When it comes to Christmas trees, nobody does it quite like New York City. The much-anticipated, much-photographed Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree seems to get all the PR, but there are other far more creative trees around the city.

Sidenote: Probably the most iconic (and viral) Christmas tree in all of New York City is one that didn’t return this year. Ian Schrager, the founder of Studio 54 and now, Public Hotel in the Lower East Side, has been a glittery spectacle for locals and tourists alike. Now, the memorable holiday attraction that featured over 400 disco balls towered into a 20-foot tall Christmas tree has been replaced by… projections. Bring back the disco ball Christmas tree! Just ask Schrager, I’m sure he’ll say “Disco is not dead.”

From origami trees to planetary light walks, here is a quick guide to New York’s artsiest and most extra Christmas trees, holiday displays and must-see light shows that illuminate New York City throughout the holiday season.

Let’s get the traditional tree out of the way. Since 1931, Rockefeller Center has been putting up a legendary Christmas tree for all of New York City to enjoy—or at least those willing to brave the throngs of tourists. This year’s tree hails from Vestal New York and is decorated with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights. The tree’s Swarovski star perched on the top was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind and weighs roughly 900 pounds because it’s covered in over a million crystals.

Until January 15, this super artsy tree at the AMNH is worth a trip to the Upper West Side. Their 13-foot tree is themed around “Proboscideans on Parade,” featuring garland and origami tree ornaments inspired by the museum’s latest exhibition, “The Secret World of Elephants.” They’ve adorned their tree with over 1,000 origami pieces based on elephants and elephant relatives, like the wooly mammoth. They also have origami ornaments modeled after the Blue Whale and the Tyrannosaurus Rex (perennial favorites at the AMNH). It’s produced in partnership........

© Observer