Contributing Writer: Veronica Torok
Okay, it’s true. New York is not exactly known for its naturalistic appeal.
But when it comes to the holidays—we have that glitz and glam in the bag,
especially when it comes to Christmas trees. Be it miles of twinkling lights,
live caroling or knitted mittens, here are 11 of the city’s coolest trees to
see. Who knows, they may just make your season a little bit brighter. —
American Museum of
Natural History
The folding began in July to create this art-tastic wonder, which features over
500 pieces (assigned to artists from all across the globe) that celebrate this
year’s chosen theme: a tribute to some of the museum’s largest animals and
inanimate objects. Definitely billed as the most creative of the bunch, this is
not a sight to be missed. On view until
January 2.
PRICE: Included in general museum
admission
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS: Interested in learning some of the techniques used
to create this unique tree? Volunteers will be on hand throughout the season to
teach visitors the art of origami.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine
A tree with a two-fold purpose, one of charity and one of spirit, St. John’s Annual
Mitten Tree helps keep the magic of childhood afloat for many young ones of the
Morningside Heights community. From stuffed animals to scarves, the tree does
not discriminate in donations. Bring what you please!
DEDICATION: Friday, December 11 at 11am
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS: This is truly a tree of the community—from clergy
to volunteers to three peacocks.
Dante Park (near Lincoln Center)
If you missed Lincoln Center’s annual Winter’s Eve celebration earlier this
week, chin up! You still have plenty of time to ooh and ahh at the gorgeous
25-foot Norway Spruce. Be sure to pay close attention to the unique ornaments
that hail all the way from India. On display
through January.
LOCATION: Dante Park—Broadway between 63rd and 64th Street
FUN FACT: The décor, made possible by the American Folk Art Museum and Folk Arts Rajasthan, is actually made of
recycled candy wrappers.
Fifth Avenue (Park
Slope)
A BK neighborhood favorite, this year’s tree lighting ceremony is still to
come! And due to the ongoing construction at Washington Park (trust us, the playground looks worth it)—Brooklynites can head to
s’Nice Café for some holiday cheer instead.
LIGHTING:
Tuesday, December 6 at 6pm, 315
Fifth Avenue
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS: Musicals musings from Rolie Polie Guacamole and
the MS 51 Chorus.
Madison Square Park
Leave it up to Madison Square Park to kick the holiday season off with an extra dose
of kid. The tree lighting begins with The New York Life Singers and winds down
with some rocking-and-a-rolling courtesy of Audra Rox.
LIGHTING: Tuesday, December 6 at 4:30pm (rain or shine!)
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS: Tasty treats & warm sweets to share—what more
could you ask for?
The Met
One of New York’s most beloved Christmas traditions, the Met’s blue spruce is
adorned with 18th Century Baroque figurines and will be the center of daily
lighting ceremonies all month long. As angels and cherubs look on, the
intricately-decorated nativity scene at the base of the tree displays the
Christmas story. On display until January
6.
DAILY LIGHTINGS: Held Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 4:30pm and Fridays and Saturdays at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30pm
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS: The collection of Neapolitan Baroque Cr%uFFFDche (which
has actually been part of one New York family’s holiday tradition since 1957).
Park
Avenue
A New York tradition since World War II, the Park Avenue firs will be lit on
the first Sunday of December (mark your calendars!) to honor those who have
lost their lives defending our country in addition to kicking off the holiday
season. Grab the fam, come belt out some carols and watch as nearly 40 blocks
of trees illuminate the night.
LIGHTING: Sunday, December 3 at 6:30pm, Brick Presbyterian Church (Park Avenue & 91st Street)
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS:
The playing of taps and so, so many trees.
Riverbank State Park
Baby, it’s cold outside.
So zip up your comfiest puffers and come marvel as the Ice Theatre of New York,
the nation’s premier ice dance ensemble, dazzles you with their figure eights.
From “Carol of the Bells” to a jazzed up version of The Nutcracker, all ages will love this souped-up holiday
celebration.
LIGHTING: Saturday, December 10 at 4pm, 145th St and Riverside Drive
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS: The complimentary hot cocoa will add to the already
cozy occasion. Oh, and did we mention the ice show?
Rockefeller Center
The city’s most iconic tree is soon to be
aglow! Stop by Rockefeller Plaza (we hope you got your comfy shoes on!) to see spectacular holiday
performances under this giant Norway Spruce, and then usher in the holidays
with a little ice skating beneath its twinkling lights.
LIGHTING: Wednesday, November 30 at 7pm
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS:
Two hours of star-studded performances and over 30,000 lights (that equates to
a five-mile light show, folks!).
The
South Street Seaport
The holidays are already in full swing at the South Street Seaport, with the
cobblestone-grounded Chorus Tree spreading good cheer (and plenty of ear candy).
Stop on by during the coming December weekends to hear traditional holiday
tunes (by groups like the Young New Yorkers’ Chorus or the Big Apple Chorus),
or catch the dazzling light show on weekdays. On view until December 24.
CHORAL PERFORMANCES: Fridays at 6pm and 7pm; Saturdays and Sundays 3pm and 4pm
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS: With a new chorus every week, it’s like the gift
that keeps on giving.
Washington Square Park
It’s just one week and counting until the
45-foot tall Greenwich Village tree turns on beneath the Park’s historic arch. Don’t
miss the caroling (complete with complimentary songbooks, courtesy of the
Washington Square Association), which is part of the lighting’s 105-year-old
tradition.
LIGHTING: Wednesday, December 7 at 6 pm
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS: A visit from Santa and the oh-so merry sounds of The
Rob Susman Brass Quartet (and if you miss them at the lighting, they’ll be
caroling again on Christmas Eve!).
