Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s Far West Side goes all-in for the holidays with Shine Bright, one of the city’s biggest free light displays. More than two million lights and 725 evergreen trees cover the plazas and gardens, a 32-foot illuminated hot air balloon floats inside the Great Room of the shops, and eight 12-foot toy soldiers line the halls.
Shine Bright runs from November 16, 2026 through January 7, 2027, kicking off with a free lighting ceremony at the Vessel.
Quick Facts
| Dates | November 16, 2026 – January 7, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Vessel lighting ceremony | Monday, Nov 16, 2026 at 6 p.m. (doors 5 p.m.), free |
| Santa photos | Free, Nov 27 – Dec 23, Mon–Fri 5–8 p.m., Level 3 of the shops |
| Cost | Free to visit |
| Where | Hudson Yards, W 30th–34th Sts at 10th–11th Aves, Manhattan |
| Subway | 7 train to 34 St–Hudson Yards; or walk in from the High Line |
Highlights
- The Vessel lighting: the honeycomb Vessel is lit for the season with live performances and a light show on opening night. A ticketed after-party inside the Vessel, “A First Look,” has run 7–9 p.m. for about $10.
- Public Square & Gardens: lit trees and pathways between the towers, best right after dusk.
- The Great Room balloon: the 32-foot illuminated hot air balloon is a top photo spot indoors.
- Santa: free photos with Santa on weekday evenings from late November until December 23.
- Hanukkah: menorah lightings in the Public Square (dates announced closer to the season).
Combine It With
Walk the High Line south as the sun sets, then head up to the Edge observation deck for a view over the lit-up city. Hudson Yards is also a short walk from Macy’s Herald Square windows and Santaland, making it easy to build a West Side holiday evening. See our holiday windows walking route for the full Midtown loop.
Plan Your Visit
- Arrive at dusk: around 4:30 p.m. in December, when the lights come on and the sky still has color.
- Start outside: walk the Public Square and Gardens and see the Vessel lit for the season.
- Go inside: the 32-foot illuminated hot air balloon in the Great Room and the giant toy soldiers are the best indoor photo spots.
- Warm up: the shops and restaurants inside are open late most days.
Arrive via the High Line
For the most scenic approach, walk the High Line north from Chelsea, ending at Hudson Yards at sunset. The elevated park is open year-round; check its winter hours, which end earlier than in summer. Then continue to the lights, or head up to the Edge observation deck for views over the glowing city.
With Kids
Free Santa photos on weekday evenings (November 27 to December 23, 5–8 p.m.) make Hudson Yards an easy family stop. The indoor spaces are stroller-friendly and warm.
Nearby
Macy’s windows and Santaland are a 15-minute walk east along 34th Street, and Penn Station and Madison Square Garden are on the way. For more free lights, see our free Christmas things to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Hudson Yards holiday lights on?
Shine Bright runs from November 16, 2026 to January 7, 2027.
Is Hudson Yards Shine Bright free?
Yes. The lights, the Vessel lighting ceremony and Santa photos are free. Edge and some special experiences are ticketed.
When is the Vessel lighting ceremony 2026?
Monday, November 16, 2026, starting at 6 p.m., with doors at 5 p.m.
How do I get to Hudson Yards?
Take the 7 train to 34 St–Hudson Yards, or walk north along the High Line from Chelsea.
Is there Santa at Hudson Yards?
Yes, free Santa photos are offered on weekday evenings from November 27 to December 23, 2026, 5–8 p.m.
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