New York State's Holiday Tree Lighting

Celebrate the season at the beautiful Empire State Plaza with FREE activities including the official ceremony and tree lighting, fireworks, a rock-and-skate with Skeeter Creek, demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, performances by Tuba Christmas, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus at Cornerstone at the Plaza!

2021 Schedule

Note: Updated as of 12/3/2021 8AM

• 12:00pm - 3:30pm: Open Skating (Ice Rink)
• 1:00pm - 4:00pm: Meet Santa Claus (Cornerstone at the Plaza)
• 1:00pm - 4:00pm: Carriage Rides (Base of The Egg, Plaza Level)
• 1:00pm - 5:00pm: Inside the Snow Globe with Cornerstone at the Plaza featuring a warming area, holiday concessions, specialty beverages, sweets & treats, and more! (Cornerstone at the Plaza)
• 1:15pm - 3:15pm: Rock-and-Skate with Skeeter Creek (Ice Rink)
• 4:00pm: Tuba Christmas Performance (Plaza North End)
• 4:30pm: Demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club (Ice Rink)
• 5:15pm: Official Ceremony, Tree Lighting, and Fireworks (Plaza North End)
• 6:00pm - 8:00pm: Open Skating (Ice Rink)