Nothing lights up like New York City during the holiday season.
You won’t need to travel far to see some of the city’s most festive tree and holiday lightings, starting with the big one in Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4 — that’s when more than 50,000 glowing lights draped around the massive spruce will brighten this iconic plaza once the ceremony from 7-10 p.m. winds down.
This year’s celebrity holiday carolers will feature Derek & Julianne Hough, Idina Menzel, Lea Michele, NE-YO, Straight No Chaser, and Skylar Astin & Alex Newell from NBC’s midseason drama “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” with appearances from by Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin and of course the Radio City Rockettes plus additional performances from Chicago, Brett Eldredge, John Legend, and Gwen Stefani.
If you prefer a more quaint and cozy neighborhood lighting then check out:
Hendrick I. Lott House Tree Lighting, Marine Park:
One of Brooklyn’s oldest known houses is also kicking off the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 7. Celebrating its 300-year anniversary, the non-profit organization, Friends of the Lott House will be hosting a holiday celebration with “a rare opportunity for the public to tour the house” at 1940 E. 36th St. In addition to the tree lighting, there’s going to be kid-friendly games and crafts, a visit from “SinterKlaas” himself and performances from local Brooklyn school choirs.
Winterland Holiday Tree Lighting, Seaport District
Live Broadway performances will help usher in the annual lighting of this year’s 50-foot holiday, waterfront tree on Monday, Dec. 2. Happening on the historic cobblestones of the South Street Seaport the cast of Phantom of the Opera, along with traditional carols from a local choir, hosted by Cubby and Christine from 106.7 LITE FM will all be spreading the holiday cheer from 7:30 p.m at the Winterland Rink at the Pier 17 Rooftop. The Seaport will also be hosting its menorah lighting on Sunday, Dec. 22 with latkes, gelt and crafts for all in attendance.
Kaufman Studios Tree Lighting, Astoria:
Lights, camera, action! Emphasis on the lights for this holiday festivity set for Friday, Dec. 6 at the studio’s front gates on Broadway. Once again decorated by students from nearby PS 166, this Queens tree lighting will lots of local talent entertaining for the evening.
Tavern on the Green Tree Lighting, Central Park:
The famed restaurant will bring holiday spirit into Central Park with its 4th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on “Giving Tuesday,” Dec. 3. Kicking off at 5 p.m., the tree lighting ceremony will feature Tavern on the Green’s very own 20-foot Christmas tree, topped with more than 2,000 ornaments and 10,000 lights to light up New York City’s Upper West Side skyline.
Arthur Avenue Tree Lighting, Belmont:
Join Chazz Palminteri at Ciccarone Park in The Bronx on Saturday, Nov. 30 for this one. The 5 p.m. tree lighting is done as a part of Small Business Saturday, encouraging all guests to take a stroll around the iconic Italian thoroughfare stopping in some of the best pizzerias, markets and pastry shops that this town knows. Buon Natale!
