Can't make it to the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting tonight? No worries—there are plenty of free neighborhood tree lighting events taking place uptown over the next 10 days.
Here are some of the biggest and best, listed in chronological order:
27th Annual Central Park Holiday Lighting
Thursday, November 30 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 1 at 6:30pm FREE
East Harlem Franklin Plaza, 106th St and Third Ave
Celebrate this year's theme, "Showcasing our cultural diversity," by bringing an ornament that represents your heritage to this annual tree lighting in El Barrio. Head to the free pop-up ice skating rink at White Park Playground (106th St between Lexington and Third Aves) directly after (7pm-9pm; RSVP here).
Montefiore Park's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Holiday Fiesta
Friday, December 1 6:30-8pm FREE
West Harlem Montefiore Park, W 138th St and Broadway
Enjoy the lighting of the living tree on the north side of the park at this holiday fiesta.
Saturday, December 2 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.
St. Nicholas Park Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 2 at 5pm FREE
Central Harlem West 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 own living trees. There will be live music, ornament-making and more.
Thursday, December 7 at 5:30pm FREE
Central Harlem Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, W 125th St and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr Blvd
Santa, train rides, performances and more come together at this public tree lighting in front of the State Office Building on 125th Street.
Winter Holiday Skating Celebration and Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 9 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 featuring the Ice Theatre of New York, Figure Skating in Harlem and more, then concludes with a rinkside tree ceremony.
Morningside Park Winter Celebration and Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 9 at 5pm FREE
Central Harlem 121st Street Oval, W 121st St and Morningside Ave
Morningside Park's festive lighting proudly features the tallest living tree in any NYC park.
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