Washington Square Park’s Christmas tree lighting will take place on Wednesday, December 7th for the 98th year. The Washington Square tree lighting ceremony is older than Rockefeller Center’s tradition. The tree will be lit at 6 p.m. (sharp!). The Rob Susman Brass Quartet will perform. Carols will be sung, Santa will appear.
In 1924, after the first tree lighting ceremony, that tree was planted in the park. For now, there is a new tree cut down every year for the purpose of appearing under the Arch for the holidays; the tree traditionally arrives from Vermont. In early years, the lyrics to the Christmas carols were projected onto the Arch; now there are songbooks and the tree goes through the chipper for mulch. Things to aspire to – being environmentally friendly, once again. In 2020, the tree lighting was virtual.
Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th, at 5 p.m., caroling will take place under the Arch with the Rob Susman Quartet. It’s always festive so show up if you can.
The tree lighting is sponsored by the Washington Square Association, the oldest neighborhood community organization in NYC.
Photo of the tree in 2011: Gabriel Sierra via Instagram.