It’s tree time in the city! Over the next couple of weeks, all of the holiday trees will be illuminated across New York City. There’s no better way to celebrate the start of the season than to watch one of these rockin’ celebrations with the family. Here’s a list of our favorite NYC Christmas Tree Lighting Events for kids to add to your Holiday Bucket list (in chronological order):
Seaport District Tree Lighting Celebration
WHEN: Tuesday November 28. Starting at 6 pm.
WHERE: Fulton Street at Pearl Street. Financial District.
This countdown celebration is a favorite. The night will feature live performances, a chorus and drum line, as well as cozy adult beverages from Garden Bar. Kids are invited to join a Seaport Kids x Gingerbread cookie-decorating session at Gingerbread City, and will also have the opportunity to give their holiday wish lists to Santa. The South Street Seaport Museum’s introduction galleries are open for extended hours, from 5pm – 8pm, with the chance to craft your own holiday “Baggywrinkle,” or maritime-inspired decorations made from brightly colored yarn. More on the event HERE.
Tavern on the Green Celebration
WHEN: November 28 2023. 5:30 – 8 pm.
WHERE: Tavern on the Green. Enter at 67th Street and Central Park West.
Central Park’s historic Tavern on the Green will host its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 29th. The star of the show: the restaurant’s 20-foot Christmas tree topped with more than 2,000 ornaments and 10,000 lights! The ceremony includes live performances from the Manhattan Holiday Carolers, plus complimentary treats and drinks for visitors! More info HERE.
Winter Village at Bryant Park Tree Lighting Skatetacular
WHEN: November 28. The ceremony starts at 6 pm.
WHERE: Bank of Ameria Winter Village, Bryant Park. Between Fifth and Sixth Ave, and 40th and 42nd Street.
Bryant Park pulls out all the stops for their tree lighting spectacular. Watch performances by world-class ice skaters, plus amazing fireworks, Santa, and special guests! Heads up: The Rink closes to the public at 2:00pm on the day of Tree Lighting. Public skating resumes right after the show, around 6:45pm. The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Entry will begin at 4 pm on a first-come, first-served basis. More information HERE.
Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony
WHEN: November 29th. 7 pm – 10 pm
WHERE: Rockefeller Plaza. Fifth Avenue and 50th Street.
We couldn’t have a holiday tree lighting list without including the most famous tree in the world. Heads Up: While we love this tree, the Tree Lighting ceremony is not the place to be. The area is largely closed off to the public, with standing space reserved for guests. Instead – catch the show on NBC and visit after the performances. More information on the tree lighting ceremony HERE.
New York Stock Exchange Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
WHEN: November 30th. 3 pm – 6:30 pm. Lighting takes place around 4:30 pm.
WHERE: 11 Wall Street, in front of the Stock Exchange.
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 100th annual lighting of the NYSE Christmas Tree. Expect costumed characters, freebies, and fun photo opportunities. A tradition since 1923, that keeps getting bigger and better every year. All free! More information HERE.
Madison Square Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
WHEN: December 6th. 4 pm – 6 pm
WHERE: Madison Square Park. Between Fifth Avenue & Madison Ave, and 23rd Street and 26th Street.
The home of the nation’s first public tree-lighting celebration always puts on a spectacular evening. This year there will be treats, seasonal activities, and live music performances. All free, and lots of fun for the whole family. More on the event HERE.
Want more holiday fun? Click on over to Bright Lights Big City, a round-up of the best (free!) Holiday
Light Displays in NYC HERE.
