When Is The Empire State Plaza Tree Lighting?

The areas most stunning tree-lighting ceremony is happening this Sunday at Empire State Plaza. Festival events will happen all day leading up to the grand finale firework show. According to the OGS web page, the city receives a bunch of tree’s each year. Not just any tree will do, though! The fine peeps at the plaza inspect each tree before choosing the perfect one.

This year’s tree will be decorated with over 2,000 energy efficient LED lights (I’m glad I don’t have to pay their electric bill). Day-time activities include crafts, Santa, a free skating clinic at “Empire Skate Plaza” in addition to the lighting and fireworks.

Oh, by the way… it just so happens the 7th annual New York State Museum Chocolate Expo is ALSO happening the same day. Sounds like Sunday will be a “cheat day” for me!

Full Schedule of Events:

11a-4p – Great Train Extravaganza/Chocolate Expo and Holiday Gift Market (Convention Hall/NYS Museum)

1pm-6pm – Tree Lighting (Concourse/Plaza)

1pm-4:30pm – Arts and Crafts (Meeting Room 6)

2pm-4pm – Learn To Skate Clinic (Ice Rink)

2pm – Meet Santa and Live Reindeer (Concourse/Meeting Room 6)

3pm – Performance by the Music Studio (Concourse/Meeting Room 6)

4pm – Performance by TubaChristmas (Meeting Room 6)

4:30pm – Holiday caroling with Rusty Pipes (Plaza)

5:15pm – Official Tree Lighting Program (Plaza)

5:30pm – Fireworks (Plaza)

6pm – Performance by Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club – Junior Houstonettes (Ice Rink)