Ranking The Christmas Trees In NYC - BONUS - Where To Eat After You See Each - UPDATED 2024
Before we get started, hit play on this song to listen to while you read the blog. Maybe grab a tissue. For context to those who've never heard it, this song came out in December 2001 and it's the best Christmas song there is full stop.
Wednesday night was the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in NYC which kicks off the Christmas season. NYC is one of the most special places on earth for Christmas. Don't listen to that dumdum White Sox Dave who will complain about something innocuous about the City because when the bars are decorated, Christmas parties spill into the streets seemingly every night, the Rockettes are high kicking all over creation, and the mood around town is a joyous one, it simply cannot be beat.
Part of those decorations are the numerous trees tucked into different corners of the city. Lots of folks only know the Rockefeller Tree (for obvious reasons) but that isn't even the best tree in NYC if you can believe it. For all my colleagues who are new to NYC this Christmas season and anyone visiting, here are the official rankings of best Christmas trees in NYC and as a bonus I've included a restaurant or bar in the area to stop into once you've seen the tree. There are a bunch more not on the list but these will tickle your Christmas itch.
1. New York Stock Exchange - 11 Wall St
For my money, this the best tree in NYC. Set against the backdrop of an iconic building on the cobblestone street, this tree screams class all the way. Not overly big but very full, it stands proudly each year. The neighborhood (FiDi) is largely for businesses (although the last 15 years more folks have moved down there) so after work hours when the lights are on, you won't have to be Barry Sanders dodging folks on the street. That is perhaps the best part for me - you can go to take it all in and enjoy without feeling like you're slammed shoulder-to-shoulder in an elevator with other folks. It's only a few blocks from the 9/11 Memorial which is also very pretty yet somber to see amid cold December temperatures. While you're there, don't forget to visit my favorite monument in NYC - America's Response Monument "De Oppresso Liber" which is dedicated to the brave Special Forces Soldiers who went into Afghanistan following 9/11.
Where to eat - Harry's
A staple in Fidi, you might miss it if you don't know what to look for as it's nestled in the basement of a building on Hanover Square. I love spots hidden down a flight of stairs. Not so much when you have to climb them after a few bottles of wine. Anyway, it has an old school steakhouse vibe with a bit of a modern twist. Legend has it Large brokered so many deals in this spot that you can actually order a "Large" which is a very dry martini and an escort out the door. Conversely, his bride Annie is so revered in here that she has a booth with her name on it.
2. Washington Square Park - 5th Ave and Washington Sq N
What can I say, I'm a sucker for all white lights on a Christmas Tree. Much like the NYSE tree, this gal has an unfair advantage being situated under the famous Washington Park Arch but in this country, we play to our strengths. Not the biggest tree in town but when you frame it between the Arch and the Empire State Building in the background, she sure is a beaut, Clark.
Where to eat - Minetta Tavern
Stroll down Bob Dylan's old stomping grounds of MacDougal Street and snag a seat at the bar here. A cozy spot, you won't run into tourists here but when you hear the list of regulars, you'll want to stop by - Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, Eugene O'Neill, E. E. Cummings, Dylan Thomas, and Joe Gould. I mention those names because this place maintains the old school NYC tavern feel with a Parisian twist. Get the bone marrow and Minetta burger. You're welcome.
3. Park Ave Trees - along Park Avenue between 54th and 97th streets
These aren't the prettiest trees in NYC but damn if they aren't the grittiest. All in, there are 104 trees decorated with white lights that line the center island of Park Avenue north of the MetLife building. This tradition started in December of 1945 as a way to honor all those who gave their lives in World War II. Today they shine bright to honor that legacy and stand as a symbol of peace.
Where to eat - Park Avenue Tavern or Club Macanudo
If you're walking south down Park Ave and thirsty, pop into Park Avenue Tavern. It is nothing special but it's also reliable as heck in the area. If you're walking north, you're in luck. Peel off at 63rd and step into one of the last bastions of a time gone by - Club Macanudo. One of the few remaining cigar lounges in NYC, this is my favorite spot to end up on a cold day. Grab yourself a whiskey or red wine, settle into one of the leather couches, and enjoy a quality cigar amid the subtle decadence of this swanky lounge. It's quiet and most of the patrons are north of 50 but don't be intimidated - they are welcoming and will educate you if you're a cigar novice.
4. South Street Seaport - 19 Fulton Street
South St Seaport is interesting - when you think of NYC I don't think many folks think of a seaport. But it's been around since forever and the charm hasn't left the area. More cobblestone streets line your path as you bounce around down here. The tree is simple yet elegant - white lights, good height, big star on top. The area has experienced a revival in the last decade or so and it has one of the newer trees in town.
Where to eat - The Fulton
Honestly, the only thing that needs to be said about this joint are the views of the river, the bridges, and Brooklyn. If you're in the mood for seafood, this is the spot.
5. NY Public Library - 5th Ave between 42nd and 40th
The only tree on my list that is indoors. I mention this one because obviously it looks great but also because the NY Public Library is one of those buildings that people walk past their entire lives and never go inside. I was the same way until one day when I was watching the Sex And The City movie (omg Carrie's dress) and they filmed the failed wedding inside here and I thought, "That really looks nice in there. I should check it out." At the time I was in that part of the city every day so I strolled in and low and behold I saw this tree. It truly took my breathe away. Plus, I'm into anything behind velvet ropes. The fake snow adds some pizazz that we don't normally see.
Where to eat - Dock's Oyster Bar or take an adventure down the 4-5-6 to Old Town and Pete's
The thing about midtown is you don't get as much charm as you do in other pockets of the city. Walk east on 41st if you want an upscale night with some oysters. OR. Take the subway downtown and head to two very old staples, Old Town and Pete's Tavern. They are a block apart and are always decorated in a warm decor for Christmas. Both have been featured in movies over the years so if you're into that sort of thing, these are the spots.
6. Bryant Park - 42nd St and 6th Ave
Also known as the JV Rock Center tree, this tree is like your 2nd guy off the bench. Reliable, tough, won't blow you away, but is going to get its 10 and 6. The ice rink is bigger here and it is surrounded by shops so it is more manageable than the starter up the street. With the backdrop of the NYC Public Library, it is a nice spot to grab some hot chocolate and people watch amid a festive setting.
Where to eat - Keens
This place is as cool as it gets. One of the oldest NYC steakhouses with some added flavor. It's not one large dining room but rather a bunch of rooms on different floors that all have their own charm. Also, it used to double as a Pipe Club and the names of folks who kept pipes there is a who's who - Teddy Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, Will Rogers, Billy Rose, Grace Moore, Albert Einstein, George M. Cohan, J.P. Morgan, Stanford White, John Barrymore, David Belasco, Adlai Stevenson, General Douglas MacArthur and "Buffalo Bill" Cody. They are all still on display and seeing the names is jaw dropping when you try to wrap your brain around that context. Not to mention the hundreds of pipes still hanging from the ceiling. The mutton chops are the choice for first timers. Please just don't wear a hoodie like that swine White Sox Dave did the last time he went. Have some class.
7. Rockefeller Center - 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Is it the most famous Christmas tree in the world? Yes. Is it the most visited Christmas tree in the world? Yes. Is it an impressive sight to see? Yes. For those reasons, you need to have it on the list, obviously. The biggest knock on "The Tree" is the amount of foot traffic surrounding it all day every day. Do not for a second believe Home Alone 2 when Kevin is quietly reflecting BY HIMSELF staring up at the tree. Never in recorded history has Rock Center been desolate without a single body regardless of time of day. Go see this big boy up close so you can say you did but quickly hit the rest of the list. Oh also, if you have the means to rent out the ice rink to "surprise" propose to your girlfriend, I will send you my address so you can pay me for reading this blog. That's another thing - the ice skating rink is capitalism at its finest. You have to get a reservation, you have to pay out the ass ($65 at peak time), and there's a time limit. Instead, why not head over to…
Where to eat - PJ Clarke's
On your walk over, stop into St Pat's and say a prayer because we all need them. PJ Clarke's is one of NYC's oldest spots and still has those massive urinals that make you feel like you're standing in a spaceship. Have a burger and make a friend - everyone here is nice. Last Veterans Day, myself, Large, and some fellow Vet pals shut this place down. Another story for another day.
There's a way you could easily hit all of these in one day but I don't have time to map that out for you. I just think it would make for one heck of an afternoon.
Merry Christmas and enjoy the trees of NYC!
P.S. White lights on your tree >>>>>>
P.P.S. Don't be afraid to start saying "Merry Christmas" to people when you see them. It throws people off when you start as early as December 1st but it's never too early.
2024 UPDATES*
Due to the amount of times I shared this blog, I figured I would toss out some updates with some lesser known trees to provide you all with even more Christmas spirit. Since I am also a man of the people, I will include where to get a bite or drink after you see the tree. Given that we are all two years older, I went a little more upscale with my choices so make sure you're wearing your Christmas best and not dressed like the Home Alone 2 pigeon lady.
Ok let's get into the latest additions to the list in no particular order whatsoever:
Lotte New York Palace - 455 Madison Ave (between 50th and 51st)
When you search for "perfectly decorated Christmas tree" on Google, this tree might pop up. This tree is also known as the Gossip Girl tree as it resides in front of a swanky 5 star hotel where many scenes were shot for the show. The hotel even has a package for the show which includes a tour of filming locations as well as special room accomodations. I never watched that show but if you'd like to cosplay as Serena van der Woodsen for a weekend, this is your spot.
It's also nestled right behind St. Patrick's Cathedral so please go light another candle and say another prayer for all of us after you see this tree because we still need those prayers.
Where to eat - King Cole Bar at the St. Regis
Keeping with the theme of filming locations, those of us who love Devil Wears Prada will recognize this bar as the spot where Andy met Christian to hand off the Harry Potter manuscript. Quite a few specialty cocktails are found on the menu and delectable bar snacks can be enjoyed while you wait for your drink. You simply don't see bar snacks anywhere these days (thanks a lot Fauci) so this is an added nice touch. Fun fact - the Bloody Mary as we know it today was invented here.
It's a swanky old haunt with an interesting Old King Cole mural adorning the wall behind the bar. Make sure you ask the bartender to tell you the secret behind the mural. It's a fun little story about a well known man, albeit slightly childish. That's all I'll say.
Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche at The Metropolitan Museum of Art - 1000 5th Ave (entrance at 82nd St)
Talk about a two for one deal. You get to see a unique tree with an even more unique nativity scene but then you can bop around one of the world's most famous museums and get lost for hours. The Met is one of those spots where people who have lived in NYC for years will say, "Oh, I've actually never been there." Go. Get some culture. Appreciate where you live.
The Met continues a longstanding holiday tradition with the presentation of its Christmas tree. The magnificently lit, twenty-foot blue spruce looms over a vivid eighteenth-century Neapolitan Nativity scene, surrounded by an abundant array of lifelike figures with silk-robed angels hovering above. The scene describes in detail the Mediterranean harbor town's multicultural population.
The installation is set in front of the eighteenth-century Spanish choir screen from the Cathedral of Valladolid in the Museum's Medieval Sculpture Hall.
Where to eat - Bemelman's at The Carlyle
There are famous people all over NYC but you rarely, if ever, see them. Maybe that's because they are all hanging at Bemelman's. Truly a bar from a forgotten era, you may see politicians, actors, musicians, business moguls, artists, and everyone in between here. Their pianist is sure to entertain you while you enjoy your beverage. Please please head what I said above about wearing a sophisticated outfit when you show up at Bemelman's or else you won't be let in as they actually have a strict dress code.
Bonus - I highly recommend the documentary, Always At The Carlyle, which gives you a glimpse inside one of NYC's most storied hotels.
The Carlyle is an integral part of New York history. As the city’s premier luxury residential hotel, it was a famous gathering place for socialites, world leaders and celebrities when Ludwig Bemelmans began to create his masterpiece murals at the hotel bar. Bemelmans was a successful artist for The New Yorker, Vogue and Town and Country and had achieved enormous success with the Madeline children’s books series. Using his distinct style of art, he transformed the bar with whimsical scenes of Central Park that included picnicking rabbits and ice skating elephants. Rather than be paid for his art, Bemelmans exchanged his work for a year and a half of accommodations at The Carlyle for himself and his family.
Bloomberg Tower Tree - 731 Lexington (Between 58th and 59th)
A simple yet elegant tree flanked on all sides by steel and glass, this tree is a nice reprieve from the concrete jungle of Manhattan. I have a buddy who worked here years ago and I would always volunteer to meet at his building just for a chance to catch a glimpse of this beauty. There is also something to be said for the simplicity of the tree.
Not that I'm some architecture aficionado but I can always appreciate when a NYC building isn't just straight up and down so the Bloomberg Tower is a nice add-on when seeing this tree.
Where to eat - Monkey Bar
Jump in a time machine and transport yourself back to a golden age when you step into this joint. Born in 1936, this place doesn't look a day older than 1940 - red leather booths, table lamps, white tablecloths, and a sprawling mural of caricatures blanket the walls. They don't make 'em like this any more so make sure you stop in and enjoy the ambiance of a NYC none of us ever knew. I'm a sucker for spots like this because right or wrong, it makes me believe that there was a simpler time when the focus was good music, good food, and good laughs with no malarkey on the side…maybe just some monkey business.
Monkey Bar is the heartbeat of Midtown dining with its timeless fare and iconic vibe.
Madison Square Park Tree - 11 Madison Ave (Between 23rd and 26th Streets)
Any tree that looks good in white lights and snow is a good tree in my book. What this tree lacks in pizazz it more than makes up for in history.
This tree lays claim to the oldest Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the country. It was December 1912 when a 60-foot-tall tree arrived by truck at the park and was decorated with 2,300 colored electric lights. The lighting ceremony held on Christmas Eve attracted 25,000 visitors, marking the first event of its kind in the US. Put that in your pipe and smoke it Rock Center!
This tree is around the corner from HQ2 and I'd bet most of the folks at Barstool never even ventured over to say hello but now that you know the story you have a reason to pass through the park.
Where to eat - Eleven Madison Park
lol jk
Listen, you can't beat a greasy spoon that amasses 3 Michelin stars, but I'm not about to suggest a spot that is harder to get into than Fort Knox.
Where to actually eat - Thyme Bar
The youngest spot on the list having opened in 2020, it's done a great job of establishing itself in a hurry. As an underground cellar bar, it sets itself apart off the jump. Just like Harry's, if I have to go down a flight of stairs to get inside, I'm sold. It has an exquisitely inventive menu that is sure to impress. I've only been here one time but it made enough of an impression that I wanted you to try it out as well.
Avenue of the Americas Tree - 1221 Avenue of the Americas (Between 48th and 49th streets)
The sunken courtyard houses one of the more unique trees in the city with the archway at the base that makes for excellent pictures. One of the added bonuses of this tree are the giant red Christmas balls next door in the fountain
in the shadow of Radio City which makes for another cool pic.
Where to eat - Lillie's Victorian
Always impeccably decorated for Christmas, this place will probably be decently packed but that's the price of doing business in NYC during Christmas time. The cheer and jovial vibe of the patrons make up for that though.
If it's too crowded - Redeye Grill
A little further walk but worth it when you arrive. A massive spot that is a seafood focused grill, order the dancing shrimp and embrace your inner tourist.
Tavern On the Green Tree
If you're visiting New York and tracing Kevin McCallister's steps through Central Park, you might as well at least take a peak at this tree. This is another one of those, "I've lived here forever and never gone" places in NYC but I think it's worth it. It was closed for a long time but it's been under new management for years and they've restored it to what it once was, which is actually interesting. When Central Park was a sheep meadow, this is where they housed the sheep. In 1934 it was turned into a restaurants that's been frequented by presidents, royalty, artists, actors, and served as the backdrop for plenty of movies.
While you're prancing through the park, don't forget to check out the Floating Lights.
Where to eat - Tatiana's
If the wait to sit down at the Tavern is too long, walk over to Tatiana's. I promise you will not get this sort of food many other places if anywhere. It is touted as "Afro Caribbean-inspired dining with NYC influences from Chef Kwame Onwuachi." Make sure you book in advance though because it's a tough seat to snag.
Brookfield Place Christmas Tree - 230 Vesey Street
In the last decade or so, Brookfield Place has transformed into quite the elaborate destination in NYC. Previously known as the World Financial Center (honestly some folks still refer to it as such. It's interchangeable), Brookfield is decorated beyond just this tree and you can enjoy shopping and food at a multitude of different vendors.
While you're down this way, try to stroll through Zuccotti Park. It's beautifully lit and there is ZERO remnants of those losers who occupied the park in 2011.
Where to eat - Puffy's
I know we said we were keeping it upscale this year but I love Puffy's too much not to suggest it to you. Old school tavern in a new school neighborhood, order a fresh sandwich from the bartender and enjoy the atmosphere. If you want to continue to drink when you're done, walk over to Nancy Whiskey. I cannot describe that spot as anything other than a hole in the wall but the bartenders are friendly and they have a cool loft space upstairs. Between these two places you will be well fed and well drunk.
Ok there you have it. Check em out and let me know what you think.