One of the most memorable events of the 2019 season will be the Boardwalk’s 12th annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration. Award-winning NBC New York journalist Brian Thompson will act as emcee.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for this spectacular event, which is free and open to the public; attendees are encouraged to come early as space is limited. During this awe-inspiring event, at 6:45 p.m., the Boardwalk’s 35-foot Douglas Fir tree – the tallest live indoor tree in the state – will come alive, bathing the Grand Arcade in light. A magnificent work of both nature and art, this year’s Christmas tree will take one dozen people, four pieces of heavy machinery, and over 300 hours to raise and decorate it with an astonishing 40,000 glowing lights. The towering Christmas tree will serve as the backdrop for the Grand Arcade’s stage with live performances by the Asbury All Stars Holiday Band prior to and following the lighting event.