Here's Where to See the Best Tree Lightings in NYC, Long Island and Westchester

View the most spectacular Christmas tree lighting ceremonies in NYC and its surrounding suburbs.

By Shara Levine November 24, 2021

You can't go rockin' around an unlit Christmas tree, and there's no better way to kick off the holiday season than to attend a tree lighting ceremony in New York City and the surrounding areas! Here are some of the best Christmas tree lightings in NYC, Queens, Long Island and Westchester to enjoy with your family!

Tree Lightings in Manhattan
Tree Lightings in Brooklyn
Tree Lightings in Queens
Tree Lightings on Long Island
Tree Lightings in Westchester

Tree Lightings in Manhattan

5th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6-8:30pm
WHERE: Tavern on the Green, 1 Tavern on the Green, Upper West Side
WHAT: See Tavern on the Green’s 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. Festivities will also include performances from the Manhattan Holiday Carolers and DJ Tweed to excite the crowd and spread holiday cheer. Tavern on the Green will offer complimentary hot chocolate, hot cider, and cookies for New Yorkers, tourists, and families alike to enjoy.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 1, TBA
WHERE: Rockefeller Center Plaza, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown
WHAT: See the lighting of the world famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!
WANT TO GO? Free.

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25th Annual Holiday Lighting

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 2, 5:30pm
WHERE: Central Park, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Central Park N on the East Side at 110th, East Harlem
WHAT: Meet Santa and friends, sing carols on the Plaza, and take part in other seasonal festivities. The event concludes with lighting a flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Holiday Lights

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 2, 6-8:30pm
WHERE: South Cove Park, Battery Place and 2nd Place, Battery Park City
WHAT: Kick-off the season at the Holiday Lights celebration with your Battery Park City Authority community! Special guest appearances by Sing Harlem Choir, PS/IS 276 Advanced Chorus, and you-know-who!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Holiday on the Hudson

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4, 4:30-6pm
WHERE: West Harlem Piers, 125th Street and Marginal Street, West Harlem
WHAT: Come out for a holiday tree lighting party and celebrate the season with live music, tree decoration making, and hot chocolate (while supplies last).
WANT TO GO? Free.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park’s Annual Tree Lighting

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 6, 6pm
WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown
WHAT: The tree lighting will be hosted by Classical Theatre of Harlem Producing Artistic Director Ty Jones and will include performances by The Classical Theatre of Harlem Choir as well as a stellar lineup of live skate performances from Olympic and World champion skaters Mirai Nagasu, Shawn Sawyer, and pairs team Meagan Duhamel and Dylan Moscovitch. The evening will also include fireworks and a special appearance from Santa himself!
WANT TO GO? Free. Tickets required and will be available on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 12pm.

2021 Washington Square Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 6-7pm
WHERE: Washington Square Park Arch, Washington Square North, Greenwich Village
WHAT: See the lighting of this 45-foot Christmas tree featuring The Rob Susman Brass Quartet where children and grown-ups alike will sing holiday songs. The sparkling lights on the resplendent tree will be turned on to mark the beginning of festive winter evenings. Santa Claus himself has promised to appear, candy canes in hand, and lead the children in the illumination countdown.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Tree Lightings in Brooklyn

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Party

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 23, 6-6:30pm
WHERE: St. Cyril of Turov Belarusian Orthodox Church, 401 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn Heights
WHAT: Be there for the lighting of the tree and meet Santa!
WANT TO GO? Free.

DUMBO Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 2, 4-7pm
WHERE: DUMBO Archway, 155 Water St., Dumbo
WHAT: Come out for Carols, Calypso and Cocoa! Ignite some holiday cheer with the community!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Tree Lightings in Queens

Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 27, 5-7pm
WHERE: The Shops at Atlas Park, 8000 Cooper Avenue, Glendale
WHAT: Enjoy a special visit by Santa along with entertainment for the entire family. Cookies and Hot Chocolate will be available, while supplies last.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Hope Holiday Winter Village

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 3, 3pm
WHERE: HopeNYC Church, 142-82 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica
WHAT: Be there when the Christmas season officially kicks off with the lighting of the largest Christmas Tree in Queens!
WANT TO GO? Free. This is part of a three day Holiday celebration.

Winter Wonder at the Garden

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4, 12-5pm
WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing
WHAT: Celebrate the best of December with free live musical performances, a tree and menorah lighting, holiday crafts, a tree tour, selfies with Santa (donations welcome), and sales at the QBG Shop! Enjoy a selection of beverages at the Holiday Bar for purchase.
WANT TO GO? Advanced registration required. $10 parking fee. 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org/winterwonder

9th Annual Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 3-4:30pm
WHERE: Astoria Park Lawn, 19th Street and 23rd Avenue, Astoria
WHAT: The event will feature balloon art and special holiday performances by Music For Aardvarks, Academia de Mariachi Nuevo Amanecer, and carolers...and of course, the tree lighting!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 3pm
WHERE: Great Lawn at Astoria Park, 19th Street and 23rd Avenue, Astoria
WHAT: This free, fun and traditional holiday event that will bring balloon art, kids hand tattoos and special performances by Academia De Mariachi Nuevo Amanecer, Music for Aardvarks and Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers. Don't forget to bring your letters for Santa and receive a Teddy (while supplies last)!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Tree Lightings on Long Island

Wantagh Chamber of Commerce 3rd Annual Winter Wonderland

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 27, 12:30-6pm
WHERE: Wantagh Preservation Society, 1700 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh
WHAT: Enjoy shopping, food, entertainment and see the holiday lighting.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Village Tree Lighting

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 27, 3pm
WHERE: Marcus Christ Hall, 1420 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park
WHAT: Enjoy a magic show, crafts, Christmas carols and the lighting of the tree!
WANT TO GO? Free.

The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores: The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Extravaganza

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 3, 6-10pm
WHERE: Veterans' Memorial, corner of Bedford, Broadway, and Pettit avenues, Bellmore
WHAT: Enjoy an Old Fashion Christmas! Festivities will include: Christmas Tree Lighting (7pm), A Visit from Santa, Live Nativity, Festive Holiday Music, Horse & Carriage Rides (6-9pm), Trolley rides through the community (6-10pm), and Refreshments.
WANT TO GO? The Extravaganza is free to attend. Slight Fee for Horse & Carriage Rides and Trolley Rides

Village of Westbury Holiday Festivities

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4, 4:30pm
WHERE: Village Community Center, 360 Post Ave., Westbury
WHAT: Join neighbors and friends at this Holiday Celebration. Refreshments will be served (OUTSIDE) as the Mayor, Board and Village Staff welcome everyone. The Atlantic Wind Symphony Band is scheduled to perform seasonal music for your enjoyment. Music will fill the air followed by the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Holiday Tree Lighting at The Shoppes

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4, 3-7pm
WHERE: The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River
WHAT: Stop by to put a letter in Santa's mailbox, enjoy the live DJ and dancing, and more holiday fun including holiday shopping at Winter Fest. Santa arrives on a Fire Truck to light the tree and take free photo with families.
WANT TO GO? Free. Rain Date Sunday, Dec. 5.

Village Tree Lighting & Blessing of the Crèche at the Fountain

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4, 5pm
WHERE: Village of Malverne, Francis Street, Malverne
WHAT: See the Holiday Parade with Santa and his elves beginning on Francis Street with Live entertainment and block party along Hempstead Avenue and Church Street.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4, 5-7pm
WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor
WHAT: Watch as Santa Claus lights the Hatchery’s Christmas Tree.
WANT TO GO? $10 suggested donation per family.

The 42nd Annual Holiday Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 12-6pm
WHERE: Stony Brook Village Center, Main Street on the Harbor, Stony Brook
WHAT: Vote for your favorite tree in the 42nd Annual Holiday Tree Competition; Legends & Spies Puppet Procession; Santa will listen to children’s wishes; Holiday Train Display at Wiggs Opticians; Carolers and live music before the Holiday Tree Lighting at 5:30pm on the Village Green.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Brookhaven Town Tree Lighting

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 10, 6pm
WHERE: Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville
WHAT: The Brookhaven Town Tree Lighting will feature costumed characters; complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes; local musical entertainment; and a special appearance by Santa Claus, who will arrive by helicopter, and then assist with the countdown to light the tree.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Greenland Nursery 6th Annual Community Tree Lighting

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 5-7pm
WHERE: Greenland Landscape and Nursery, 292 Town Line Road, Commack
WHAT: Mr. and Mrs. Clause will be making a special appearance and will be camera ready. Drop off your letters to Santa Claus. Enjoy hot cocoa & coffee will be served to warm up the evening, raffles and Christmas music, too! @Somethingsweet_li will be selling her famous festive cookies and Costalino Crafts will be selling her handmade with love crafts.
WANT TO GO? Admission is free, but Greenland Nursery kindly asks to bring an unwrapped toy for the children in need.

Tree Lightings in Westchester

Holiday Tree Lighting

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 20, 6-8pm
WHERE: Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
WHAT: Have a real NYC Christmas experience right in the heart of Yonkers with the lighting of the largest holiday tree in Westchester! Standing over 40 feet tall, the tree is composed of over 20,000 LED lights (about 2 miles of strands!) that shoppers can walk-thru! The tree lighting includes live musical and dance performances, the pop-up ice skating rink with special characters, strolling entertainers and an electronic train ride.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Tree & Menorah Lighting

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 6pm
WHERE: St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 68 Bedford Road, Katonah
WHAT: Join the community for a Tree and Menorah Lighting.
WANT TO GO? Free.