While Rockefeller Center draws millions of visitors every holiday season, another spectacular Christmas destination sits just a few blocks away. The Shops at Columbus Circle combine luxury shopping, outstanding restaurants, dazzling holiday decorations, and one of the finest indoor views of Central Park, creating one of New York City’s most overlooked seasonal attractions.

View from the Terrace. Photo: Brian Kachejian © 2017
Most tourists who come to New York City for the holidays head straight to Rockefeller Center to see the tree and the ice skaters. They visit Radio City Music Hall, browse the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue, and, for the most part, have the time of their lives. Even with the heavy crowds and the limited ability to move more than a few feet every few seconds, it’s all worth it. However, New York City offers so much more during the holidays than just the Rockefeller Center experience.
New York, like every other state in the United States, features many malls filled with stores for everyone’s fancy. Malls feature multiple restaurants, spas, and the typical all-in-one shopping experience. Nonetheless, most malls are planted in the heart of suburbia, surrounded by oversized parking lots and other shopping centers. In New York City, the mall that stands out among all others is nestled in the heart of Columbus Circle. What sets the Shops at Columbus Circle apart from other malls is the breathtaking view of New York City and Central Park from its second-floor terrace. Amazing restaurants and some of the finest shopping in New York City await visitors at the Shops at Columbus Circle.

Shops at Columbus Circle View. Photo: Brian Kachejian © 2017
The Shops at Columbus Circle are located inside the Time Warner Center. The building hosts two magnificent residential towers filled with luxurious apartments that most of us could only dream about. The Mandarin Oriental, New York hotel is also located inside the complex. A Whole Foods Market occupies the lower level beneath the shopping center.
Inside the mall, shoppers will find stores including Amazon Books, Aveda, Bose, Coach, Cole Haan, Diesel, Diptyque, Equinox, H&M, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, LK Bennett, Lucky Brand, L’Occitane en Provence, Moleskine, Michael Kors, Sephora, Swarovski, and Williams Sonoma.
There are multiple entrances to the shopping center. However, the entrance overlooking Columbus Circle offers the most spectacular view. Suspended from the soaring ceiling are enormous illuminated stars that slowly change colors in a mesmerizing display. The view of these stars from every angle is simply breathtaking. While most visitors concentrate on photographing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the Shops at Columbus Circle offer a brilliant alternative for holiday photographs. Simply climb to the second-floor terrace, and you’ll discover one of the city’s most beautiful seasonal photo opportunities. The glowing stars hanging from the ceiling against the backdrop of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline make the trip well worth it.
Shops at Columbus Circle Stars Changing Colors

Photo: Brian Kachejian © 2017






All Photographs: Brian Kachejian © 2017
Related New York City Holiday Articles
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to explore more holiday destinations on ClassicNewYorkHistory.com, including Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, Times Square, and many of New York City’s most memorable Christmas traditions.
Article updated on June 26, 2026

























