Washington Square Park’s Christmas Tree Lighting has been moved to later in the week due to strong winds and rain predicted for tonight. This is its 100th year!! The tree lighting will now be held this Friday, December 13th from 5-7 p.m. The lighting of the tree will take place at 6 p.m. sharp.
On Friday, December 13th 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 6pm sharp. We will have a special performance of Twas The Night Before Christmas by actor John Rothman!
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.
And, on Sunday, Christmas Eve December 24th at 5 p.m., there’s another chance for caroling under the Arch!
The above photo is of the park’s tree in 2020 which was during the height of Covid, of course; the Arch was surrounded by gates and NYPD. Doesn’t that feel like a million years ago? The tree lighting that year was virtual. Even the Arch looks sad.
Previously at Washington Square Park Blog:
Washington Square Park’s 96th Christmas Tree Lighting Goes Virtual This Year Wednesday, December 9th December 8, 2020
The History of the Washington Square Christmas Tree — Tree from First Tree Lighting Ceremony in 1924 Was Planted in the Park In Spirit of “Wise Use” December 20, 2011
Photo: JoyHuangNYC