As December approaches, neighborhoods across Queens prepare to shine bright with festive holiday lights.
One of the best ways to kick off the holiday season is to attend one of the many annual Tree-Lighting ceremonies throughout the borough.
Here’s a guide to the dates and times of local tree-lighting events:
The Kiwanis Club of Glendale will hold its annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Glendale Memorial Plaza.
Club members are asked to arrive at 5:30 p.m., and the ceremony itself starts at 6 p.m. There will be live music, refreshments, a visit from Santa, and gifts for children.
The 104th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (G-COP) will help out at the event, which will conclude at approximately 9 p.m.
The Grand Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, at 142-82 Rockaway Blvd. in Jamaica.
All ages are welcome to the annual free event to light up Queens’ largest Christmas tree.
The 30th Avenue Parade and Tree Lighting will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The parade begins at 6 p.m. from St. Joseph Church and will march through 30th Avenue, ending at 30th Avenue and Newtown Avenue.
There will be performances by The Whitfield’s, Christmas Matters, and local schools.
The Maspeth Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Tree-Lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m.
The event will take place in Maspeth Memorial Square at 69th Street and Grand Avenue. It will include free raffles, entertainment and a visit from Santa.
If you would like to sponsor the tradition to kick off the holiday season, you can donate here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/.
Sponsors will be recognized at the event and on social media to thank them for supporting the community.
The Woodhaven Business Improvement District (BID) will host a Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. with Council Member Joann Ariola, Assembly Woman Jenifer Rajkumar, and NYS State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
The event, which will take place between Forest Parkway and Jamaica Ave., will include holiday carols, refreshments, and photos with Santa.
NYC Parks is also hosting a ‘Winterfest’ at the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center, 177-01 Baisley Blvd, Springfield Gardens, on Saturday, Dec. 7.
The event will take place between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and include tree lighting, a holiday market, large decorations, and various other winter activities.
The Bayside Village Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting its Holiday Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 8, on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Green.
The event will run from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and attendees can sing along with holiday carolers, enjoy hot cocoa, make snow globe crafts for kids, and meet community leaders.
Santa will also be coming along to light the tree.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. is inviting residents to ring in the holiday season with the annual tree lighting at Borough Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and attendees can enjoy games, live performances by students from P.S. 14 and Laurissa Jane Music Studios, sweet treats, and a toy giveaway for children. Only one toy will be available per child while supplies last.
You can RSVP at queensbp.nyc.gov/rsvp.
