The Christmas lights in New York City typically go up in mid-November, although the exact timing can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors. This year, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for November 30th, so the surrounding area will likely be decorated with festive lights in time for that event. If you're planning a visit to NYC during the holiday season, there are plenty of other places to see festive lights as well, such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Fifth Avenue.