Tree lighting ceremonies in NYC kickstart the holiday season, and all of the delightful traditions that go along with it.
When you’re mapping out your December calendar and crossing off events on your winter bucket list, make sure you don’t miss any of these fun activities. (Warm gloves and a cup of cocoa are strongly encouraged.)
1. Tuesday, December 3rd: Bank of America Winter Village Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is in full swing…almost. The shops are up and running, skating and curling have returned, and there are plenty of delicious treats making the rounds. But the tree still hasn’t been lit! Don’t miss the final touch on December 3rd that includes a skating performance and fireworks, too. Space is limited, and entry is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so we recommend arriving around 4pm.
đź•“: From 4pm
đź“Ť: Bryant Park, Sixth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets
2. Tuesday, December 3rd: The Seaport
The Seaport District hosts an entire extravaganza planned to celebrate the start of the holiday season! This year’s tree lighting will coincide with activities like a live performance from a headlining artist (TBA), a drum line, chorus, cozy drinks for adults, a Seaport Kids x Gingerbread cookie decorating experience at The Gingerbread City, and so much more! Learn more about Seaport’s tree lighting online.
đź•“: Events start at 3pm; lighting from 6-7pm
đź“Ť: Water and Fulton St intersection
3. Monday, December 2nd: Tavern on the Green
Central Park’s historic Tavern on the Green will host its own annual tree lighting ceremony at the start of the week on Monday, December 2nd. Enjoy the festivities with warm cookies, carolers, and the gorgeous greenery.
đź•“: 5:30pm
đź“Ť: 1 Tavern on the Green (Enter at 67th & Central Park West)
4. Wednesday, December 4th: Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting is the mother of all holiday ceremonies. Kelly Clarkson will assume hosting duties for the event once again this year, and we’re in for a star-studded performance lineup (though it’s still TBD). This year’s Norway Spruce is a special one — the first tree from Massachusetts since 1959. Don’t miss the iconic moment when it begins to sparkle for the season.
đź•“ From 7-10pm
đź“Ť: Rockefeller Plaza between West 48th and 51st Streets
5. Thursday, December 5th: NYSE Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
A tradition since 1923, the New York Stock Exchange Annual Tree Lighting will take place in Experience Square, located in front of the New York Stock Exchange at the corner of Wall and Broad Streets. You’ll be able to sip hot cocoa, send letters to Santa, and enjoy the sounds of the season as entertainers Fogo Azul, School of Rock, NYC’s Gay Men’s Chorus, and more. Find out more on the NYSE website.
đź•“: 3-7pm
đź“Ť: 11 Wall Street (New York Stock Exchange)
6. Thursday, December 5th: Central Park Holiday Lighting
Missed the Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla on the Harlem Meer? Not to worry: the Annual Holiday Lighting in Central Park invites guests to meet Santa and friends, sing carols on the Plaza and of course watch the dazzling flotilla of trees light up the Harlem Meer! There will of course be hot cocoa, the jolly man himself, and Christmas carolers, too. Learn more online.
đź•“: From 5:30-7:30pm
đź“Ť: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
7. Saturday, December 7th: Empire Outlets’ Holiday Tree Lighting
Get into the holiday spirit with Empire Outlets’ annual tree lighting! This free event will feature performances from the cast of Elf from Spotlight Theatre and Wagner High School Theatre, as well as a variety of cozy beverages and snacks, and a grand appearance from Santa Claus! Learn more online.
đź•“: From 6:30pm
đź“Ť: 55 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island (Empire Outlets)
8. Tuesday, December 3rd: Madison Square Park Tree Lighting
Did you know NYC’s own Madison Square Park was actually home to the nation’s first public holiday tree? According to the park, New York Edison provided 3,500 electric lights to fully illuminate the 63-foot “Tree of Light,” which was donated by the Adirondack Mountain Club, all the way back in 1912. There’s no sense missing such a longstanding NYC tradition, now is there?
đź•“: 4:30pm
đź“Ť: Madison Square Park, Fifth Avenue & Madison Ave. and 23rd St. & 26th St.
9. Saturday, December 7th: Morningside Park Tree Lighting
Morningside Park is home to the tallest living holiday tree in a New York City park! Come out to its lighting ahead of the holiday season where you can also indulge in hot chocolate, treats, festive music, holiday tattoos and fun for the entire family which includes an Ugly Sweater Dog Parade!
đź•“: 4-6pm
đź“Ť: Morningside Park, Harlem
10. Wednesday, December 11th: Washington Square Park
NYC’s 2nd Longest Running Tree will illuminate again this year, on December 11th. Even better? 2024 marks the 100-year anniversary of the downtown tradition. The multi-colored lights on the tree will be turned on to mark the beginning of festive winter evenings, from 4pm–1am every day of the season. Stay tuned for the official time and day of the lighting!
đź•“: 5pm
đź“Ť: Washington Square Park Arch
11. Friday, December 13th: Grand Army Plaza
This Prospect Park and Brooklyn community favorite tradition will kickstart a festive December weekend. The tree at Grand Army Plaza is the only tree in NYC that is entirely lit up in red, 24/7. After the official lighting ceremony, the tree will remain glowing until January. The event is free to the public.
đź•“: 5pm
📍: Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch
12. Saturday, December 7th: Bronx Little Italy’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
A Christmas tree lighting, hot cocoa, and warm Italian cookies?! Say no more — andiamo! Additionally, visitors can enjoy a run-in with Santa, listen to carolers, and make a difference: the Belmont Business Improvement District will also co-host a toy giveaway for local families with The Children’s Cancer Society of America.
đź•“: 4-6pm
đź“Ť: Ciccarone Park
13. Wednesday, December 18th: DUMBO Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
After a bout of bad weather, the DUMBO Annual Holiday Tree Lighting has a date: Wednesday, December 18th at 5:30pm. Meet at the Pearl Street Triangle (a.k.a. the DUMBO Archway Plaza) to light the iconic Christmas tree made out of construction cones. Expect performances ahead of the event as well as freebies from local stores.
đź•“ 5:30pm
đź“ŤDUMBO Archway