100th Annual Washington Square Tree Lighting Ceremony

By Washington Square Association

Dec 11  |  Community

Christmas Caroling and Tree Lighting in downtown’s historic park, Washington Square Park.

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. For 100 years, the Association has provided 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. The Vermont tree is scheduled to arrive in Washington Square in late November, the Monday after Thanksgiving. The Washington Square Park Arch is located at the foot of Fifth Avenue, one block south of Eighth Street. http://www.washingtonsquarenyc.org

On Wednesday, December 11th at 5 pm, he first hour will be filled with holiday festivities including stilt walkers, photos with  Santa Claus, and much more followed by the tree lighting and carolling at 6pm sharp.

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.

Caroling On Christmas Eve At 5pm
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.

The Washington Square Association, Inc. founded in 1906, is one of the city’s oldest community organizations. For 93 years, it has sponsored carol singing under the arch. Other activities concern the continued improvement of Washington Square, the Washington Square Music Festival, and the fostering of neighborhood spirit.

Please considering donating or becoming a member to support holiday events and public efforts in support of the park and our neighborhood.