Christmas at Hudson Yards - A Local's Guide

Christmas at Hudson Yards - A Local's Guide



Christmas at Hudson Yards
has got to be one of the prettiest spectacles in NYC!

If you haven’t seen the Hudson Yards mall Christmas lights
, you’re in for a real treat. And if you’re visiting NYC this holiday season, you’ve just GOT to put this on your list of NYC Christmas spots.

So First Thing’s First…

Why See the Hudson Yards Vessel Christmas Lights?

The Hudson yards Christmas lights are a relatively new kid on the block, in terms of NYC Christmas displays. If you’re visiting NYC for Christmas this year you might be thinking “Why should I see this spot instead of one of the classics?”

And that’s why I have to tell you… the Hudson yards Vessel Christmas lights are really, a truly magical experience! It’s breathtaking actually. 

Picture it- over 2 million brilliant lights illuminating The Shops, Public Square & Gardens, Edge and Vessel. Not to mention the 725+ Christmas trees and 16-foot high hot air balloons!

The hot air balloons in particular gives that whimsical feel that transports you directly to Christmas wonderland mode.

I love going to the Hudson Yards Christmas lights, because you get several experiences in one... Not only can you see the majestic lights, but you can visit the Vessel, go shopping at all the luxury shops, and get something to eat. You can make a whole day of it!

Also, the Hudson yard Christmas lights are breathtaking day or night (although I do think it’s extra magical at night!)


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What to see at the Hudson Yards Christmas Lights


1. THE VESSEL

First of all, you must see the Vessel! 

The Vessel at Hudson Yards was unveiled to the public in 2016. It’s 16 stories high and consists of 154 flights of stairs. It’s a relatively ’new’ NYC landmark that coincided with the extension of the 7 train. 

And just like the rest of the property, it’s decked out in Christmas lights for the holiday!

Unfortunately, due to several tragic incidents at the Vessel, it is indefinitely closed to the public. So you won’t be able to go inside it or climb up to the top. However, it’s still an amazing structure to behold, and definitely worth the trip to see it.


2. HOT AIR BALLOONS

As I was saying about the hot air balloons, they’re one of the most whimsical and magical parts of Hudson yards Christmas lights. As I already mentioned, there are several 16-foot balloons adorning the property. But get this... the hot air balloon in the lobby is 32-feet high!!

In my opinion, these hot air balloons are the perfect place to take photos for your Instagram, social media, or just for memories. Here are a few of the best spots to get great photos and video of the Hot air balloon-
  • Directly outside- When you first come upon the site, you'll immediately notice the balloons right on the front side! You can take photos right in front of them facing the Vessel.
  • Behind the Vessel- If you  walk a little bit further back behind the Vessel, so that you get a view of one of the balloons, as well as the Vessel and the mall in the background.
  • Inside the lobby of the mall. Which reminds me ...

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3. LOBBY OF THE MALL

The Hudson Yards Mall lobby is like a luxe Christmas dreamland! It's truly a beautiful experience to walk in and see these 2 million lights gleaming

Not only that, but the lobby of the Hudson Yards Mall is the most prime place to take photos! You'll soon see why... the lobby will absolutely dazzle you when you first walk in. And of course, as I mentioned, there’s a huge hot air balloon dangling right above the lobby. 

If you're going to take pictures of it inside, I have a few favorite angles!
  • On the ground floor, facing the outside - Just walk into the lobby a little bit, and take the photo facing outside (You’ll get a bonus view of the Vessel when you do this!)
  • 2nd floor, overlooking the lobby- Head up to the 2nd floor on the escalators, and take photos of the balloon while you’re standing near the railing.
  • You can also head to the 3rd floor for a similar shot, overlooking the lobby from an even higher vantage point. But I like the 2nd floor best, as it makes it seem like the balloon is larger than life.

4. THE MALL AT HUDSON YARDS

What’s the best thing to do after looking at the Vessel and taking photos? Going shopping of course! Lucky for you, Hudson Yards has even more going for it than being "just" the site for an iconic landmark, or photo destination. 

The mall at Hudson Yards is a luxury shopping destination that is perfect for procuring gifts (or even finding a little something special for yourself.)

And as a special treat, as you wander through, the whole mall will be graced with more of those 2 million+ beautiful blinking Christmas lights.


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5. DINING AT HUDSON YARDS

Feeling peckish? There are plenty of great restaurants if you want to make a pit stop during your trip to see the Christmas lights at Hudson Yards. And after a day of nonstop sightseeing, shopping, and taking photos, you'll probably be in need of a good meal.

These restaurants are located right inside Hudson Yards mall, so it's easy for you to duck in and grab a bite!

  • The Tavern - American - 37 Hudson Yards
  • Queensyard - Contemporary - Level 4
  • Wild Ink - Asian - Level 5
  • Estiatorio Milos - Medeterranian - Level 5
  • Peak - American - Level 5 
  • Electric Lemon - American - At Equinox Hotel, 31 Hudson Yards

When is the mall at Hudson Yards open?

If you're looking for the hours for when the Hudson Yards mall is open, I've got you covered! Here are the hours from their website, as well as holiday hours.


GENERAL HOURS

Monday-Saturday 10am -9pm
Sunday 11am -7pm


THANKSGIVING HOURS

Day Before Thanksgiving: 10:00am-9:00pm

Thanksgiving Day: Hours Vary

Day After Thanksgiving: 10:00am-10:00pm


EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS

Saturdays 11/27-12/18: 10:00am-10:00pm

Sundays 11/28-12/26 10:00am-8:00pm

Christmas Eve: 10:00am-6:00pm

Christmas Day: Closed


NEW YEAR'S HOURS

New Year's Eve: 10:00am-6:00pm

New Year's Day: 10:00am-9:00pm


How to get to Hudson Yards?

The Vessel and Hudson yards mall is located at 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001.

You take the 7 train to the Hudson Yards stop, the last stop on the train.






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