The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting is one of the biggest holiday
traditions in New York City, but in New Rochelle there is Holiday Lightingin Memorial Plaza that's an intimate and festive family celebration which this
year will take place on December 7th at 5:30 PM.
The event presented by The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and the Cityof New Rochelle celebrates traditions of Christmas and Hanukah and is a time
where diverse cultures harmoniously crowd Memorial Plaza in downtown NewRochelle to watch the annual ceremony. It is also broadcast on NRTV, at a
later date, for those who prefer to watch from the comfort of theirhomes.
This year's tree was carefully selected a year ago in upstate NY by New
Rochelle Parks Foreman, Brian O’Rourke who said, "I've had my eye on thisparticular tree since last year. You have to think ahead, as I've already
selected our tree for next year and will visit it next October to make sureit’s the one. Cutting down the annual tree has become a wonderful tradition for
our Parks Team."
The Songcatchers will be there to lead the crowd in singing traditionalholiday songs from each culture beginning at 5:30 PM. The lighting ceremony
will take place at 6 PM with New Rochelle’s Mayor Noam Bramson and JenniferLanser of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce. The event closes with
Santa arriving with his friends, the New Rochelle Fire Department immediatelyafter the lighting.
The ceremony is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served
basis. This year’s tree was sponsored by The Beechmont Tavern and Hot Chocolatewill be provided by Alicia’s Bakery. Please mark your calendars and join us for
this fun, family friendly event.