One of the beloved events in New York are the tree lighting ceremonies in New York.
There are always disagreements on what the ceremony should be called (the “lighting of the Christmas Tree” or “lighting of the Holiday Tree”) but one thing that they can all agree on is that is it a magical event not to be missed.
Rockefeller Center
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020
Available for five weeks daily from 5:30am – 11:30pm (after the annual ceremonial lighting at 8:55PM on the Wednesday following Thanksgiving), the Rockefeller Center provides one of the best attractions for locals and visitors to see. For changes and current tree lighting times for Rockefeller Center, visit TheTreeNYC.com.
Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10460
The “Holiday Lights” at the Bronx Zoo is another favorite for guests. While visiting the zoo that is open daily except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, be sure to check it out as this will no longer be offered in 2009 to help reduce the zoo’s carbon footprint. In 2009, this will be substituted for the “Wild Winterland.”
Bryant Park
Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
New York, NY 10018
If you are close to the New York Public Library, be sure to check out the Holiday Tree Lighting in Bryant Park. The lighting takes place near the pond located in the park.
Department Stores
A few department stores in New York (such as Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale, Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue) have display windows for the Christmas holidays and are a beauty to behold.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
10 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
While passing by the Lincoln Center for the Performance Arts, be sure to see the decorated tree that is in the center’s main plaza as this will no longer be offered in 2009 due to the challenging economic climate facing the Lincoln Center. Also at Lincoln Center during the holiday season are performances of Handel’s Messiah and New York City Ballet productions of The Nutcracker.
Queens Center Mall
74-15 Queens Boulevard
Elmhurst, NY‎ 11373-3737
The Queens Center Mall has a ceremony that takes place across from Guest Services by the JCPenney Wing on Level 2. For current dates and times, you may view their events or contact 718-592-3900.