New York City Christmas Tree Guide 2012
From the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting to the lesser known trees on the Upper East Side, there are plenty of festive spruces and firs to see in the city this season. Here's your guide on where to find the best and the brightest in the Big Apple this season.
More: The 6 Best Holiday Shows To See In NYC This Holiday Season
The Citi Pond At Bryant Park Christmas Tree
42nd St. and 6th Ave.
New York, NY
(212) 768-4242
bryantpark.org/plan-your-visit/calendar.html
Rocker chick Grace Potter helped usher in the holiday season in Midtown with the lighting of the 65-foot-tall tree. Bryant Park is a charming holiday destination, with their ice rink and traditional seasonal shops, ideal for finding trinkets and gifts. Check out our round-up of NYC's best holiday markets for more information.
New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree Lighting
Broad Street between Wall Street and Exchange Place
nyse.com
A Downtown New York tradition since 1923, this year's tree is a 45-foot-tall Norway Spruce from Newburgh, N.Y. Set to be lit up on Dec. 4, there will be musical performances, hot chocolate and even an appearance from Santa himself for the festive occasion. Situated in front of the NYSE façade, the tree is adorned with 3,500 white LED lights, 1,000 multi-colored balls with the NYSE Euronext logo and a 6' star on top.
Carl Schurz Park Tree
East End and East 86th Street
212-459-4455
carlschurzparknyc.org
This Upper East Side Christmas tree was lit on Sunday, Dec. 2. The II Cantori choir will helped to bring the holiday spirit, along with candy canes and hot chocolate. Nearby the lit tree,is the Park's giant menorah presented by the Chabad of the Upper East Side KJ Beginners Program.
Park Avenue Memorial Trees
Brick Presbyterian Church, Park Ave., at E. 91st St.
In 1945, a few families on Park Avenue decided to light a tree in memory of those who gave their lives serving their country in World War II. Today, the annual lighting of the fir trees along a 2.5-mile stretch of Park Avenue marks a big event on the holiday social calendar for those who live along this street and elsewhere on the Upper East Side, but non-residents and non-society dames are welcome too.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Plaza, at 49th St.
212-332-6868
rockefellercenter.com
Arguably the world's most famous tree, head to Rockefeller Center for an up-close glimpse of this year's majestic spruce. An international symbol of the holidays, the Norway Spruce is decorated in 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights. After a photo, join the ice-skaters below for a New York holiday moment to remember.
