The holiday season ramps up on the Upper East Side this weekend, with a pair of Christmas tree lighting ceremonies planned in Carnegie Hill and Yorkville. The annual tradition returns to both Park Avenue and Carl Schurz Park this Sunday, December 4th.
First, the Carl Schurz Park Conservancy presents its annual tree lighting celebration at 5:30 pm. Held near the park’s entrance at East 86th Street and East End Avenue, the family friendly festivities include holiday carols, candles, candy canes and hot chocolate.
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On the opposite side of the neighborhood, the Park Avenue tree lighting and caroling event marks its 78th year dazzling Upper East Side neighbors.
The ceremony begins at 6:30 pm outside Brick Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of East 91st Street, and draws hundreds of spectators each year.
The Park Avenue tradition began way back in 1945, when families living in the area wanted a way to honor the lives lost during World War II.
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Since then, more than 100 fir trees decorated with lights illuminate the Park Avenue malls between East 54th and 97th Streets each December.
The elaborate holiday display is possible through contributions to the Fund for Park Avenue, the non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Park Avenue’s malls.
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