Tree Lighting Events Dazzle the Park

This year's Citi Tree comes to Bryant Park from Chestnut Ridge, New York. The beautiful 55 foot tall Norway Spruce tree was cut on November 16, and delivered to the park shortly after. We've been trimming and decorating with lights and ornaments in preparation for the two tree lighting ceremonies tomorrow.

Photo from News 12 Hudson Valley

This year, the Holiday Tree is so special that it merits two tree lighting events - a morning performance sponsored by jcpenney for Giving Tuesday, and a full tree lighting spectacle in the evening.

The early show at 9am will feature a surprise performance by a Grammy award winning artist, followed by free ice skating with complimentary skate rentals and hot chocolate through 3:30pm tomorrow afternoon. Consider it a gift, brought to by jcp's Holiday Giving Tour. Public skating will be available throughout the morning performance.

Photo from News 12 Hudson Valley

The evening show at Citi Pond will feature music, skating and Broadway performances; all leading up to the main event, when we switch the "ON" button for the Holiday Tree. All of the evening's entertainment is free to the public to watch.

Musical Performances include Grace Potter, Drums of Thunder, the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, as well as songs from Broadway stars Tony Vincent, Lisa Howard, and Tony award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell. We'll also have four different ice skating performances, starring British National Champion Steven Cousins, and our favorite synchronized skating team The Haydenettes. You can view the complete schedule on our website.

The Haydenettes perform at Citi Pond's Opening Event 2011

The evening show will run from 6:30pm - 8:00pm, so if you're planning to skate, please remember that we'll close the ice from 4pm-8pm to accommodate rehearsals and performances. Free admission skating will resume however, as soon as the show is over at 8pm. Plan to come early to grab a rinkside spot, or bring the family for dinner in Celsius, overlooking the rink.


jcp Holiday Giving Tour
Tuesday, November 27

8:00am - 3:30pm

Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tuesday, November 27
6:30pm - 8:00pm