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Ready to stay at one of the best Christmas hotels in New York City?
Visitors always asked me if I love being in New York at Christmas.
Is it cold? Yes.
Do I hate being cold? Also yes.
Would I miss it? Never.
Every holiday season I’m home, I get back into the city, even if it’s just for a day trip.
I was a little kid the first time I saw the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
My parents took us into the city for the tree and the Radio City Rockettes, and that moment is seared into my memory.
Nobody can promise you snow, but a city dressed up for the holidays is the next best thing, and the right hotel puts you in the middle of it.
As a licensed NYC tour guide, I researched which hotels decorate for real, from courtyard trees to rooftop chalets, and rechecked every one for the 2026 season.
My top pick is the Lotte New York Palace, with its courtyard tree across Madison Avenue from St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Watching your budget? Jump to my budget-friendly picks.
Quick answers: where to stay in NYC for Christmas
- Best overall: Lotte New York Palace, for its courtyard tree of about 30 feet at Madison Avenue and 50th Street.
- Most classic: The Plaza, the Home Alone 2 hotel, in its last Christmas before closing in January 2027 for at least four years.
- Best near the Fifth Avenue windows: The Peninsula New York, a short walk from Rockefeller Center.
- Best for history lovers: The St. Regis New York, where John Lennon demoed “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” in 1971.
- Best budget-friendly: Moxy NYC Times Square, with a rooftop that gets a new holiday theme every winter.
- Most over-the-top bar: Omni Berkshire Place, whose lobby bar has turned into the Blitzen’s Bar Christmas pop-up for the last two seasons.
- Best area: Midtown, between 42nd and 59th Streets, puts you walking distance from Rockefeller Center, the Fifth Avenue windows and Bryant Park.
Editor’s Pick: Where to Stay in NYC for Christmas
Lotte New York Palace
The Lotte New York Palace on Madison Avenue is my choice for the best place to stay to celebrate the Christmas season in NYC.
The Best Hotels in NYC for Christmas
How I picked these: I haven’t slept in all of them (I have a tour guide’s budget, not a Plaza budget).
I chose them for what they actually do at Christmas, from courtyard trees to rooftop chalets, and cut any hotel whose holiday decor I couldn’t document; I rechecked every hotel for 2026.
Holiday programs usually go live in November, so check each hotel’s holiday page before you book.
1. Lotte New York Palace
- Location: 455 Madison Avenue, Manhattan
- Best for: the most famous hotel Christmas tree in the city
- Price: $$$$
- Check rates and availability for Lotte New York Palace now
The Lotte New York Palace wraps around a courtyard a railroad tycoon built in 1884.
Henry Villard hired McKim, Mead & White to design six houses in a U shape facing the back of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, then went bankrupt as they were finished.
What a housewarming.
Those houses are now the hotel’s historic front, and every December the courtyard gets a tree about 30 feet tall.
In past seasons, the hotel has added an outdoor Winter Bar with hot chocolate beside the tree, a gingerbread model of the building in the lobby, and holiday suites decorated by Balsam Hill.
Anyone can walk in from Madison Avenue to see the tree, so it gets crowded after dark. Stay here, and you can see it early in the morning, before the crowds arrive.
The Lotte New York Palace is still my pick for the best Christmas hotel in New York City.
2. The Peninsula New York
- Location: 700 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
- Best for: families and Fifth Avenue window shopping
- Price: $$$$
- Check rates and availability for The Peninsula now
The Peninsula Hotel opened in 1905 as the Gotham Hotel, a year after the St. Regis went up across the street. A renovation that started in 2024 refreshed the lobby, the Palm Court and the rooftop bar, Pen Top.
At Christmas, the facade is one of the brightest on Fifth Avenue, and you’re a short walk from the department store windows and Rockefeller Center.
Last season, Pen Top turned into Chesa, a Swiss chalet pop-up borrowed from The Peninsula Hong Kong, with heated private chalets and fondue.
Inside, two towering Christmas trees greet you in the lobby, and Victorian carolers have sung there on Friday and Saturday evenings in December.
If you can splurge, look at the holiday packages.
Past versions of the Holly Jolly New York Holiday package have included VIP access to Top of the Rock and a window-display walking tour, and the family Nights Before Christmas package has included an in-room gingerbread playhouse. Check the 2026 versions before you book.
3. The Algonquin Hotel
- Location: 59 West 44th Street, Manhattan
- Best for: literary history and a small-hotel feel near Times Square
- Price: $$$
- Check rates and availability for The Algonquin now
People love to say F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway lunched at The Algonquin.
They didn’t, at least not as regulars.
The real lunch crowd was the Algonquin Round Table: Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Edna Ferber, Alexander Woollcott and friends, who met here almost daily from 1919 for about a decade.
One regular, Harold Ross, went on to found The New Yorker.
The hotel opened in 1902 and has kept a lobby cat since the 1930s, which is the most New York sentence I know.
It’s now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, and in past seasons the lobby has had its own Christmas tree.
Times Square is a few minutes’ walk west, close enough for the lights and far enough to sleep.
It pairs well with my New York City Christmas itinerary.
4. The Plaza (Its Last Christmas Before a Four-Year Closure)
- Location: Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, Manhattan
- Best for: one last movie-classic Christmas before it closes in January 2027
- Price: $$$$
- Check rates and availability for The Plaza now
Where is the best place to stay in New York during Christmas? Many will say The Plaza.
It opened on October 1, 1907, and was designed by Henry J. Hardenbergh, the same architect behind the Dakota.
Kevin McCallister checked in for Home Alone 2, Eloise lived upstairs in the books, and the hotel faces Central Park across Grand Army Plaza.
This is the year to do it.
The Plaza closes in January 2027 for at least four years to restore its landmark facade, and the Palm Court and event spaces close with it.
No reopening date has been announced.
So if a Plaza Christmas has been on your list since you first watched Kevin run through that lobby, 2026 is your chance.
If a room is outside your budget, do what I’d tell any guest on my tours: book holiday afternoon tea in The Palm Court instead.
Last season the holiday tea menu ran from mid-November to early January, with a Christmas Day tea too, and the Palm Court keeps serving tea until the hotel closes.
Check times and reserve a table on their website, and dress like you’re enjoying a refined experience.
5. St. Regis Hotel
- Location: Two East 55th Street, Manhattan
- Rating: 8.3 Stars out of 60+ reviews
- Price: $$$$
- Check rates and availability for the St. Regis Hotel now
John Jacob Astor IV opened the St. Regis Hotel in 1904, and a renovation for its 120th anniversary refreshed the lobby and the King Cole Bar.
That bar is the reason to visit even if you stay elsewhere.
Maxfield Parrish’s Old King Cole mural hangs behind it, and the hotel claims its bartender poured the first Bloody Mary in America (here it’s called a Red Snapper; other bars dispute the claim).
At Christmas, Nutcrackers stand on either side of the 55th Street entrance, garlands wrap the lobby banisters, and the tree is usually around 30 feet tall.
In past seasons, the hotel has hosted gingerbread decorating and Afternoon Tea with Santa for kids.
The hotel has its own Christmas history too.
In October 1971, John Lennon recorded the first acoustic demo of “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” in the rooms he and Yoko Ono were living in here.
So the next time that song plays in a store, you’ll know where it started.
You’re a few blocks north of Rockefeller Center and across Fifth Avenue from The Peninsula, with butler service if you want to feel like an Astor for a night.
6. Baccarat Hotel New York
- Location: 28 West 53rd Street, Midtown
- Price: $$$$
- Best for: a Christmas tree made of crystal
- Check rates and availability for Baccarat Hotel New York now
If you think a Christmas tree has to be green, the Baccarat Hotel New York would like a word.
This is the hotel of the French crystal house, so for Christmas 2024 it built a 16-foot “tree” from Baccarat chandeliers stacked in three tiers and crowned with a ball of red roses.
The hotel’s holiday page still features a chandelier tree in the Grand Salon, so expect plenty of sparkle this Christmastime.
It’s one of the priciest stays on this list, and a short walk from Rockefeller Center and the Fifth Avenue windows.
7. Omni Berkshire Place
- Location: 21 East 52nd Street, Midtown
- Price: $$$
- Best for: an over-the-top Christmas bar and a mid-priced Midtown base
- Check rates and availability for Omni Berkshire Place now
If your idea of Christmas is more ugly-sweater party than black tie, book the Omni Berkshire Place.
For the last two Christmases, its lobby bar turned into Blitzen’s Bar: ornaments, neon, red-and-green everything, Christmas trees, and cocktails by mixologist Julie Reiner.
The signature drink, The Blitzen, comes served inside an ornament.
Omni has announced Blitzen is back at 31 of its hotels for 2026, so check that New York is on the list.
Last year the bar opened the day after Thanksgiving.
You’re a block from Radio City, steps from Rockefeller Center, and with rooms around $300 a night, it’s a fraction of what the Fifth Avenue icons charge.
8. The Pierre, A Taj Hotel
- Location: Two East 61st Street, Manhattan
- Best for: Central Park views and a jazz bar nightcap
- Price: $$$$
- Check rates and availability for The Pierre now
The Pierre opened in 1930 across Fifth Avenue from Central Park, and it still feels like a society address.
The entrance photo above shows how it dresses for December.
At Christmas, trees and garlands go up in every corner, and in past seasons the hotel has added snowman-making kits, eggnog, and milk and cookies left out for Santa.
For a cozy night, head to Two E Bar & Lounge.
It started life as the hotel’s Gentlemen’s Library and now hosts live jazz and cabaret from Tuesday to Saturday nights.
The hotel restaurant, Perrine, serves seasonal menus if you’d rather not brave the cold for dinner.
9. The Moxy NYC Times Square
- Location: 485 7th Avenue, Manhattan
- Best for: budget-friendly style and a festive rooftop bar
- Price: $$$
- Check rates and availability for The Moxy NYC Times Square now
Don’t let the name fool you: The Moxy NYC Times Square is a block from Herald Square and Macy’s, with Times Square a short walk north.
Rooms are small and smart, and rates usually run well below the luxury picks above.
It’s here for Magic Hour, the 18th-floor rooftop bar with a carousel and mini golf.
It gets a new holiday makeover every winter: a pink ski lodge with 25,000 faux crystals one year, a Mountain Lodge with a holiday carousel last year.
It’s one of my favorite Christmas Instagram spots, and you’re close to every Christmas bucket list stop in Midtown.
10. Refinery Hotel
- Location: Midtown East
- Best for: Bryant Park’s Winter Village and Thanksgiving parade weekend
- Price: $$$
- Check rates and availability for the Refinery Hotel now
The Refinery Hotel sits a few minutes’ walk from Bryant Park, where the Winter Village sets up its ice rink, holiday shops, and tree every season.
Back at the hotel, thaw out at the rooftop bar or Winnie’s Jazz Bar.
Every December, the Refinery runs its Winter Spectacular package: a fresh Christmas tree decorated in your room, hot chocolate and cookies delivered to your door, and a gingerbread house kit for a cozy night in.
Arriving for Thanksgiving?
The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on November 26, 2026, and the Refinery is selling a “Parade Inside” package: confetti balloons and an instant camera in your room, then a parade-watching party in the lobby with hot chocolate and cider donuts.
The rooms don’t overlook the parade, so this is for the party, not the view.
11. The Standard, High Line
- Location: 848 Washington Street, Meatpacking District
- Price: $$$
- Best for: a holiday market on your doorstep, downtown
- Check rates and availability for The Standard, High Line
The Standard, High Line towers over the High Line, and every room has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the skyline or the Hudson.
At Christmas, the action moves down to the ground-floor plaza, which becomes The Holiday Plaza.
Last season you could buy a real Christmas tree at The Standard Tree Farm, run by Brooklyn Tree Farm, warm up in the Gingerbread Room with spiced drinks and pastries, and grab cocoa and apple cider donuts outside.
The hotel has done some version of this since at least 2018.
The plaza is free to walk through, so stop by even if you’re staying uptown, then walk the High Line and Chelsea Market.
12. The Ludlow
- Location: 180 Ludlow Street, Manhattan
- Best for: a cozy downtown stay with a fireplace
- Price: $$$
- Check rates and availability for The Ludlow now
The Ludlow Hotel, opened in 2014 on the Lower East Side, is catcorner from Katz’s Deli.
Its lobby lounge is built around a huge limestone fireplace, which is exactly where you want to be after a day in the cold and (hopefully!) snow in NYC at Christmas.
Rooms have wood floors, silk rugs from India and lamps made in Morocco, and many have city views.
Dirty French, the downstairs restaurant from the team behind Carbone, serves breakfast through late dinner.
The Ludlow is also on my list of quiet hotels in NYC, so you can stay in the middle of the Lower East Side and still sleep.
13. The William Vale
- Location: 111 North 12th Street, Brooklyn
- Best for: skyline views and a Brooklyn base
- Price: $$$$
- Check rates and availability for The William Vale now
The William Vale is the Brooklyn pick, between McCarren Park and Bushwick Inlet Park in Williamsburg, close to good bakeries, restaurants, and vintage shops.
You get the Manhattan skyline as your view instead of your neighbor.
In winter, its rooftop bar, Westlight, opens the Winter Village: private heated chalets 23 floors up with fondue and seasonal cocktails, plus an après-ski Sky Lodge bar.
It runs seasonally and books up, so reserve a chalet as soon as the 2026 dates go live. Last season, the village was 21 and over from 6 p.m.
Where to Stay in NYC for Christmas by Neighborhood
If it’s your first Christmas trip, stay in Midtown. Everyone else can pick by mood.
- Midtown (42nd to 59th Street): walking distance to Rockefeller Center, the Fifth Avenue windows, Radio City, and Bryant Park. It’s also where the crowds and the highest rates are. Hotels on this list: Lotte New York Palace, The Peninsula, The St. Regis, The Algonquin, Baccarat, Omni Berkshire Place, the Refinery and the Moxy.
- Central Park and the Upper East Side: park views and quieter evenings, a short walk from the Midtown lights. The Plaza and The Pierre.
- Downtown (Lower East Side, West Village, Meatpacking): a neighborhood feel, great restaurants and a subway ride to the big sights. The Standard, High Line and The Ludlow.
- Brooklyn: Manhattan skyline views from your room and a subway ride into the city. The William Vale.
Budget-Friendly Picks
Christmas in New York doesn’t have to mean Plaza prices, but I won’t pretend it’s cheap.
On this list, the Moxy NYC Times Square and Omni Berkshire Place usually cost the least, and both keep you in Midtown.
Another trick: stay a few subway stops outside Midtown and ride in.
My guide to the NYC subway makes that easy, and you can still see the best Christmas photo spots for free.
When to Book
Book as soon as your dates are set, and pick a rate with free cancellation.
Most hotels publish their holiday packages in November.
Thanksgiving weekend is busy too: the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on November 26, 2026.
Christmas Hotels in NYC: FAQs
What’s the best area to stay in NYC for Christmas?
Midtown, between about 42nd and 59th Streets. You can walk to the Rockefeller Center tree, the Fifth Avenue windows, Radio City and Bryant Park’s Winter Village.
Which NYC hotel has the best Christmas tree?
The Lotte New York Palace, for its courtyard tree of about 30 feet on Madison Avenue at 50th Street. You can see it from the street even if you’re not staying there.
Can I see hotel Christmas decorations without staying there?
Yes. Walk into the Lotte’s courtyard from Madison Avenue, book holiday tea at The Plaza’s Palm Court (until the hotel closes in January 2027), or have a drink in the St. Regis’s King Cole Bar.
Is it better to stay in Midtown or Times Square at Christmas?
Times Square is part of Midtown, but for Christmas I’d stay closer to Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center. You’ll be near the decorations instead of the billboards.
Is New York City expensive at Christmas?
Yes, December is one of the priciest times for NYC hotels, especially the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Book early, and see my budget-friendly picks above.
Is there anything to do in NYC on Christmas Day?
Yes. Last season The Plaza served a Christmas Day afternoon tea, the big trees and windows stay up, and my New York at Christmas bucket list has more ideas. Check opening hours, since some attractions close for the day.
What time does the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree turn off?
Visitors ask me this every December. Last season the tree was lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, stayed lit all night around Christmas, and switched off at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Sources disagree on whether the all-night lighting falls on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, so check Rockefeller Center’s site once the 2026 schedule is out. For smaller crowds, go early in the morning or late at night.
More Resources For Visiting New York City this Christmas
- In charge of planning your complete Christmas itinerary? I have a full guide for planning your itinerary in NYC this Christmas.
- Are you interested in all the most Instagrammable photo spots? Be inspired by my list of the best Christmas photo spots all around NYC.
- Trying to find some other wintery activities? Check out my list of awesome winter activities in New York City.
- Interested in taking a holiday-themed tour? Check out my list of the top Christmas tours throughout the five boroughs.
- Are you visiting New York City this winter with your significant other? Be inspired by my list of the best winter dates all around NYC.
- Looking for more ideas this holiday season? Take a look at my complete New York at Christmas bucket list.
Best Places to Stay in New York City during Christmas: Wrap-Up
If you can only remember one name from this list, make it the Lotte New York Palace.
If you want the movie version of Christmas, book The Plaza (or at least the tea) while you still can, and if you’re watching your budget, the Moxy’s rooftop gives you the festive part for less.
Wherever you sleep, the best part of Christmas in New York happens outside the hotel: the windows, the trees, the skating, the hot chocolate you’ll swear is the best you’ve ever had.
Plan your days with my Christmas in New York bucket list.
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