Bright Lights, Big Trees

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

The New York Sun

Deck the city’s halls! There’s a reason Jay McInerney titled his 1984 novel “Bright Lights, Big City.” New Yorkers are bombarded with lights – from traffic lights to the billboards on Times Square. But even the most over stimulated, light weary Gotham dweller can appreciate twinkling garlands of bulbs draped over evergreen boughs.


While many are focused on a more imminent holiday, Thanksgiving, some are already looking ahead to December 25. One of the first Christmas tree lightings takes place tonight at the Bronx Zoo.


Animal lovers, both old and young, should not miss the dazzling Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Opening Ceremony at 5 p.m. Making their debut this year will be three large illuminated dinosaurs. Reindeer and camels will be on hand for the little ones to ooh and ahh at and the Wildlife Theater Players will perform “The Polar Express.”


In Manhattan at South Street Seaport, Santa Claus (whose “whiskers” South Street Seaport Vice President and General Manager Michael Piazzola insists are real) will ride up to a 50-foot tall Christmas tree on a pedicab on November 26. At dusk, the switch will be turned, lighting up the tree, which will be followed by a performance by members of an a cappella group, the Big Apple Chorus.


This season marks the 15th year of the Lincoln Center Holiday Tree Lighting. On Monday, November 29, at 5:30 p.m., a half-hour showcase of Lincoln Center talent will culminate with WABC weatherman Sam Champion and Mickey Mouse lighting a 50-foot Colorado Blue Spruce tree.


Program highlights include performances by members of the New York City Ballet, the School of American Ballet, the Metropolitan Children’s Opera, and the Lincoln Center Brass collective. Simultaneous performances will be held on three stages.


In addition, for the first time in 20 years, a tightrope walker will attempt to totter between the balconies of Avery Fischer Hall and the New York State Theater.


“We wanted to try to showcase artists from the resident companies in a more substantial way than has been done in the past,” said the general manager of the Lincoln Center Festival, Erica Zeilinsky.


For those hearty enough to brave the crowds, head to Rockefeller Center on November 30 at 8 p.m. for the 72nd annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center. In addition to performances by Hilary Duff, Kenny Chesney, Clay Aiken, Jessica Simpson, Nick Lachey, the Radio City Rockettes, and others, a 71-feethigh and 40-feet-wide Norwegian spruce tree from Suffern, N.Y., will be lit. And, for the first time, the tree will be adorned with a crystal Swarovski star.


The managing director of Tishman Speyer Properties, Thomas Madden, who is overseeing the event, advised, “Get here early because the crowds build up very quickly.”


Further uptown, on Thursday, December 2, at 6 p.m., CBS News anchorwoman Shon Gables and WNYC, FOX 5 weatherman Mike Woods will host the Harlem Tree Lighting Ceremony on the plaza at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building (163 West 125th St.).


Gospel singer Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, R &B star Urban Mystic, and members of the Harlem School of the Performing Arts choir will sing holiday classics.


Started in 1978, the Harlem celebration did not become a full-fledged event until last year when Robin Chappelle and members of the Christmas in Harlem Committee gussied up the program.


“We’re trying to revitalize this, make it an event for Harlem that community members can really be part of,” Ms. Chappelle said.


For the more Currier & Ives inclined, make your way to the Upper East Side on December 5th. At 6:30 p.m., on the steps of the Brick Church at Park and 91st Street, the Reverend Michael Lindvall will proclaim, “Let there be light,” and like magic, the never-ending row of Park Avenue Christmas trees from 49th to 96th streets will all light up at once.


A bugler will play Taps, and according to the executive director of the fund for Park Avenue, Magaret Ternes, “When he plays there’s not a sound to be heard. Even the children are quiet – they’re awed into utter silence.”


The New York Sun

© 2024 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use