Every holiday season, Hudson Yards takes on a different kind of glow. From November 16, 2026, through January 7, 2027, Shine Bright at Hudson Yards, presented by Wells Fargo, transforms the neighborhood with festive light displays and seasonal experiences.
Whether you're planning a family outing, searching for the best Christmas lights in NYC or adding a festive stop to your New York City holiday itinerary, here's what to see, when to visit and how to make the most of Shine Bright at Hudson Yards.
As the Director of Retail Marketing for The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards shares, Shine Bright is about more than the lights: “Shine Bright is such a magical holiday tradition that it needs to be incorporated into every NYC itinerary, whether you've lived here for years or are traveling to NYC for the first time. The two million lights sparkle and shine at every turn, and there is holiday shopping for everyone on your list, delicious food from The Eateries and Restaurants, and immersive experiences with 360-degree views at Vessel and Edge.”
From November 16, 2026, through January 7, 2027, Shine Bright brings one-of-a-kind holiday light installations, festive photo opportunities, shopping events and free holiday programming to Hudson Yards. Here are the displays and experiences you won’t want to miss.
November 16, 2026–January 7, 2027
Explore more than two million twinkling lights and 725 evergreen trees throughout Hudson Yards. Inside The Shops & Restaurants, look up to see a 32-foot illuminated hot air balloon suspended in The Great Room, and keep an eye out for eight 12-foot toy soldiers lining the hallways, adding a larger-than-life element for visitors of all ages.
The displays are available during Hudson Yards’ general operating hours throughout the Shine Bright season.
November 16 | Doors open at 5 PM; ceremony begins at 6 PM | Free and open to the public
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with Vessel’s holiday lighting ceremony, featuring live performances from well-known artists and hosted by Helen Little of 106.7 LiteFM. The evening culminates in the illumination of Vessel with a new holiday light show.
For a closer look inside Vessel, purchase a $10 ticket to A First Look: Vessel Holiday Experience, taking place from 7–9 PM. The ticketed experience includes access to the interior holiday display and an 18-foot-tall mistletoe installation for festive photos.
November 27–December 23 | Monday–Friday, 5–8 PM | Level 3 of The Shops & Restaurants
Make a holiday tradition of visiting Santa’s sleigh for a free photo. Children, families and pets are welcome to meet Santa and capture a festive holiday memory.
After your visit, drop off a letter to Santa in the dedicated Santa Box near the holiday set to send your holiday wishes on their way to the North Pole.
From the illuminated hot air balloon in The Great Room to the festive displays throughout the neighborhood, Hudson Yards offers plenty of backdrops for a holiday photo. Look for selfie stands throughout the installation for an easy way to capture a photo with friends, family or loved ones.
For a different perspective, head to the corner of the Level 2 and Level 3 balconies overlooking the indoor displays. Outside, try framing the holiday lights with The Shops & Restaurants in the background. And don’t forget to look up beneath the illuminated hot air balloon or stop for a photo with the towering toy soldiers.
December 9 | 5–8 PM
Make an evening of holiday shopping with seasonal offers, giveaways, special perks and complimentary Champagne Pommery bars. Eligible Mastercard cardholders can also enjoy additional benefits, including access to the Mastercard Collection Lounge and special perks at select retailers.
During Hanukkah | Dates and times to be announced
Join the Hudson Yards community for live menorah lightings in Public Square & Gardens throughout Hanukkah. Check the Hudson Yards Events Calendar for confirmed dates and times and the latest seasonal programming.
For the best Shine Bright experience, arrive around dusk, bring a camera and give yourself time to explore both the outdoor gardens and indoor displays. These insider recommendations can help you see the lights from a different perspective and capture the details that make Hudson Yards special.
Arrive at dusk for the best atmosphere. Visiting around sunset lets you experience the changing sky before the holiday lights become the main attraction. As daylight fades, the illuminated trees and displays stand out against the evening sky.
Stand beneath the hot air balloon. The 32-foot illuminated balloon suspended in The Great Room is one of the installation's signature photo opportunities. Try looking up from directly below to capture its scale and the surrounding architecture.
Find the view from the Level 2 and Level 3 balcony corner. For a different perspective on the indoor displays, head to the corner of the balcony overlooking the lower levels. From the outdoor plaza, frame the lights with The Shops & Restaurants in the background for another memorable shot.
Don't walk past the toy soldiers. The eight 12-foot figures lining the hallways are easy to overlook while shopping, but their scale makes them a fun detail to photograph, especially with children.
Bring a camera or a phone with a good low-light setting. Holiday lights can create a beautiful glow in photographs. Experiment with different angles and let the lights fill the frame rather than relying on a single posed shot.
Most importantly, slow down and take in the full experience. The lights appear throughout the neighborhood, so the walk between displays is part of the fun.
One of the advantages of celebrating Christmas at Hudson Yards is that you can see the lights, shop for gifts, enjoy a festive meal and visit major attractions without traveling between multiple neighborhoods.
With more than 65 shops, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards brings together luxury and contemporary brands across fashion, accessories, jewelry, beauty, home décor, electronics and children's gifts.
Browse the Hudson Yards shopping directory to plan your holiday shopping, whether you're looking for a special gift, stocking stuffers or something for the entire family.
After exploring the outdoor displays, head inside The Shops & Restaurants for a break. Hudson Yards offers everything from casual, family-friendly eateries to sit-down restaurants. For a meal with a view of Vessel's holiday lights, head to Queensyard for a hearty meal overlooking the landmark.
Stop for hot chocolate or seasonal sweet treats at spots like Ladurée, Eataly Caffè, Neuhaus Chocolate or The Bakery at Greywind. Explore the Hudson Yards dining directory to find an option that suits your group.
Make your visit even more memorable by pairing Shine Bright with one of Hudson Yards' signature experiences.
The 75-minute Hudson Yards Neighborhood Tour is offered Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 PM for $100 per person. The tour begins at Vessel and includes a stop at Mercado Little Spain, public art highlights and access to Edge shortly after the tour. Vessel entry is also included for the rest of the day, until 6:30 PM. Arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins, wear comfortable shoes and dress for the winter weather, as much of the route is outdoors.
During the holiday season, the tour offers a different way to appreciate Hudson Yards, combining the neighborhood's design and history with its festive atmosphere.
Book the Hudson Yards Neighborhood Tour.
Hudson Yards is located on Manhattan's West Side and is easy to add to a New York City holiday itinerary.
Enjoy unique shopping, dining and experiences to explore. Stay connected and follow @HudsonYards for the latest updates.
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