Christmas Tree and Holiday Tree Lightings 2023

Christmas Tree Lightings 2022
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Nothing rings in the holiday season like a Christmas tree lighting! Check out these tree lightings around New York and kick off the holiday season the right way with your family.

Psst… Here’s where you can donate clothes on Staten Island!

Christmas Tree and Holiday Tree Lightings 2023

Click on your region to jump to events near you!

Manhattan

Holiday Tree Lighting at the Seaport

The Seaport, Fulton & Water Streets, Downtown Manhattan
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 6 – 7 pm
All ages
Free

Bundle up for a festive evening of live music, photo ops, gingerbread, and the lighting of the big tree!

Bank of America Winter Village Annual Tree Lighting

Bryant Park, 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Midtown
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 6 – 7 pm
All ages
Free

This annual Tree Lighting at Bank of America Winter Village will feature Broadway stars and co-hosts Jessica Vosk and Mauricio Martínez, performances by world-class skaters, the world premiere of Ice Theatre of New York’s Jazz Nutcracker, and more.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7 pm
Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza
All ages
Free

Rockefeller Center will celebrate its 91st Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the heart of New York City. A few minutes before 10pm EST, the Tree’s 50,000 multi-colored lights and Swarovski star topper will be set aglow for the first time in the season, officially ushering in the holidays and festive cheer.

100th Annual Tree Lighting at the NYSE

New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall Street, Wall Street
Thursday, Nov. 30, 3 pm
All ages
Free

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 more at the 100th annual lighting of the NYSE Christmas Tree. 

Montefiore Park’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Holiday Fiesta

Montefiore Park in Montefiore Square, Hamilton Place & W 138th St., Hamilton Heights
Friday, Dec. 1, 6:30 – 8 pm
All ages
Free

Enjoy a tree lighting ceremony followed by a holiday festival in Montefiore Park!

Holiday on the Hudson

West Harlem Piers, 125th Street and Marginal Street, Harlem
Saturday, Dec. 2, 4:30 – 6 pm
All ages
Free

Celebrate the season with a holiday tree lighting, live music, decoration making, and hot chocolate (while supplies last). Tree lighting at 5:30pm.

Madison Square Park Holiday Tree Lighting

Madison Square Park, 11 Madison Ave., Stuyvesant Park
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 4 – 6 pm
All ages
Free

Did you know the first public Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the country’s history took place in Madison Square Park? Celebrate the 111th anniversary of the first holiday tree lighting, with MSPC, the park community and neighborhood partners.

Washington Square Association Tree Lighting

Washington Square Park, Washington Square N., Greenwich Village
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6 pm
All ages
Free

Bring the family out for the 99th annual Washington Square Park Holiday Tree Lighting under the historic arch.

Bronx

Bronx Little Italy’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Ciccarone Park, intersection of East 188th Street and Arthur Ave., Highbridge
Saturday, Dec. 2, 4 – 6 pm
All ages
Free

Get into the holiday spirit by meeting Santa and an elf, singing along to holiday caroling, and enjoying Italian cookies and hot chocolate from local small businesses.

In addition, The BID will partner with The Children’s Cancer Society of America, to offer a toy giveaway for children on a first come, first served basis.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn Lights Up

Industry City, 220 36th St., Sunset Park
Saturday, Nov. 25, 12 – 2 pm
All ages
Free

Brooklyn Chamber and Brooklyn One host the first annual Tree Lighting at Industry City in celebration of the holiday season and Small Business Saturday. Free kids’ activities, hands-on crafts, carolers and holiday fun will be available for all.

Atlantic Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony

St. Cyril of Turov Belarusian Church, 401 Atlantic Ave., Park Slope
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 6 – 7 pm
All ages
Free

Families from the community are invited to the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Senator Chuck Schumer, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon and Councilmember Lincoln Restler will officiate the ceremony with the Girl Scouts Troops 2133 and 2518 counting down to the official lighting of the holiday tree!

Light Up Brooklyn Commons

Brooklyn Commons Park, Outside of 100 Myrtle Ave., Downtown Brooklyn
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 5 – 8 pm
All ages
Free

Explore an exhibition of exquisitely carved ice sculptures by Okamoto Studio and observe a live carving, sample holiday sweet treats, and look on as Santa himself lights up the treasured Brooklyn Commons Christmas tree, for all to enjoy. 

The DUMBO Tree Lighting

DUMBO Archway, 155 Water St., Dumbo
Thursday, Dec. 7, 4 – 7 pm
All ages
Free

Come out for a festive evening to kick off the holiday season! There will be a Tree Lighting and Menorah Lighting at 5:30pm.

Enjoy HOT COCOA & SWEET TREATS generously donated by Celestine and Starbucks Dumbo, Performances by PS307 and Dock Street Middle School students, Christmas Covers performed by Curtis J. Social and the Dumbo house band, and all of the way from the North Pole will be Santa and his elves!

Queens

Grand Christmas Tree Lighting

142-82 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica
Friday, Dec. 1, 7 pm
All ages
Free

Be there for Queen’s LARGEST Christmas Tree Lighting!

Winter Wonder at the Garden

Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing
Saturday, Dec. 2, 12 – 5 pm
All ages
Included in Garden Admission: $6; $4 seniors (age 62+), students with ID; $2 children (ages 4 to 12); free for members and children younger than 3.

Celebrate the best of December with live musical performances, a menorah, tree lighting, holiday crafts, free selfies with Santa, and sales at the QBG Shop and outdoor Holiday Market! 

11th Annual “Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration”

Astoria Park Great Lawn, 19th street & 23rd Ave., Astoria
Sunday, Dec. 3, 3 – 5 pm
All ages
Free

Central Astoria LDC’s 11th Annual Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration returns this with a Scholastic Children’s Book Giveaway, Arts & Crafts, Free Hot Cocoa, live performances, and an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

Bayside Village Tree Lighting

Bayside LIRR Green, 41st Ave., Bayside
Sunday, Dec. 3, 3:30 – 5 pm
All ages
Free

Ring in the holiday season with the lighting of the Bayside Village tree. Music, caroling, crafts, and other surprises…and of course Santa himself!

Holiday Weekend: A Very Magical Holiday at The Shops at Skyview

The Shops at Skyview, 40-24 College Point Blvd., Flushing
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 – 5 pm
All ages
Free

Bring the whole family to stop by The Shops at Skyview and experience the magic of the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony, live jazz music, captivating dance performances, and a complimentary photo with Santa!

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Color Me Mine

<p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels.</p> <p>At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments.</p> <p>Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come.</p> <p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest.</p> <p>Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!</p>

Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

British Swim School - Manhattan

<p>The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.  British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School’s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!</p>