Promenade Tree Lighting, a Brooklyn Heights holiday tradition, celebrates 71st year

December 19, 2023 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

The Tree is Lit at Brooklyn Heights tree lighting.Photo: John McCarten

The tree is lit.
Photo: John McCarten

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PROMENADE ENTRANCE — “This is for the kids,” said one of the representatives of the Brooklyn Heights Garden Club, which sponsors the event each year. Lots of community cooperation comes together to create a festive tradition that has continued for 71 years. Among the participants were: the Brooklyn Parks Department, Brooklyn Women’s Exchange, Grace Church Chorale Society, the Brooklyn Heights Association and, of course, Santa himself.

The historic Brooklyn Women’s Exchange, founded in 1854, has become a more active participant since it moved its headquarters to 137 Montague Street nearby. All who attend the tree lighting are invited up the street to enjoy hot chocolate, warm apple cider and cookies, as well as the continuing (and comforting) music from the Grace Chorale Society.

“We are so happy that the community came out to enjoy the carolers,” said Emily Everhart, President of the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange. “There was a wonderful feeling in the shop that evening! We are enjoying the vitality of our new home on Montague Street and are thrilled, on behalf of our craftspeople and volunteers, that the tradition of our historical organization continues to thrive.”

Gabo Arora, a regular attendee, said “Holiday season kicks off every year in our family with the Promenade tree lighting! No better way to start the season. But one thing: that Santa looks slim! Is he on Ozempic?”

Ashley Mabbitt, a longtime member of the Grace Chorale of Brooklyn, recalls the joy of seasonal singing on Montague Street. “Singing carols on the Promenade and in front of local shops and businesses along Montague Street is a wonderful tradition for Grace Chorale.” She added, “We are, after all, a not-for-profit community chorus, and it is a joy to see how hearing familiar holiday songs brightens our neighbors’ faces.”

“This is my favorite cozy gathering,” said Meredith Nadler Kurnov. “As publisher of Macaroni Kid Brooklyn NW, I research and promote a ton of Brooklyn family holiday events. From the jolly dry-witted Santa and Grace Chorale performance to the Promenade’s skyline backdrop, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season. My kids love going with classmates and enjoying candy canes before dinner!”

Neighbor Elise Dee said, “We had a wonderful time. It was our first time attending the tree lighting and it was so magical and festive. When the tree was lit, my three-year-old said, ‘it’s so beautiful… amazing!’”

Neighbor Jeffrey Fiore said, “My kids look forward to this night each year, and they go the whole nine yards. They can mail letters to the North Pole, sing with Santa, and watch the big tree light up.”

Grace Chorale member Renate Schwartz looks forward to the event each year. “Our choir has been singing at the Tree Lighting for several years and like always it was a joy to see so many happy faces of the people from our community, especially the children, she said. “I hope we will continue this tradition for many more years.”