Best Christmas Tree Lightings and Menorah Lightings with Fun Activities for Kids

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Light Up Brooklyn Commons Christmas tree lighting. Photo by Jakob Dahlin/courtesy of Brookfield Properties
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Light Up Brooklyn Commons Christmas tree lighting. Photo by Jakob Dahlin/courtesy of Brookfield Properties
11/28/23 - By Drew Kristofik

Good news for the crowd-averse: You don't have to brave the commotion of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting to witness a fabulous Christmas tree lighting in New York City. We've rounded up a collection of local NYC Christmas tree lightings that are much less crowded and every bit as lovely, from Brooklyn and Queens to the Bronx and everywhere in between. These community holiday Christmas tree lightings in NYC are festive and (mostly) FREE, and chock-full of kid-friendly fun beyond flipping the switch.

We've got more fun things to do this holiday season in our NYC Kids' Guide to the Christmas and the Holidays, including our list of 12 must-do holiday activities and our favorite holiday lights displays across the five boroughs.

Click through to our listings for all the details, including addresses, times, recommended ages, and rain (or snow!) dates.

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