The Manhattan Times

Holiday Events

CLOTH starts the holiday season with Christmas tree lighting

A formal rendition of Carol of the Bells and a spontaneous rendition of Feliz Navidad welcomed the Dec. 3 start of Winter Lights, a roughly month-long lighting of the Broadway malls between W. 155th Street and W. 170th Street.

Roughly 100 people crammed into Ilka Tanya Payan Triangle Park on Broadway near W. 157th Street for the annual lighting of a decorated Christmas tree. Guests munched on donuts and sipped hot beverages while kids raced around the tree playing tag.

After greetings from sponsors Community League of the Heights Executive Director Yvonne Stennett, Broadway United Business President Emmanuel Osuyah and 33rd Police Precinct Commander Joseph Dowling, Stennett started a 10-second countdown to the lighting, followed by cheers after the white lights of the tree snapped on, illuminating the entire park.

The 15 blocks of lights cost about $9,000 for the month. So far the Broadway Mall Association, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital have all chipped in to provide the lighting.

Upcoming Holiday Events:

Sat., Dec. 12, 10 a.m.- 3p.m.

Christmas Fair at Our Savior’s Atonement Lutheran Church

Outdoor tree lot, handmade gifts, baked goods.

178 Bennett Avenue at W. 189th Street

Sun., Dec. 13, 4:30 p.m.

OperaOggiNY, Cornerstone Center

Free Christmas carol concert by vocal soloists from OperaOggiNY.

Soprano Jennifer Lindshield, mezzo-soprano LaToya Lain, tenor Mario Arevalo, and bass Nathan Baer will sing solo selections from the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah, as well as favorite Christmas songs and carols.

178 Bennett Avenue at W. 189th Street

Thu., Dec. 17

5:30p.m.-7:30p.m.
I.S. 52 Supports the Arts with the Winter Holiday Happening

A showcase of the arts featuring student work in a variety of mediums.

Event begins at 5:30pm with a visual arts presentation, followed at 6p.m. by a holiday performance featuring music, singing, drama, and dance.
650 Academy Street at Broadway