Update: Tree Lighting moved to Friday, December 13th due to predicted strong rain and winds.
Amazing that this year is the 100th year of the Washington Square Park Christmas tree lighting! On Wednesday, December 11th at 6 p.m., the tree will be lit. Caroling and other festivities will occur under the Arch.
From the Washington Square Association:
Celebrate your favorite winter holiday December in Washington Square when The Washington Square Association offers two chances to sing yuletide carols in downtown’s historic park. For 100 years, the Association has provided the annual 45-foot Christmas tree just south of the Arch that will be lit for the season between the hours of 4 pm and 1 am. The Vermont tree is scheduled to arrive in Washington Square in late November, the Monday after Thanksgiving. The Washington Square Park Arch is located at the foot of Fifth Avenue, one block south of Eighth Street.
On Wednesday, December 11th at 5 pm, the first hour will be filled with holiday festivities including stilt walkers, photos with Santa Claus, and much more followed by the tree lighting and caroling at 6 pm sharp.
At 6 pm, we will light our magnificent 44 foot tree, and the Rob Susman Brass Quartet, our vocalist Linseigh Green and 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. The Washington Square Association provides songbooks. Given that this is our 100th year, expect a little extra something special, but like Christmas presents, we won’t know what they are until the event itself.
The Washington Square tree lighting ceremony is older than Rockefeller Center’s tradition.
Another chance for caroling under the Washington Square Arch will occur on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th at 5 p.m.
Previously at Washington Square Park Blog:
99th Year! Washington Square Park’s Christmas Tree Lighting Wed. December 6th December 5, 2023
Photo: Cathryn