For at least 91 of its approximately 123 years, there has been a lit and decorated tree under the famed Arch at Washington Square Park to celebrate the Christmas holidays. This year, the tree is set to arrive Monday, November 30th, transported by truck from Vermont.
The annual tree lighting ceremony, hosted since its beginnings by local organization, the Washington Square Association, will take place on Wednesday, December 9th at 6 p.m. Little known fact: The tree lighting ceremony at Washington Square Park is older than the traditional ceremony held at Rockefeller Center.
The 45 foot tree will be up under the Arch by the time most people are walking by on Monday: it is scheduled to arrive at 4 a.m.! It will appear initially un-decorated as it is adorned with lights during the week.
There will be two caroling events under the Arch: Wednesday, December 9th at 6 p.m. when the tree is first lit and Thursday, December 24th, Christmas Eve, at 5 p.m. On the 9th, Santa Claus will be present.
At both events, music will be performed by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet which has led the caroling in more recent years. Songbooks will be distributed with lyrics to the carols, provided by the Washington Square Association.
The tree at Washington Square Park will remain lit through the New Year between the hours of 4 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Image: Cathryn
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