‘Tis the season to enjoy the twinkling lights decorating holiday trees in NYC, beginning this weekend. The best tree lighting ceremonies include entertainment, photos with Santa for the little ones, and even hot chocolate.
Saturday, Nov 26: Park Slope Fifth Avenue - This annual tree lighting ceremony includes live music, puppeteers, and the kiddies can pose for photos with Santa Claus, Fifth Avenue and 4th St, Brooklyn; 6:30–8pm.
Monday, Nov 28: Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Center - This 17-year-old celebration ranges over several blocks of the Upper West Side. It begins with the lighting of the holiday tree in Dante Park (Broadway and 63rd St) and continues with artists, musicians, dancers and street performers at various locations to Columbus Circle. Also, more than 30 of Lincoln Center’s restaurants will offer food tastings for $1 to $4, and local stores will be providing more festive cheer and activities throughout the evening as well. Columbus Ave and 63rd St; 5:30–9pm.
Tuesday, Nov 29: Seaport District - This is the 33rd annual tree lighting ceremony, with live musical performances and photos ops with Santa, followed by the luminous lighting of the district’s 60-foot tree. 19 Fulton St; 6:30–7:30pm.
Wednesday, Nov 30: Rockefeller Center - This is the biggie, known around the world as the symbol of the holidays in New York City. Rockefeller Center’s tree lighting ceremony always includes celebrity performances, including an ice skating show, ad the ceremony is broadcast live y NBC, whose home overlooks the tree, so you’ll want to get there early to secure a spot. The towering Norway Spruce is decorated with thousands of energy-efficient LEDs and watched over by an honor guard of twinkling angels. Rockefeller Plaza between W 48th and 51st Sts; 7–9pm.Friday Dec 2: Fort Hamilton - Enjoy the tree lighting, and then wander over to the nearby the Dyker Heights Christmas lights for more 101st St and Fort Hamilton Pkwy; 4–9pm.
Friday, Dec. 2: Bryant Park Tree Lighting and Skate-tacular - Starts at 6pm. Note that the ice skating rink is closed starting at 1pm to prepare for the festivities.
Friday, Dec. 2: East Harlem Holiday Tree Lighting - Franklin Plaza, Third Avenue and 106th Street, at 6:30pm
Friday, Dec. 2: Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony - Blackwell Plaza, 500 Main St., at 7pm
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.