Vintage Photos of the Holidays in New York City
The City That Never Sleeps has always taken the end of the year festivities very seriously
By 
There's a certain magic that courses through New York City in December. You can't walk a single block without spotting a red bow or a string of lights—and it's always been that way. From the first Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree in 1931 to Macy's debuting its holiday window displays in 1874, there's a ton of history wrapped up in the city's festive decor. So if you're in the mood for a little nostalgia, grab a glass of eggnog and check out these vintage photos of New York City at Christmastime.
1894
Christmas trees are sold outside of Barclay Street Station in 1894. The popular travel hub was part of the now-demolished IRT Ninth Avenue Line.
1933
Even the most serious stockbrokers enjoy some Christmas cheer. Wall Street is illuminated by a festive tree, built entirely by volunteer electricians, carpenters, and tenants of nearby buildings.
1934
It may not be the towering tree that takes up most of Rockefeller Plaza these days in December, but this photo from one of the very first tree lighting ceremonies is special in its simplicity.
1935
In the '30s, the famous St. Patrick's Cathedral decked the halls (and doors…and roof) with stunning white lights. The building looks like it's straight out of the North Pole.
1937
You can't go to New York City in December and not ice skate at Rockefeller Centre—and the same was true back in the '30s. The Rink (or "skating pond" as it was first called) officially opened on Christmas Day in 1936. It was originally meant to be a temporary attraction, but was so popular that it has returned every year since.
1939
When it comes to window displays, no one does it quite like Macy's. The department store's holiday designs have been wowing shoppers for centuries, including these patrons in 1939.
1944
Radio City was just as magical in the '40s as it is today. Check out this photo from 1944, where eager ticket holders couldn't wait to get inside the venue to see director Clarence Brown's film, National Velvet.
1945
Midnight Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral looked like something out of a movie in 1945, from the decor to the architecture to the crowd.
1945
In a rare, behind-the-scenes look, a worker finishes building a Christmas window display by hanging mistletoe above mannequins.
1946
Look closely and you'll spot ornaments dangling from the upper branches of the 1946 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
1950
Here, a series of trees light up Park Avenue in 1950.
1951
These kids were in awe of the Christmas show in the windows of Macy's in 1951.
1953
Heavy traffic going up and down Park Avenue during Christmastime in 1953 embodies the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
1953
Old Hollywood starlet Audrey Hepburn takes a photo with Santa in the city. After being named movie star of the year by Film Daily, she participated in a charity event for the New York Heart Association.
1955
Here, a huge line forms outside of a giant mailbox on Wall Street, where office workers hoped to drop off Christmas cards and packages.
1955
These poised ladies give The Rockettes a run for their money. The Ed Sullivan Show dancers smile for the cameras in festive looks while promoting that year's Christmas program.
1957
An angel-themed Christmas display caught the eye of this 4-year-old girl inside Lord & Taylor's department store in the late '50s.
1957
This is why it's always best to get your shopping done early. Patrons on 34th Street and 5th Avenue were packed shoulder-to-shoulder searching for last-minute presents.
1958
The Daily News Building (or just The News Building, to some) remains one of the most impressive places in the city. Here, sightseers check out the Christmas decorations in the famous lobby.
1960
Saks Fifth Avenue is yet another luxury store that never disappoints when it comes to bringing the Christmas cheer. How could you not step into the store after seeing this display?
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