Tree Lightings in Astoria (& Nearby) That Will Get You in the Holiday Spirit

One of the nicest parts of the holiday season each year is the variety of tree lightings (and post office lightings? see below!). Here’s our roundup for this year—we’ll add more as we learn of them.

Astoria Park

When: Sunday, December 8, 4 p.m. (tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.)

Where: Great Lawn, Astoria Park (19th St & 23rd Ave)

What: Join your fellow Astorians for an afternoon of family fun at Astoria Park’s seventh annual tree lighting ceremony! There will be photos with Santa (4-5:30 p.m.) as well as free hot chocolate, signature teas and pretzels from Tealicious Catering.

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

When: Friday, December 6, 4-8 p.m. (tree lighting at 7 p.m.)

Where: 2919 24th Ave, Astoria

What: Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden’s annual tree lighting involves pictures with Santa, the perfect opportunity to buy your Christmas tree from Greg’s Trees, and beer, of course!

Kaufman Astoria Studios

When: Friday, December 6 at 4 p.m.

Where: 34-12 36th St, Astoria

What: Kaufman Astoria Studios is kicking off the holiday season with its 5th annual holiday tree lighting ceremony at the front gates of the studios. The tree will be decorated with ornaments by students from nearby PS 166, as well as from Our World Neighborhood Charter School.The Astoria Performing Arts Center and the charter school’s Glee Club will provide caroling to help spread the holiday cheer. The event is free and open to the public.

Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting

When: Friday, December 6, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Rivercross Lawn, 531 Main St, New York, NY

What: Holiday tree lighting ceremony, includes live music, holiday performances from community groups, gift and food giveaways, raffle prizes, and Santa!

Queens Botanical Garden

When: Sunday, December 8, 12-5 p.m.

Where: 43-50 Main Street, Flushing, NY

What: Get into the holiday spirit with fun for the whole family! Christmas in the Garden returns to Queens Botanical Garden with live musical performances, photos with Santa (fee required), tree lighting, holiday crafts, face painting (fee required), and blowout sales at QBG Shop! Register for free here.

Jackson Heights Post Office Lighting

When: Saturday, December 14 at 4 p.m.

Where: 7802 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY

What: Jackson Heights does things a little differently with the annual Jackson Heights Beautification Group holiday lighting at the local post office. There will be singing, hot tamales, cookies, hot chocolate and maybe a visitor from the North Pole!

The lighting ceremony already happened, but if you want to check out another gorgeously lit tree locally, the Sunnyside Branch of the Queens Library has one on display thanks to Sunnyside Shines! 43-06 Greenpoint Ave, Long Island City