101st Christmas Tree Lighting at the Park
Washington Square Park’s annual Christmas tree lighting takes place Thursday, December 11th at 6 p.m. under the Arch. Join in for Santa, caroling and holiday cheer. You’ll have another chance on Sunday, December 24th for caroling at 5 p.m.
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. The Association provides 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.
On Thursday, December 11th at 6 pm, 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.
Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24 at 5 pm is the traditional time to celebrate the holiday with carols near the Washington Square Arch. The Rob Susman Brass Quartet, song leader, and the revelers from all over the city will lustily sing out the familiar tunes. The words are in the songbooks distributed by the Washington Square Association, but many will know them by heart. “Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men” will ring out and is especially meaningful this season.
These holiday events are presented by the Washington Square Association founded in 1906.
The tree lighting at the park has been held on Wednesdays forever so Thursday is a new thing – except last year when the ceremony was moved to Friday due to rain and high winds.
Photos: Cathryn