Christmas on Wall Street: Food, Fun, and the NYSE Christmas Tree

Christmas on Wall Street: Food, Fun, and the NYSE Christmas Tree

While Rockefeller Center is New York City’s holiday hotspot, other parts of Manhattan also help to make this season bright. 

For example, the Financial District sparkles around the holiday season with shiny decorations, festive shopping, and several dining and entertainment experiences. Plus, there are lots of Christmas trees in this area to see, including the Wall Street Christmas tree in front of the New York Stock Exchange.

Curious about Christmas on Wall Street and in the Financial District as a whole? Here’s what to see, do, and eat here for the most wonderful time of the year.

About the NYSE Christmas tree

Annual NYSE Tree Lighting

Credit: NYSE Group

A tradition since 1923, the New York Stock Exchange Christmas tree, also called the NYSE Christmas tree and Wall Street Christmas tree, began as a way to celebrate the competition of the Financial District’s electrical grid that year. 

Often, the species of the selected tree is a spruce, usually a black spruce or Norway spruce, tall and narrow, perfect to hang ornaments and lights.

The NYSE Christmas Tree is tricked out every year with colorful electric lights. One exception — during the energy crisis in 1973, they used phosphorescent ornaments. 

The decorations vary from year to year. Companies and charities involved in NYSE’s Global Giving Campaign are also recognized with commemorative ornaments adorning that year’s tree. 

During the holiday season, the NYSE Christmas tree can also be seen along our Wall Street Insider Tour. Be sure to take in this magnificent tree while learning more about Wall Street’s history. 

When to see the NYSE tree lighting

Performers at Tree Lighting

Credit: NYSE Group

The annual NYSE Christmas Tree Lighting is typically held early in December, starting in the afternoon and continuing to sunset when the lighting happens. You can watch the tree’s official unveiling with a ceremony led by representatives from the New York Stock Exchange. The event often features appearances by special guests, like pop stars and the biggest star of all: Santa Claus.

Save the date: The 2024 NYSE Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for 3-7 p.m. Dec. 5, 2024.

As nighttime settles in, the ceremonial hosts countdown — three, two, one! — and then jointly press a button that magically reveals this grand masterpiece.

The tree stands across from the columns of the New York Stock Exchange, and, during the ceremony, they become illuminated in red and green.

This family-friendly event also includes live music performances by top acts. The 2024 lineup shines with Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Darlene Love and the NYC drumline, Fogo Azul. 

Past performers at the NYSE Christmas Tree Lighting have ranged from Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick to Rhonda Vincent and The Rockettes. 

To see what often takes place, watch the video below of the 2023 NYSE Christmas Tree Lighting.

Does Wall Street have a Christmas tree?

Yes! OK, of course, it does if you’re reading this blog post, but this exact question is one people often ask. Maybe they think a place of money is more Scrooge than St. Nick? But we absolutely love our festive NYSE Christmas tree.

Did you also know that this Christmas tree first went up a few years before the Rockefeller Christmas Tree did? 

Yes, it’s true. 

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was started in December 1931, when a group of workers pooled their money together to buy and decorate a Christmas tree. In December 1933, the tradition of having an onsite Christmas tree officially began, with the inaugural lighting taking place that year. It continues to this day.

NYSE Group Tree Lighting

Credit: NYSE Group

Where is the NYSE Christmas Tree?

This towering tree is erected outside along Broad Street across from the New York Stock Exchange. Its annual lighting is ushered in with a ceremony that is open to the public. 

How tall is the Christmas tree in Wall Street?

On average, previous NYSE Christmas trees have ranged in height from 50 feet up to 70 feet. Most trees have topped in at either 55 or 65 feet. 

Can you see the NYSE Christmas tree lighting and the Rockefeller Center tree lighting?

NYSE Opening Bell

Credit: NYSE Group

Usually, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony happens in early December. This Midtown Manhattan event continues to be very popular, and it’s also televised. Eager viewers come early and line up to get as close as they can for viewing.

Your chances for getting a good view might be greater at the New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree Lighting. 

However, it’s possible to plan a visit to see both trees. Just give yourself enough time to get to and take in both of them.

By subway, the 4 and 5 lines from the Wall Street station stop at Times Square-42nd Street. At that station, switch to the 1 train and take it uptown to the 50th Street Station. From there, it’s about a six-minute walk down to Rockefeller Center. 

Or catch the 1 line near Wall Street by heading directly to the Rector Street station.

Using a ride share service such as Uber or Lyft may get you between these places faster.

Is the tree lighting crowded?

Crowds at NYSE tree lighting

Credit: NYSE Group

Yes, the annual NYSE Christmas Tree lighting draws many attendees. It’s best to arrive early to get a good viewing spot. 

Local tip: Please note that you will likely be standing during the ceremony, so be prepared for that. Comfy shoes and coats are a must!

How long is the Wall Street Christmas tree up?

Usually, the NYSE Christmas tree is up from early December through the beginning of the new year. 

Along with this holiday attraction, Lower Manhattan has much more to see and do leading up to Christmas. 

NYC holiday fun at the Seaport

Holiday Displays in Downtown Manhattan

Credit: The Seaport

The Seaport has a huge Christmas tree at the corner of Water and Fulton streets. They also host an annual tree lighting ceremony, featuring holiday tunes, dance performances, delectable goodies, a holiday pop-up market, and more.

Save the date: In 2024, the lighting is scheduled to take place on Dec. 3.

To celebrate Hanukkah, a public menorah lighting is typically held at the Seaport as well. This year, the scheduled date is Dec. 29, 2024.

Waterfront Dining At Watermark In Enclosed Glasshouses

Credit: Watermark

Find more holiday magic at the Watermark, at the Seaport’s Pier 15, as this outdoor venue is transformed into Santa’s Winter Wonderland from early November through the end of December. 

Held in partnership with Fever, this holiday showcase glistens with candy-cane-filled hallways and outdoor heated glass houses amid panoramic views of the Brooklyn skyline. Spiked hot chocolate and toasted tableside s’mores will be among the menu items keeping visitors warm. And, of course, they can pose for a picture with St. Nick.

Be sure to get tickets in advance for Santa’s Winter Wonderland.

Christmas shopping around the Financial District

It’s easy to find gifts for those on your holiday shopping list in and around the Financial District. 

Across from the One World Trade Center, the Brookfield Place shopping center is full of well-known retailers enticing you with holiday specials. Holiday gift wrapping is typically offered at no extra cost. 

Take a break from shopping at Brookfield Place to enjoy some ice skating. Open from mid-November through March, The Rink at Brookfield Place is a 7,350-square-foot outdoor ice skating attraction where you can don skates and glide along amid captivating cityscape views. Public skating hours and private lessons are available. You must book your reservation in advance through the rink’s website.

The stores at Westfield World Trade Center also provide many options for gift giving, ranging from high-end designers to luxury goods. You can get there via the Oculus at the World Trade Center, a major transit hub connecting to 12 subway lines and a PATH train station.

Holiday dining in the Financial District

The Tin Building

Credit: The Seaport

You don’t have to go far to find a bite to eat within the Financial District. If you prefer to skip on dining at major shopping malls, here are some spots to try that are festive for the holidays.

Everything is elegant within the Tin Building by Jean-Georges, a culinary emporium within the former location of the Fulton Fish Market. It holds a high-end marketplace stocked with fine foods and specialty ingredients as well as 12 dining venues featuring vegan, Asian, Italian, seafood, French, and Mexican menus.

Main Dining Room at Delmonico's in NYC

Credit: Delmonico’s

Or dine at a New York City institution that is full of traditions. Opened in 1837, Delmonico’s is known for many firsts in the restaurant industry. Learn more about its history in the “Wonder Room” paying homage to iconic past and present guests through an array of celebrity photographs. For the holidays, Delmonico’s offers special Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day menus. 

Local tip: Don’t wait to book your reservation.

Another popular spot that seems to fit the holiday vibe is the Stone Street Historic District, a pedestrian-only cobblestone street. It dates back to the 17th century but today holds a good mix of bars and restaurants suiting every interest and budget level.

The Dead Rabbit Irish Pub in NYC

Credit: Nicholas Lee Ruiz

For some fabulous seasonal decor, stop in for a meal or drinks at The Dead Rabbit, an Irish pub that transforms into a Christmas pop-up called “Jingle Jangle.” They go all out for the season with their menu too, serving specials that run from mid-November to early January.

  • Drinks: Their extensive cocktail menu plays on holiday nostalgia. For example, the Figgy Pudding, made with Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey and Guinness, has fig, cassis, baking spices, and lemon. For a non-alcoholic option, the List is a hot drink prepared with Seedlip Spice, chocolate, oats, and a salted caramel cream. 
  • Food: Special food menu selections extend to turkey pot pie, shepherd’s pie, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potato salad. A curated playlist of Irish Christmas classics rings out the festive mood.

When something is this gorgeous, you need more than one pic. Here’s another from The Dead Rabbit.

Christmas Drink at The Dead Rabbit in NYC

Credit: Nicholas Lee Ruiz

Another festive spot is Fraunces Tavern, a museum that’s both one of the oldest bars in New York City and a National Historic Landmark pre-dating the American Revolutionary War. During the holiday season, it’s common to see this establishment get dressed up in baubles, tinsel, and holiday lights. Go for a drink and a meal amid its various rooms or partake in their weekday happy hour specials. 

Credit: One World Observatory

Or consider dining high above New York at the One World Observatory’s bar and restaurant. On the observation deck’s 101st floor, they offer a seasonally-driven menu and a fine selection of craft cocktails and other beverages. 

Before or after your order, wander amid this three-level deck observatory located between the One World Trade Center’s 100th-102th floors. 

New this year: For 2024, the One World Trade Center is introducing ONEderland, a winter dreamworld complete with a chalet. 

Does Wall Street close on Christmas?

As with other major U.S. holidays, the NYSE is closed on Christmas Day. It is also closed on Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day. However, Wall Street itself (the street and the Financial District) are always welcoming visitors. See the NYSE Christmas tree and enjoy the rest of the area this December.

Planning a holiday trip to New York City

The holiday season is a popular time to visit New York City, so if you want to go, fall is the perfect time to start planning. We’ve got recommendations on hotels in the Financial District, tips on where to eat, and, of course, an open invitation to attend our Wall Street tours.

Feature photo credit: NYSE Group