A visitor turns down Fifth Avenue only to be greeted with the warmth of thousands of lights, seeming to say "come celebrate, it's the most wonderful time of the year!" Each step reveals more and more twinkles, glimmering down windows, shifting in front of one's very eyes, and revealing shapes in the distance of snowflakes, giant candy canes, and horn-blaring angels.

It's Christmastime in the middle of New York City, and these breathtaking holiday light shows are installed by a company everyone should know about: American Christmas, a branch of Europe-based MK Illumination - the largest purveyor of holiday light displays in the world.

We recently had the chance to interview Dan Casterella, the CEO of American Christmas to find out what fans of these light shows have to look forward to in the most festive holiday destinations such as New York City. We were also privy to some exciting new events, insider tips for that perfect Instagram holiday photo op, and more. Here are ten insider things everyone should know about American Christmas' incredible light displays and how best to see them.

10 How Long Does It Take To Create A Holiday Light Display For Saks Fifth Avenue, Or Rockefeller Center?

santas village from american christmas in mount vernon new york
via American Christmas
santas village from american christmas in mount vernon new york 

American Christmas is the largest supplier of commercial holiday lighting in the U.S., and their work begins long before anyone may have guessed. We asked Dan how long a typical light display would take for a major tourist attraction such as the Saks Fifth Ave light show, or the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, and his answer did not disappoint.

"It takes 12 months to plan Saks Fifth Avenue. It's hands-on right now, it's 12 months of planning, 60 to 70 nights of installing, and it all gets turned on in 20 seconds."

At the time of the interview (late October), Dan stated that the creative team is about halfway done with the process — which gives just enough time for all of those beautiful lights to be flipped on for New York City's Thanksgiving weekend.

Our large installs typically start right after Labor Day weekend. And every few days... it just gets a little bit more busy. Every few days another job gets added into the process.

9 How Are These Holiday Light Displays Decided On Year After Year?

stringing up lights for a display by american christmas
via American Christmas
stringing up lights for a display by american christmas

One of the biggest questions on many people's minds when they see such tremendous light displays is "how are these created each holiday season?" When asked about this, Dan explained that for the most part, many clients will sign multi-year contracts. For a holiday destination as rivaled as New York City, he explains, there's a certain 'brand.'

"Our New York clients, in particular, like to have a brand, and like to create a tradition for their clients or tenants. So I think it's definitely safe to say that tradition is important for our New York client base. It doesn't change every year, but every few years it evolves."

People come back every year to see that same thing they saw before.

8 Out Of All The Light Displays Across The Country, What Stands Out The Most?

While Dan doesn't have a favorite light display, in particular, his favorite thing to do during the holiday season does resonate with many of us — simply walk around, enjoying all the festive shows.

"My favorite thing to do is to walk around on December 15th and see all the work we do. And from my perspective, the best part about what we do is being able to watch people enjoy the product."

If nothing else, this goes to show how deeply the American Christmas spirit runs — and that the next time you're walking around enjoying New York City's famous light displays, your happiness is illuminating someone else's, as well!

Related: Historically, These Cities Have The Best Light Displays In The Entire World

7 New To Holiday Light Displays? Here Are Some Beginner Tips From American Christmas On Where To Find Them

Out of the most popular light displays, Dan had three, in particular, to recommend to anyone who might be visiting New York City this year:

  • Macy's
  • Saks Fifth Avenue
  • Radio City
  • Rockefeller Center

He also went on to say that the Rock buildings along Sixth Avenue, and the Fox building. However, anywhere in Midtown Manhattan between Park Avenue and Tenth Avenue showcases plenty of work by American Christmas.

American Christmas' most iconic work can be seen on Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

6 Still Looking For More Tips? American Christmas Provides A Holiday Lighting Tour Guide Every Year

For newcomers and New York natives alike, American Christmas provides a helpful tour guide with a schedule for anyone looking to make the most out of their holiday viewing.

"We do give a tour schedule every year, and that typically comes out before Thanksgiving, but it usually includes Fifth, Sixth, and Park Avenue."

To learn more about the light displays by American Christmas, and to see where these installations will be, check their website and socials.

Related: These Cities Are Home To The Best Christmas Markets In The U.S.

5 How Can You Get The Best Angle Or Photo Of These Light Displays?

Don't worry — we're looking out for our readers, as well, and in doing such, we simply had to ask how to get the best possible photos of these amazing displays.

While the top recommendation by Dan is to head out after dark, he had some more tips to share, including:

  1. Seek out times when it's not as busy
  2. Go at dusk to experience going in and out of stores, as well, to see the interior light displays

"I think if I had one real recommendation, it would be to just enjoy it, take it all in, look up, and if you think that you know the number of lights that is in a display... likely times it by ten."

Of course, a laugh was shared over this, as most people wouldn't even believe the sheer number of lights that go into illuminating a city, let alone one display.

Spoiler: It's estimated that American Christmas uses roughly 70 to 80 million lights across the country to bring everyone's favorite holiday displays to life!

4 So, What Is There To See In Terms Of Inside Light Displays?

When asked if the process of creating outdoor lighting displays was similar to creating those indoors, Dan said that it's the same process, but with some unique challenges depending on how elaborate the design is.

"Inside can be more complicated. Moving around furniture [etc]; there are more challenges on the inside than the outside. A lot of what we do is right in that realm of even design and interior design. For most of them, the inside is maybe more important than the outside."

All of them will say it's their gift back to New York during the holidays. They're creating an environment for New York and for tourism, and for the clients, and it's fun to be a part of that.

3 What Do Fans Of Holiday Lights Have To Look Forward To From American Christmas This Year?

oh magicka light display by american christmas
via American Christmas
oh magicka light display by american christmas

Dan revealed that American Christmas, one of 42 branches under its parent company, MK Illumination, receives letters every year from people around the world wanting them to decorate the way they do in New York.

Regarding this year, in particular, fans have some pretty stellar events to look forward to by American Christmas this year — some of which are even top-secret, for now.

"We definitely have a lot of new designs — I can't talk about them yet. But you will see them on Fifth and Sixth Avenue, and all around the city. On 34th Street, there will be a lot of new stuff coming out."

He also went in to tell us about LUMAGICA, an event that happens two hours outside of New York City, and will run three times.

"It's a fun family experience where you can walk around and see some of our more artistic displays." Moose, deer, swans, hummingbirds, horses, the polar bear family, candy canes, and a 40-foot evergreen display are all things that fans have to look forward to at this event.

  • Fun Fact: New York City alone requires at least 40 million lights alone to be fully illuminated for the holidays.

Related: Explore These Festive Christmas Markets In Historic Vienna

2 MK Illumination: How American Christmas Is Looking Across The Pond To Bring In A More European Feel To Holiday Displays

We learned that Dan always travels right before Christmas, and one location that stands out, in particular, is Europe. This is where MK Illumination is based and is also a place where the CEO says he finds the most inspiration.

I will very likely go to the U.K. just see our sister company there and some of the work they're doing there. Maybe to Denmark and Austria as well, just to visit the headquarters - there's a lot of unique work there. There's a lot of value in doing that; Christmas in America is very much traditional, and Christmas in Europe is not very traditional. It's more about light, and artistic pieces. And what we're seeing is the American business morphing a little bit more to wanting the artistic pieces, but still holding tradition. So I would say those inspiration trips are very helpful.

Diving a little more into the differences between American Christmas (not the company) and European Christmas, Dan explained that in America, Christmas tends to be more 'warm' whereas Europe utilizes lights, color, and concepts to create cool-toned forms.

1 What Are American Christmas' Major Events This Year, Besides Displays In New York City?

santas village pop up shop by american christmas
via American Christmas
santas village pop up shop by american christmas

While Dan told us that American Christmas has already started working on designs for next year's major displays, there's even more to look forward to this year.

In Mt.Vernon, New York, American Christmas will be opening up an 111,000-square-foot warehouse and showroom to the public this year. Fans will be able to witness where the magic takes place in person for such displays as New York City's iconic light shows, where 400 'elves' work year-round.

This unique, one-of-a-kind holiday experience will be held from November 4th to December 23, 2022, and 100% of the proceeds will go to local charities in Mt. Vernon.

We live Christmas year-round, and we are thrilled to open our warehouse as a gift to the people who love Christmas as much as we do. We are successful because of the resources here in our community—and we want to create an unforgettable experience for them and give back this holiday season. We are happy to be donating proceeds from ticket sales to several local organizations who do so much to support our youth and families. - Dan Casterella

In addition, American Christmas will also be showcasing Santa's Village, which is part of their pop-up holiday shop. New items are added regularly to this, and fans will have the chance to shop some of the most unique and festive products to hit the holiday market yet.

  • The pop-up shop is open from November 1st until December 22nd, from 11 AM until 7:30 PM on weekdays, and 9:30 AM until 7:30 PM on weekends.
  • Pricing: Prices are $10 per ticket for a 15-minute time slot during the week and $15 per ticket on weekends