NYC’s natural sparkle is about to be kicked up another level as massive, ornately-decorated trees begin to pop-up all over the Big Apple, awaiting the ceremonious tradition of tree lighting. Tree lightings are the perfect occasion for a festive family outing–use this calendar as your guide to this season’s lightings.
NOVEMBER
November 25: Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 18th-century Neapolitan-esque tree is full of smiling angels and chubby cherubs, and the Met has bi-weekly tree lighting ceremonies. Tree lighting ceremonies will take place every Friday and Saturday evening at 7PM, from November 25-January 6. 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street. metmuseum.org
November 29: Park Slope
A special tree lighting ceremony will be taking place at Park Slope at the corner of 5th Avenue including music, treats, crafts, performances and more. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 29 at 6:30PM at the corner of 5th Avenue and 3rd Street. parkslopefifthavenuebid.com
DECEMBER
December 1: Dante Park at Lincoln Square
A beautiful lighting ceremony overlooking the famous Lincoln Center fountain and steps will take place at NY’s largest holiday festival, the Fifteenth Annual Winter’s Eve in Dante Park at Lincoln Square. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on Monday, December 1 from 5:30PM-9:00PM. Broadway & 63rd Street. winterseve.nyc
December 2: South Street Seaport
Featuring performances by the St. Cecilia Chorus, a beautiful 50+ foot tree will light up with tens of thousands of white lights on Tuesday, December 2 at 5:45PM on Fulton Street. southstreetseaport.com
December 2: Winter Village at Bryant Park
The adorable and festive village of pop-up shops and snack stations, as well as the free-admission 170’-100’ ice skating rink, have already opened–all that is missing is the lighting of the 50+ foot tall spruce tree. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 2 at 6PM. 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. wintervillage.org
December 3: Rockefeller Center
A world-wide symbol of the holidays in NYC, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting will take place Wednesday, December 3 with live performances from 7-9PM. Rockefeller Plaza, between 48th-51st Streets. rockefellercenter.com
December 4: Battery Park City
Join the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy for an evening of holiday cheer, as they light one of the Cedars of Lebanon growing along the South Cove. The a capella group the ACCIDENTALS will perform seasonal songs and encourage the audience to sing along. The lighting will be held at 5:45PM. South Cove, access through Battery Place. bpcparks.org
December 4: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Central Park
Celebrate the 18th annual Dana Holiday Lighting in Central Park with a Santa meet-and-greet, a live ice-carving demonstration, carols on the Plaza, and hot cocoa and cookies. 5:30PM. Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues, centralparknyc.org
December 7: Queens Botanical Garden
The Queens Botanical Garden will be hosting an entire Winter Solstice Celebration and tree lighting ceremony complete with garden tours, crafts, music and more. The celebration and tree lighting ceremony will both take place on Sunday, December 7 from 1-5PM. At Dahlia Avenue and Main Street in Flushing. queensbotanical.org
December 7: Carl Schurz Park
The perfect set-up for a family tradition, Carl Schurz Park’s holiday tree lighting features Christmas carols, candlelight, candy canes and hot chocolate. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, Dec 7 from 5-6PM. 148 York Avenue at 63rd Street. carlschurzparknyc.org
December 8: Park Avenue
The only thing better than attending the lighting of a single tree might be a block’s-worth of tree lightings at once. A line-up of fir trees dedicated to honoring our veterans will come alive with sparkling white lights on Sunday, December 8 at 6:30PM. Brick Presbyterian Church, 91st Street and Park Avenue. fundforparkavenue.org
December 9: Madison Square Park
Dating back to 1912, this is one of the oldest spots in the city to be home to holiday trees. Mixed in with sculpture art around the park, this lighting ceremony will not be one to miss. It will take place on Tuesday, December 9. Madison Square Park between 5th and Madison Avenues. madisonsquarepark.org
December 10: Washington Square Park
The Washington Square association will be sure to put on yet another impressive tree lighting ceremony this year in front of the landmark fountain. Complete with fun and festive Christmas carols, the tree lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Dec 10 at 6PM. Washington Square Arch. washingtonsquarenyc.org
