Inside The Shops at Columbus Circle, a set of giant illuminated stars hangs high in the atrium, and every evening during the holidays they put on a short choreographed light-and-music show. It’s called Holiday Under the Stars, it’s free, and it has been a quiet Upper West Side tradition for years.
The stars typically switch on in mid-November (in 2025 they lit up on November 12) and stay through the holidays. 2026 dates will be posted by the Shops; expect a similar mid-November start.
Quick Facts
| When | Typically mid-November through early January (2026 dates to be confirmed by the venue) |
|---|---|
| Shows | Short light shows run regularly in the evening while the Shops are open |
| Cost | Free |
| Where | The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, Manhattan |
| Subway | A/B/C/D/1 to 59 St–Columbus Circle |
What to Expect
About 40-plus giant stars, made of hundreds of thousands of LED lights, hang across the multi-story atrium. During each show they change color and pulse along to holiday music. It’s a short performance, so you can catch one while shopping or warming up. The best views are from the upper-level balconies looking down across the atrium toward Central Park.
Make an Evening of It
Columbus Circle is a great hub for a holiday evening. Step outside to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market at the corner of Central Park, then walk into the park toward Wollman Rink. Lincoln Center, a few blocks north, hosts New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker and the Lincoln Square tree lighting.
About The Shops at Columbus Circle
The Shops occupy the lower floors of Deutsche Bank Center, the twin towers on the west side of Columbus Circle. The multi-story atrium has a glass wall facing Central Park, which makes it a striking setting for the light show with the park and Central Park South beyond.
Visit Tips
- It’s indoors and warm, so it’s a great stop on a cold or rainy evening.
- Find a spot on an upper level for the best view of all the stars together.
- Combine it with dinner; the building has restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining.
Nearby
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Wollman Rink and Lincoln Center’s Nutcracker are all within a short walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Holiday Under the Stars free?
Yes. The light show inside The Shops at Columbus Circle is free to watch.
When does Holiday Under the Stars start in 2026?
The stars usually light up in mid-November. In 2025 they switched on November 12; check the Shops’ website for 2026.
Where is the best place to watch?
From the upper floors of the atrium, looking out over the stars toward Central Park.
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