10 Festive Holiday Tree Lightings in Harlem and Beyond
- The Curious Uptowner
- Dec 4
- 3 min read
Didn't make it to the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting? No worries—there are plenty of free uptown tree lighting events taking place over the next few weeks.
Here are some of the biggest and best, listed in chronological order:
Thursday, December 4 at 5:30pm FREE
East Harlem Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves
Bring the kids to meet Santa, sing carols and drink hot cocoa while watching the lighting of the magical tree flotilla on the Harlem Meer.
Friday, December 5 at 6:30pm FREE
East Harlem 207 E 106th St at Third Ave
Enjoy music, fun activities, plus ice skating in the pop-up rink at Franklin Plaza (RSVP required) at this annual tree lighting.
Saturday, December 6 at 4:30pm-6pm FREE
Central Harlem Morningside Park, 121st Street Oval, enter at W 120th St and Morningside Ave
Morningside Park's festive lighting proudly features the tallest living tree in any NYC park.
Saturday, December 6 4:30pm-6pm FREE
West Harlem West Harlem Piers, 125th and Marginal Sts
This tree lighting set against the banks of the magnificent Hudson River features live music, hot chocolate and ornament making.
Saturday, December 6 at 5pm FREE
Central Harlem St. Nicholas Park, 135th Street Plaza, St. Nicholas Ave and W 135th St
This festive event at the base of the James Baldwin Lawn features one of the park's living trees. Stop by for music, hot cider and cookies, plus ornament-making.
Tuesday, December 9 at 5pm FREE
Central Harlem Marcus Garvey Park, enter at 124th St and Fifth Ave
Stop by for the lighting of the big blue spruce on 124th Street and Fifth Avenue followed by refreshments and entertainment at the nearby Pelham Fritz Recreation Center.
Thursday, December 11 at 5:30pm-7pm FREE
Central Harlem Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, W 125th St and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr Blvd
Santa, train rides, performances, free hot beverages courtesy of Starbucks, and more come together at this public tree lighting in front of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building on 125th Street.
Saturday, December 13 at 4pm FREE
West Harlem Rink at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, entrance at 145th St and Riverside Drive
This free celebration kicks off with an ice show by the Ice Theatre of New York, Figure Skating in Harlem and more, concluding with a visit from Santa and a rinkside tree ceremony.
Sunday, December 14 noon-6pm
Washington Heights Plaza de las Americas, Broadway and 175th St
A full day of of festive events on the plaza in front of the United Palace Theater, including a holiday market that opens at noon, ornament making at 2:30pm, holiday music at 3:30pm, the tree lighting at 4:30 and a screening of "It's a Wonderful Life" in the theater at 6pm.
Tuesday, December 16 3pm-5:15pm
Washington Heights Ilka Payan Park, 157th St and Broadway
An afternoon of holiday fun, including ornament-making at the nearby Hispanic Society Museum & Library, a drum procession and the tree lighting itself.
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