Where to get lit in Brooklyn this year: A tree lighting round-up
It’s the most wonderful time of the year to come together as a community and watch a big ol’ tree get lit. No, really. Tree lightings can be a fun and festive way to mark another holiday season in your neighborhood — and they’re totally free.
Since many communities host at least one, we’ve compiled this list of as many tree lightings as we could find across the borough for you to digest while you’re picking at yesterday’s leftovers.
Friday, Nov. 29
Sunset Park
No Santa here. Only elves. Take a photo with an elf on a trolley? Yes please. First 100 children in attendance get goodie bags. Sweet. This event is hosted by the Sunset Park 5th Avenue BID.
60th Street and Fifth Avenue from 4-6 p.m. More info here.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Park Slope
The Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District really isn’t wasting any time when it comes to switching gears from Thanksgiving to Christmas. In conjunction with Small Business Saturday, the BID will host a holiday street party from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, which will be topped off by the group’s annual tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. sharp. There will be carolers, hot chocolate, and apparently some stilt walkers. Sounds like you don’t want to miss it.
The corner of Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street at 6 p.m. More info here.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
MetroTech
There will be tunes, hot cocoa, live ice carving and more at the annual lighting of MetroTech Commons. The event — dubbed Light Up MetroTech — will go feature performances by Ushka and Batalá New York.
Flatbush Avenue and Myrtle Street from 5 -6:30 p.m. More info here.
Dyker Park
There will be a first-time tree lighting co-sponsored by Dyker Heights Civic Association at Dyker Park on Wednesday, Dec. 4. There will be cocoa and there will be carolers and, as per the running theme here, there will be a Saint Nick.
Dyker Park at 86th Street and 14th Avenue at 6:30 p.m. More info here.
Red Hook
When the holidays arrive in Red Hook, so do the… lobster traps? That’s what the Red Hook Lobster Pound says. They’ll be hosting a tree-lighting to celebrate the season “Maine-style” with a Christmas tree (you probably didn’t guess it) made out of lobster traps.
Red Hook Lobster Pound at 248 Van Brunt Street from 6-7:30 p.m. More info here.
Thursday, Dec. 5
DUMBO
The DUMBO Improvement District will host its 14th annual holiday tree lighting on Dec. 5 at the entrance to the neighborhood’s iconic archway. The lighting — which is promising “carols, calypso and cocoa” — will feature a photo booth courtesy of the Self-Portrait Project, music from Brooklyn-based steel drum band Jah Pan, a coat drive and projections of a yule log on the Manhattan Bridge!
There’ll also be a Santa Claus all the way from the North Pole NYPD’s 84th Precinct.
The DUMBO archway at 4 p.m. More info here.
Bay Ridge
The annual tree lighting at Shore Road Park’s gazebo will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5. Revelers can expect some words from local electeds, light refreshments and a special holiday performance from the Guild for Exceptional Children.
Shore Road Park at 90th Street and Shore Road at 6:30 p.m. More info here.
Prospect Heights
Head out to the tippy top of Prospect Park and watch Diocesan officials light the most official lights. The tree will be lit 24/7, the only tree in the city to remain lit at ALL TIMES. WOW.
Grand Army Plaza from 5-7 p.m. More info here.
Friday, Dec. 6
Gowanus
Come one come all. This Christmas tree lighting ceremony from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. features two of Brooklyn’s favorite NYC legislators: Councilmember Stephen Levin and…. Santa? There will also be refreshments. Bless up!
Thomas Greene Park at Third Avenue and Douglass Street from 4-6 p.m. More info here.
Canarsie
One man’s holiday display is a whole community’s spectacle each year at Frank Seddio’s holiday tree lighting. The event, which encompasses nearly the entire block and is always a sight to see, will take place this year on Friday, Dec. 6.
Flatlands Avenue and East 93rd Street at 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Green-Wood Heights
Greenwood Park will host its eighth annual Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 7. There — at the corner watering hole with a massive outdoor space fit for its 33-foot Balsam Fir — you can keep warm inside with some brews, take photos with Santa and even try your hand at making a wreath. There will be snacks for sale and hot chocolate to warm guests up for the lighting of the massive tree.
Greenwood Park (555 7th Ave.) starting at 4 p.m. More info here.
Marine Park
Kick off the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 7, at one of Brooklyn’s oldest known houses — the Hendrick I. Lott House. Conveniently enough, it’ll also be celebrating its 300-year anniversary at the holiday celebration, hosted by Friends of the Lott House. There will be a tree lighting, kid-friendly games and crafts and “a visit from SinterKlaas” himself, as the event bills it.
The Hendrick I. Lott (1940 East 36th St.) from 2-6 p.m. More info here.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Fort Greene
Help out by bringing some toys to the toy drive that will be happening at this tree lighting ceremony in Fort Greene Park hosted by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. Plus there’s free hot chocolate.
Fort Greene Park from 4-5 p.m. More info here.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Downtown Brooklyn
Oh snap! Brooklyn Borough President, the handsome Eric Adams, will be lighting the lights outside Brooklyn Borough Hall in the middle of the week in December. There will be a youth chorus singing. Gotta love those angelic voices.
209 Joralemon St., Brooklyn Borough Hall from 5:30-6 p.m. More info here.
Think we missed a lighting? Let us know at [email protected].
Leave a Comment
Leave a Comment