Holidays in Lincoln Square

Experience the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District's Magical Lights at our nightly light and sound shows!

Holidays in Lincoln Square began with the Magical Lights Ceremony as we turned on the lights and enjoyed live music and family fun at Dante Park. Holidays in Lincoln Square continued with the BID’s WinteRamble—an illuminated neighborhood procession led by Processional Arts Workshop—in which the community gathered to make mini lanterns, carry icicle lanterns, play thumb pianos, and walk alongside the iconic Frost Giant puppets as part of our neighborhood’s holiday tradition. On several nights in December, the Fabulous Fezziwigs delighted passersby throughout the neighborhood with festive caroling.

Whether taking in a seasonal performance at Lincoln Center, bringing the kids to the Big Apple Circus, dining out, or shopping for the latest styles, there’s more to enjoy in Lincoln Square! Stroll up Broadway after the nightly Star Show at The Shops at Columbus Circle to enjoy the enhanced holiday lighting across the BID’s ten Broadway Malls. You will be dazzled by our nightly light and sound shows at Dante and Richard Tucker Parks as they change color and respond to singing, clapping, music, and even the NYC soundscape, so be sure to visit as the whole neighborhood comes alive for the holidays with special events, activities, and entertainment!

Light and Sound Shows

Nightly

Dante Park (Broadway and 64th Street)
Richard Tucker Park (Broadway and 65th Street)

Join the excitement by visiting Lincoln Square BID’s Magical Lights in Dante and Richard Tucker Parks with nightly light and sound shows featuring audio-reactive lighting by Limbic Media. The interactive, immersive experience features hundreds of spectacular lights suspended from the branches of the London Plane trees surrounding the two parks and twinkle to the rhythm of a beat.

The Magical Lights at Dante Park also dance along to festive recordings from two of Lincoln Center’s iconic performing arts institutions: Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Metropolitan Opera. These nightly light and sound shows begin at 4:30pm.

Clap, sing along, or simply watch and enjoy the Magical Lights reacting to NYC’s soundscape and lively tunes throughout the winter. This dazzling display will lift spirits and bring even more warmth, color, and holiday magic to Lincoln Square!

Join the Lincoln Square BID in Supporting the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center

During these challenging times, join us this holiday season by supporting our longtime local partner, the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center, which is run by Goddard Riverside. Together, we can help our neighbors access the resources and services they need.

Make a Donation

Magical Lights Ceremony

Thursday, December 4, 4:30PM

Dante Park (Broadway & 64th Street)

We turned on the dazzling lights and kicked off the holiday season with our local elected and government officials, and board members. We heard inspiring remarks from Commissioner of NYC Department of Small Business Services Dynishal Gross, Manhattan Borough Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, and 20th Precinct’s Commanding Officer Inspector Candida Pun-Sullivan. New York City Council Member and LSBID Board Member Gale Brewer, and LSBID Board Member representing the Manhattan Borough President's Office Ashley Fischer, also joined us.

The fun began with a showcase of classic circus acts with a holiday flair. Kaufman Music Center's Special Music School Chorus added to the holiday cheer with a free performance. The concert choir featured high school vocal students from Kaufman’s K-12 public school, which provides students with an intensive music education program with fully-funded lessons, music classes, and ensembles along with academics. The choristers have collaborated with many acclaimed artists including the celebrated British ensemble VOCES8 and composers Caroline Shaw and Lisa Bielawa.

The festivities continued with dancing under the twinkling lights to live music by the Saints of Swing—an extraordinary collective of some of the tri-state area's finest performers specializing in eclectic selections of foot-tapping swing classics. This ultimate party band is big-time fun, and featured Jim Mola and Kati Mac on vocals, Grisha Alexiev on drums, Tim Ouimette on trumpet, Ken Foy on trombone, Dale DeMarco on saxophone, and Lew Scott on bass.

Rosa Mexicano and Le Botaniste offered delicious free samples of Mexican hot chocolate, churros, and cookies, too!

See snapshots of all the great moments from the Magical Lights Ceremony in our Flickr album!

WinteRamble

Wednesday, December 17, 5:00PM

Along the Sidewalks of Lincoln Square

The Lincoln Square BID celebrated the winter solstice at the fourth annual WinteRamble—an illuminated neighborhood procession of Frost Giant puppets led by Processional Arts Workshop. The procession meandered through the Lincoln Square neighborhood to the ethereal sounds of J.C. King’s Kalimbascope (a rolling ensemble of acoustically-enhanced thumb pianos). Hundreds of residents, neighbors, and visitors joined the procession to carry an icicle lantern, play a thumb piano, ring chimes, and enjoy the spectacle.

The procession also featured dozens of mini lanterns, which helpful volunteers made at our free workshop at TD Bank (Broadway and 62nd Street). Thanks to everyone who came out to illuminate the night and share an unforgettable time in Lincoln Square!

You can see fantastic photos from the WinteRamble on our Flickr.

The Fabulous Fezziwigs

The Fabulous Fezziwigs spread holiday cheer as they caroled their way through Lincoln Square! On seven winter nights, the carolers sang classic and modern renditions of holiday tunes in front of several storefronts and at Richard Tucker Park, delighting passersby and people on their evening commute.

The Fabulous Fezziwigs carolers reflect the festive spirit of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, hosts of the annual Christmas party that compelled even Ebenezer Scrooge to put down his work and celebrate in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Bedecked in gorgeous Victorian period attire, The Fabulous Fezziwigs have an uncanny ability to lift the spirits of diverse groups of people by bringing them together in carols of the season, from time-honored classics to contemporary favorites.