It’s that time of the year, where the city becomes filled with holiday cheer! Scroll down below for our list of Christmas tree lightings to catch this year, featuring caroling, live performances, festive treats, an ugly sweater party, and even a few photo ops with the man in the red suit!
Tavern on the Green
Tuesday, November 30th, 6-8:30pm
Tavern on the Green will be celebrating its 5th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. They will be serving complimentary hot chocolate, hot cider, and cookies, with live performances from The Manhattan Holiday Carolers and DJ Tweed.
Rockefeller Center
Wednesday, December 1st, 7-10pm
Celebrate the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, in its 89th year. Festive performances include those from Alessia Cara, Harry Connick Jr., Mickey Guyton, Norah Jones, Brad Paisley, Rob Thomas, Carrie Underwood, and more. The evening will include a duet featuring Paisley and Thomas and a special performance by the Radio City Rockettes.
NBC News’ TODAY co-anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin will host the holiday special. This year the public can view the tree lighting ceremony in person from 49th or 50th street, we recommend arriving early for a good spot! The festivities will also be streamed live on NBC.
New York Stock Exchange
Wednesday, December 1st, 2-6pm
Sip some hot cocoa, send a note to Santa, and enjoy the sounds of the season as The New York Stock Exchange hosts featured artists, organizations, and listed companies at the 98th annual lighting of the NYSE Christmas Tree.
Featured performers include The Harlem Globetrotters, The Salvation Army Band, Senri Oe, the Léman Manhattan Preparatory School Choir, the iconic USMC Toys for Tots Kettle Bell Ringers, a special appearance from Santa Claus, and much more! You can also tune in live at 4:15pm on their website.
The Seaport
Thursday, December 2nd, 5pm-12am
Stop by the Seaport for their annual tree lighting and evening of all things merry. Featuring holiday crafts and live music, kids’ coloring activities, and a Holiday Pop-Up Market. Hot chocolate, hot apple cider, mulled wine, and spiked hot chocolate will be available to sip on. You can also look forward to Christmas tree cookies, a photo booth with Santa, and live music performances throughout the evening. End the night with an Ugly Sweater Party.
Central Park
Thursday, December 2nd, 5:30pm
Celebrate the season at the Annual Holiday Lighting in Central Park. Meet Santa and friends, sing carols on the Plaza, watch an ice-carving demonstration, and take part in other seasonal festivities. The event will conclude with lighting a flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer.
DUMBO
Thursday, December 2nd, 4-7pm
Sponsored by the DUMBO Improvement District, the 15th Annual DUMBO Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will have a countdown led by Alexandria Sica! Featuring a photo booth with Santa Claus, calypso music from Brooklyn-based steel drum band Jah Pan, Christmas band covers by Curtis J. Social and the Dumbo house band, hot cocoa and sweet treats, winter crafts, and projections on the Manhattan Bridge.
Queens Botanical Garden
Saturday, December 4th,12-5pm
Celebrate at the Queens Botanical Garden with free live musical performances, a tree and menorah lighting, holiday crafts, a tree tour, selfies with Santa (donations welcome), and sales at the QBG Shop! Enjoy a selection of beverages at the Holiday Bar for purchase.
Morningside Park
Saturday, December 4th, 5pm
Celebrate the holiday season with friends at the Morningside Park tree lighting celebration. You’ll enjoy live festive music from Barnard Chamber Choir and Claremont Brass plus hot cider and sweet treats!
St. Nicholas Park
Saturday, December 4th, 5pm
The St. Nicholas Park tree lighting will feature crafts, hot beverages, community, and tree ornaments.
Credit: NYC Parks
Astoria Park
Sunday, December 5th, 3-4:30pm
The Central Astoria Local Development Coalition will host its 9th Annual Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration. The event will feature balloon art and special holiday performances by Music For Aardvarks, Academia de Mariachi Nuevo Amanecer, and carolers.
Fort Greene
Sunday, December 5th, 4-5pm
You can look forward to free hot cocoa, cider & candy canes from local Myrtle Ave restaurants during the Fort Greene Park tree lighting. Selfies with Santa! Toy drive collection. Bring new, unwrapped toys to support toy drives that serve local families. There will also be live holiday music.
Bryant Park
Monday, December 6th, 6-6:45pm
The Annual Tree Lighting show at Bank of America Winter Village returns to the park, hosted by Ty Jones, and featuring Christmas choir by Classical Theatre of Harlem, performances by world-class skaters Mirai Nagasu, pairs team Meagan Duhamel and Dylan Moskovitch, Shawn Sawyer, and The Haydenettes, plus, fireworks, Santa, and special guests! Advance registration is required. A full live stream of the event will also be available to watch on their website.
Washington Square Park
Wednesday, December 8th, 6-7pm
Celebrate the Washington Square tree lighting with The Washington Square Association. The Rob Susman Brass Quartet will lead with holiday songs. Santa Claus himself has promised to appear, candy canes in hand, and lead the illumination countdown.
Madison Square Park
Thursday, December 9th, 4-5:30pm
Join Madison Square Park for their 109th annual holiday tree lighting. Home to the nation’s first public holiday tree, this ceremony has been a longstanding tradition since 1912.
