The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony may be one of the most famous in the city, but there are plenty of alternatives in the boroughs for those looking for a more local and intimate experience. Five local lightings offer a sense of community and holiday spirit without the chaos of Midtown Manhattan.
In Brooklyn, the Hendrick I. Lott House lighting at the 300-year-old Lott House in Marine Park offers cookies, hot cocoa, and a visit from Sinterklaas, the Dutch St. Nick. The free event on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. is open to the public.
In Manhattan, the Historic Harlem Parks lighting at West 123rd Street Picnic Area promises jazz, treats, and tattoos on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4-6 p.m. In the Bronx, Little Italy lighting at Ciccarone Park features carols, Italian cookies, and a toy giveaway on the same day from 4-6 p.m.
Staten Island’s Port North Shore Alliance lighting on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at 415 Port Richmond Ave. offers performances by local schools, food trucks, and a 48-foot spruce tree adorned with over 2,000 lights. Queens Borough Hall lighting hosted by Borough President Donovan Richards in Kew Gardens on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. includes games, live performances, treats, and a toy giveaway.
These local lightings provide a festive and family-friendly alternative to the spectacle of the Rockefeller Center ceremony, offering a unique holiday experience in each borough.
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Photo credit gothamist.com