Although the mighty Norway spruce at Rockefeller Center will get most the attention (for good reason), there are many other trees all over the city that keep New York looking merry and bright during this holiday season. Here’s our list — we’re checked it twice. Now, hit the lights!
Editor’s Note: For a full list of amazing trees to check out (independent of their lighting events) click here for some stunners throughout the city on display all season!
December 3 At Bank of America Winter Village Bryant Park: It’s the 8th annual Tree Lighting Show–which will also kick off Hunger Awareness Week in the park — featuring an array of personalities, musicians, and excitement (Olympic skaters Johnny Weir and Sarah Hughes and X Factor contestant Carly Rose Soneclare to name a couple!). Then let the 50-foot Norway Spruce light the way to the Holiday Shops! The festivities kick off at 7pm. bryantpark.org
Rockefeller Center, December 4: The 76-foot New York City icon topped with a Swarovski star is the world renowned kick off to our city’s holiday season. Lit a few minutes before 9pm, right after the two-hour celebrity-filled show that begins at 7pm it is the backdrop for ice skating, dining and shopping. rockefellercenter.com
Battery Park City, December 5: Tis the season for the annual tree lighting complete with caroling by the a cappella group, “The Accidentals” at 5:45pm at South Cove. The park’s conservancy asks that you bring a new, unwrapped gift or clothing for children and teens living in city shelters. bpcparks.org
New York Stock Exchange, December 7: Celebrate the 87th Annual NYSE Christmas Tree Lighting with the cast members of Broadway’s ELF on Broad Street between Wall Street and Exchange Place from 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. This year’s 60-foot tree carries on one of the oldest traditions and one of the most visited holiday attractions. nyse.com
Carl Schurz Park, December 8: This year promises to be lovelier than ever! A true neighborhood event where all come together at East End Avenue and 86th Street to sing Christmas carols, while enjoying hot chocolate and candy canes beginning at 5pm. For the first time, this year’s candlelight event offers battery powered candles. carlschurzparknyc.org
Madison Square Park, December 10: The home of our nation’s first public holiday tree continues the wonderful tradition with the 11th annual tree lighting ceremony. Join the entertainment, fare from neighborhood eateries, as well as a holiday planting and crafts. Festivities start at 3:30pm and countdown to illuminating the Tree of Light at 5pm.
madisonsquarepark.org
Washington Square Park, December 11: The park’s association provides complimentary songbooks so one and all can sing yuletide carols in this historic park around the 45-foot Christmas tree under the Arch that will be lit for the season at 6 pm. The sparkling lights mark the beginning of lower Manhattan’s festive winter evenings. washingtonsquarenyc.org
West Harlem Piers Park at 125th Street, December 12: Add a little holiday cheer to your evening by attending the fourth annual holiday tree lighting at 6pm that celebrates the season and the local community with live music and arts & crafts. riversideparknyc.org
