Washington Square Tree Lighting Ceremony

Washington Square’s tree lighting is Tuesday, December 8, 2026 at 6 p.m. just south of the Arch. The Washington Square Association brings brass and vocals, songbooks, and a Santa-led countdown for kids; the ceremony runs about an hour.

The 45-foot Vermont tree then stays lit 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. for the season. Caroling returns under the Arch on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24 at 5 p.m.

It is free and neighborhood-scaled. Arrive a little early if you want kids near the countdown rather than three rows back. For the big Midtown production, Rockefeller’s lighting is December 2.