The holiday season is finally here, and neighborhoods throughout Queens are hosting tons of festive events to celebrate.
From parades, to tree lightings and more, here are some events you can check out in December.
Astoria’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Astoria’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, will, for the first time, also include a parade. The parade will include horse carriages, two horse wagons for children, celebrity guests and a special appearance from Santa Claus. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. at 49th Street and 30th Avenue, with revelers marching southwest along 30th Avenue to 30th Street, where the tree lighting will begin at 7 p.m. at Athens Square Park.
Thursday, Dec. 1: Parade starts at 6 p.m.; tree lighting begins at 7 p.m.
Free to attend
For more information, visit qns.com/2022/11/astoria-christmas-tree-lighting.
The Annual Tree Lighting
Hosted by The Maspeth Chamber of Commerce in Maspeth Memorial Square,the annual tree lighting ceremony includes free raffles, entertainment and a visit from Santa.
69th Street and Grand Avenue
Friday, Dec. 2: 6 p.m.
Free to attend
For more information, visit maspethchamberofcommerce.org/tree-lighting-ceremony.
Parade on Rockaway
Hosted by HOPENYC Church, this three-day long event, offers festive fun for all. Experience a winter village filled with street vendors offering a wide variety of foods. Take in a parade with an abundance of holiday lights and enjoy live musical performances. On Dec. 2, experience the one of the largest tree lighting ceremonies in Queens. On Dec. 3, Santa is in town to give away some toys. And Dec. 4 marks the big finale, which includes the light parade starting from 130th Street and going to 143rd Street.
142-82 Rockaway Boulevard, Jamaica
Friday, Dec. 2: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3: 4 to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4: Parade starts at 5 p.m.
Free to attend
For more information, visit paradeonrockaway.com.
Winter Wonder Weekend at the Garden
The Queens Botanical Garden is providing a multi-cultural approach to this holiday season. Discover the best of the season with free live musical performances, a tree lighting, menorah display, selfies with Santa, holiday crafts, compost and tree tours, and storytime. Indulge in holiday shopping with sales at the QBG Store and support local businesses at the outdoor holiday market. On Saturday, Dec. 3, watch an ice sculpture in the making and on Sunday, Dec. 4, see its final form on display. Advance registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome.
43-50 Main St., Flushing, 11355
Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4: 12 to 5 p.m.
Free to attend ($5 donation is suggested)
For more information, visit queensbotanical.org/winterwonder.
Holiday Tinker Festival: Santa’s Workshop & Tree Lighting
The Lewis Latimer House and Museum is providing winter activities for the whole family to enjoy. Enjoy some milk and homemade cookies and build an edible snowman. You can also take part in a fun holiday themed winter experiment. Additionally, you can participate in gingerbread arts and crafts with Mrs. Claus.
34-41 137th Street Queens, 11354
Saturday, Dec. 3: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Free to attend (donations are encouraged)
For more information, visit lewislatimerhouse.org/events/holidaytinker.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Shops at Atlas Park is hosting a tree lighting ceremony, that includes a live DJ, free giveaways for the entire family and a special visit from Santa. Cookies and hot chocolate will also be available, while supplies last.
8000 Cooper Avenue, Glendale
Saturday, Dec. 3: 5 to 7 p.m.
Free to attend
For more information, visit shopatlaspark.com/Events/Details/558698.
Central Astoria Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration
A very merry celebration for the holiday season is coming to the Great Lawn at the heart of Astoria Park. Listen to live musical performances and enjoy stilt walkers, arts and crafts, balloon art and more. The tree lighting ceremony begins at dusk.
24-02 19th St, Queens, NY
Sunday, Dec. 4: 3 p.m.
Free to attend
For more information, visit centralastoria.org/events/tree-lighting-0.
Glendale Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lighting
Enjoy music, gifts, refreshments and a visit from Santa at the Glendale Kiwanis’ annual tree lighting event.
The Plaza Intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Cooper Avenue
Sunday, Dec. 4: 5:30 p.m.
Free to attend
