Penn Station and beside Madison Square Garden — 2 Penn Plaza becomes a showstopping beacon of light each December. Working with Vornado Realty Trust, American Christmas created a sprawling installation that captures the energy of one of Manhattan’s busiest hubs.
The design stretches across the building’s 7th Avenue plaza, lobby, and upper floors, featuring more than 40 custom-decorated trees ranging from 6 to 20 feet tall. Four dramatic exterior clusters act as focal points, while hundreds of feet of garland and soft lighting weave the entire site together.
Installed in just eight hours by a crew of 20, this project showcases the team’s unparalleled efficiency and artistry. In a location that symbolizes connectivity and culture, this display reflects the ambitious energy of Midtown combined with holiday heart.
RXR Realty, UBS Building
At the RXR Realty UBS Building, towering nutcrackers stand guard like elegant sentinels of the season. Each statue, more than twice the height of a human, flanks the building’s entrance, seemingly guarding the lobby’s central Christmas tree, which gleams with golden ornaments and matching garlands.
The display strikes a perfect balance between strength and festivity — dignified yet welcoming, polished yet playful. The bold presence of the nutcrackers, combined with the rich gold detailing, transforms this corporate space into a stage for timeless holiday tradition.
Radio City Music Hall
Few sights are as instantly recognizable as Radio City Music Hall at Christmastime. Its slender, glittering Christmas tree climbs up the building’s façade, shimmering in unison with the lights of the famous marquee below. Inside, the holiday magic continues: a spectacular chandelier tree crowns the grand interior, flanked by massive wreaths and shimmering garlands cascading from the balconies.
This display — both iconic and enduring — is a tribute to New York’s theatrical soul. Just steps from the stage where the Rockettes perform their Christmas Spectacular, it’s a celebration of light, performance, and tradition that captures the essence of the city’s holiday charm.
Rockefeller Center – Tishman Speyer
The beating heart of the holidays in New York City is, without question,Rockefeller Center. Trusted by Tishman Speyer for decades, we play a vital role in maintaining and illuminating the legendary Channel Gardens and their beloved angel sculptures.
Since 1955, twelve hand-spun copper angels, each holding a six-foot trumpet, have lined the gardens — their robed figures glowing beneath the city lights. American Christmas carefully stores, restores, and maintains these cherished icons each year. Surrounding them, eight live trees adorned with over 100,000 twinkling lights create a luminous frame for the most famous symbol of all: the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
For millions who visit from around the world, this scene represents the pinnacle of Christmas decorations in New York City — a tradition that endures through time and craftsmanship.
Fox Square – Fox News
In the heart of Midtown, Fox Square radiates patriotic cheer with its dazzling 50-foot Christmas tree. First unveiled in 2019, this “All-American” tree glows with over 200,000 red, white, and blue LED lights, accented by vibrant ornaments and floral motifs.
Each December, thousands gather for its grand lighting, as the spectacle fills the square with warmth and excitement. The display celebrates unity and joy — a reflection of the national spirit shining through one of New York’s busiest neighborhoods.
Bringing Holiday Dreams to Life
From the gleaming towers of Avenue of the Americas to the storied ice rink at Rockefeller Center, American Christmas continues to shape how the world experiences the holidays in New York. Each installation is more than decoration — it’s an expression of artistry, storytelling, and the power of shared joy.
To explore more of our creations and see how we bring festive magic to life year after year, check out our full Christmas portfolio.
If you’re ready to illuminate your own space with the same timeless craftsmanship that defines Christmas decorations in New York City, inquire about collaborations or visit christmasinamerica.com to purchase commercial Christmas decorations.