Lincoln Square Shines Bright at the Magical Lights Ceremony

Lincoln Square has officially kicked off the holidays in dazzling style! At last week’s Magical Lights Ceremony, the Lincoln Square BID was joined by hundreds of people to turn on the Magical Lights and celebrate with live music, festive performances, giveaways, and good vibes (see great photos here!).

As a crowd gathered in Dante Park for the start of the ceremony, people of all ages delighted in festive circus acts. It was a chilly evening, but the crowd was kept warm with free samples of Mexican hot chocolate and churros from Rosa Mexicano, cookies from Le Botaniste, and specially-branded Holidays in Lincoln Square knit hats from the Lincoln Square BID. The BID also gave out glowing necklaces to children to add to the fun.

Talented students from the Kaufman Music Center’s Special Music School Chorus started the ceremony with a heartwarming a capella performance. LSBID President Monica Blum then introduced our speakers, including Dynishal Gross, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services; Tricia Shimamura, Manhattan Borough Parks Commissioner; and Inspector Candida Pun-Sullivan, Commanding Officer of the 20th Precinct. We were also pleased to be joined by New York City Council Member Gale Brewer; LSBID Board Member representing the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, Ashley Fischer; LSBID Treasurer, local resident, and EVP of Global Holdings Wendy Mosler; LSBID Board Member and Owner of Color Me Mine Claudia Martinez Azzara; and LSBID Board Members and local residents Suzanne Davis and Gerry Creamer.

Then came the moment we were all waiting for: With a final countdown led by Monica Blum and a blast of confetti, the BID turned on the Magical Lights! These colorful, twinkling lights react in sync to music and the sounds you make as they dangle from the trees in Dante and Richard Tucker Parks. The Saints of Swing, an energetic jazz band, carried us into an evening of live music, dancing, and fun.

While the Magical Lights Ceremony is over, Holidays in Lincoln Square is just beginning! The Magical Lights will illuminate Dante (Broadway and 64th Street) and Richard Tucker (Broadway and 65th Street) Parks throughout the season, with light and sound shows happening each night starting at 4:30pm. Don’t miss your chance to see how the lights respond to recordings from the Metropolitan Opera and Jazz at Lincoln Center in Dante Park. Holidays in Lincoln Square continues with caroling with the Fabulous Fezziwigs (December 10, 11, 15, 16, and 18) and the fourth annual WinteRamble procession (Wednesday, December 17). Be sure to sign up for the WinteRamble to be part of this fun, community-oriented tradition! You can also find out about holiday events from the neighborhood's businesses and cultural organizations at HolidaysinLincolnSquare.nyc.

Photo Credit: Carlos Alayo