Lights Up on Lincoln Square - A Series of Free Outdoor Performances, Holiday Festivities, and Immersive Experiences Throughout December
This season, we transformed Lincoln Square, the cultural heart of NYC, into a winter wonderland. As you visited Lincoln Square to shop, dine, work, and play, we hope you stopped by and enjoyed the sights and sounds of our neighborhood.
In Dante Park, the Lincoln Square Holiday Tree and the World of Marzell's Big Apple, Musical Tree, and Music Box were not to be missed. In the Broadway Malls, there was festive lighting featuring Tumbling Brights amid lighted trees. Our month-long series of free outdoor performances was music to your ears, and our programming culminated with a procession led by Processional Arts Workshop's Frost Giants.
Many of Lincoln Square's businesses, restaurants, and cultural organizations also had holiday events and activities, some of which you can see listed below. Your visit to Lincoln Square was surely one to remember!
World of Marzell's Big Apple, Musical Tree & Music Box
December 2022 - January 2023
We were excited to welcome The Big Apple, a Musical Tree, and Music Box by DIX au carré and urban art designer Felix Marzell to Dante Park.
New York is synonymous with millions of small and magical stories, and this Big Apple was designed to make visitors stop for a much-needed break or share a memorable moment with loved ones and friends.
The Music Box was a self-sustainable installation activated by human energy animating the northern tip of Dante Park. All you had to do was crank the handle and sing along to some all-time festive classics karaoke-style.
At the southern portion of Dante Park, the musical tree livened up the holiday season. Anyone could take center stage, follow the notes, and play Jingle Bells for all to hear.
The Big Apple, Musical Tree, and Music Box were on display at Dante Park on Broadway and 64th Street through January 2023.
Lincoln Square's Holiday Tree & Lighting
December 2022 - January 2023
This year, the Lincoln Square Holiday Tree was back in Dante Park between Broadway and Columbus Avenue at 63rd and 64th Streets. The tree, a Fraser Fir from Bliss, NY, was installed by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and featured unique ornaments from Color Me Mine, our local pottery studio, and thousands of LED lights.
Click here to check out photos from our hugely successful Tree Lighting on December 5, 2022, featuring CHIA's Dance Party and the Department of Spectacle.
Tumbling Brights - 15 ethereal figures tumbling up and down Broadway amid lighted trees once again illuminated the Broadway Mall interiors from 60th Street to 70th Street. Those who visited Lincoln Square through January 2023 enjoyed this whimsical holiday lighting along with our holiday tree at Dante Park.
WinteRamble with the Frost Giants at 5:00pm
Mini Lantern Workshop between 3:00pm - 5:00pm
December 21, 2022
We rang in the winter solstice with the WinteRamble - an illuminated community procession of Frost Giant puppets and icicle lanterns led by Processional Arts Workshop. The procession stepped off in front of 1886 Broadway (between 62nd St and 63rd St) at 5:00pm and meandered through the Lincoln Square neighborhood until 6:00pm to the ethereal sounds of J.C. King’s Kalimbascope, a rolling ensemble of acoustically-enhanced thumb pianos.
Volunteers created their own mini-lantern for the procession at a pop-up workshop, joined the Kalimbascope, carried icicle lanters, or simply joined in the procession.
Everyone was welcome to take part in this family-friendly event and watch and follow along as we celebrated winter’s arrival together.
Free Outdoor Performances
In Dante Park (Broadway at West 64th Street) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout December
Wednesday, December 7
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Renowned Saxophonist Eric Person continues to make a strong impression on the jazz scene. He has eleven CDs under his leadership, with his latest Blue Vison featuring his strong blues-inflected playing and composing. Eric's work as a leader is stylistically diverse and intrepid. He has also performed with a broad range of performers, such as jazz masters McCoy Tyner, Dave Holland, Chico Hamilton, Houston Person, Wallace Roney, and many others.
Thursday, December 8
4:00pm – 5:30pm
VocalSouL joined us to spread some musical cheer this year! From soulful interpretations of holiday favorites to the best of Motown, R&B, Rock, and Blues - VocalsouL is one of New York’s most respected and requested a cappella groups. Its members have worked with many A-List artists and have also appeared independently on a variety of TV shows, movies, and commercials. VocalsouL lifted up spirits through the universal language of music.
Friday, December 9
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Frank London and the Klezmer Brass Allstars
The Allstars returned for another performance bringing the original styles of klezmorim back to the Upper West Side. Brought together by Frank London, the group of musicians met at New York City's Knitting Factory bar to combine their knowledge, history, and talents. They threw back several cocktails in memory of the old traditions and uncovered secrets and tales of the incredible lost sounds, creating Frank London's Klezmer Brass Allstars.
*Rescheduled from Tuesday, December 6, due to rain*
Tuesday, December 13
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Back for a return engagement, listeners got their mariachi fix with these talented fan-favorite musicians right here in Lincoln Square.
Wednesday, December 14
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Gabriele Tranchina is a jazz singer whose music is peaceful and exhilarating at the same time. The texture of the music is transcendent, and an emotional connection is Gabriele’s priority with every note she sings. Some call it Latin Jazz, others call it Brazilian Jazz, and still others World-Influenced jazz.
Tuesday, December 20
3:45pm – 4:15pm
Kaufman Music Center Special Music School High School
Students from across the vocal department of Special Music School High School, under the musical direction of Will Roslak, helped spread the joy of the holidays with traditional caroling. Everyone was invited to stop on by and sing along!
Tuesday, December 20
4:30pm – 5:30pm
Yip's Dragon Style Chinese Lion Dance
Deeply rooted in Manhattan Chinatown, Yip's Dragon Style teaches traditional kung fu, tai chi, and lion dance. Lion dancers require the skills of a kung fu practitioner, including footwork and stances. The performers possess upper body strength, motor coordination, and stamina to maneuver a lion. Traditional Chinese percussion instruments accompanied the performance.
Tuesday, December 20
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Six13 is a groundbreaking, six-man a cappella vocal band that is bringing an unprecedented style and energy to Jewish music, with nothing but the power of the human voice. Juxtaposing the traditional and the contemporary, Six13 is anchored by a strong Jewish identity, fueled by soulful harmonies, intricate arrangements and their signature dynamic, full-band-like sound, and driven by a mission to connect Jews around the world with their heritage through music.
*Rescheduled from Thursday, December 15, due to rain*
Wednesday, December 21
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Bronte Roman's Jazz & Pop Ensemble
Bronte Roman, a native of Brooklyn, New York, has best been described as an exciting Vocalist and Performer of Contemporary Pop Hits and Jazz Standards. Leaning in toward her Hispanic heritage, she also includes a musical fusion of Latino Pop Hits in her repertoire. Whether she is singing for 1 or 1000, her infectious smile, vocal versatility, and engaging connection to her audience makes her a delight to watch and an unforgettable performer!
Thursday, December 22
4:00pm – 5:30pm
The Fabulous Fezziwigs reflect the festive spirit of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, hosts of an important and lovely party in the narrative of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Performing in gorgeous handmade Victorian period attire, the Fezziwigs presented songs styled for the season in a variety of formats, from time honored classics to contemporary favorites.
Rain dates for all performances were announced.
Follow us on social media for more announcements about the performances: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
More to Enjoy!
There were a number of ways to celebrate the holidays in Lincoln Square thanks to our local businesses, restaurants, and cultural organizations. Check out some of the neighborhood's holiday offerings below!
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® at New York City Ballet
Don’t miss your chance to treat your family – and yourself – to the magic of this enchanting holiday tradition
Mozart's The Magic Flute at The Metropolitan Opera
Enjoy a Holiday Presentation of Mozart's The Magic Flute at The Metropolitan Opera
Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Big Band Holidays
Celebrate the season with soulful, big band versions of holiday classics at an uplifting event perfect for the whole family
Holiday Treats from Chef Boulud
Go gourmet and indulge in goodies from Chef Daniel Boulud
Kiehl's Skincare Gifts & Sets for All
Visit Kiehl's at 154 Columbus Ave for skincare gift sets and limited editions for everyone at a great value
Magnolia Bakery's Holiday Gift Guide
Add ultimate sweetness to your holiday season
The Shops at Columbus Circle's Broadway Under the Stars
Get an exclusive chance to see performances with cast members from Broadway’s hottest musicals
December Events at Color Me Mine
Enjoy BOGO Tuesdays, Ornament Painting, Hanukkah Painting, Kids Night Out & More!
Festive Experiences at Nordstrom NYC
Visit Santa, Enjoy Merry Sips & Bites, Buy Gifts & More!
Electric Root Presents An Afrofuturistic Winter Wonderland
A celebration of community and love headlined by Michael Mwenso and the Shakes for a rocking, soul-satisfying selection of multi-denominational holiday classics
Young People’s Chorus of New York City Presents A Very Merry New York
Experience a holiday concert like no other with a fresh, exquisite spin to traditional holiday favorites, featuring 600 of YPC’s award-winning choristers
Baroque Christmas: Carols, Noëls, Villancicos, Chorales
Celebrate the holidays with EM/NY’s traditional, sold-out event featuring men’s voices and instruments performing anonymous English broadsides and Scottish airs
Holidays at the New York Philharmonic
See a performance of Handel’s Messiah, Holiday Brass, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ In Concert
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Peruse through glittering aisles of art, jewelry, home goods and delicious eats from local artisans and designers
Celebrating Hanukkah 2186 & Israel 75
Zamir Chorale and Zamir Noded perform holiday favorites and music from Israel to celebrate Hanukkah and Israel's 75th
Give a Gift, Get a Gift at The Smith
Give the gift of The Smith and get a gift for yourself! For every $100 spent on gift cards, get a $15 bonus card
Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad
Join Chabad of the W60s as they light their giant Menorah at Richard Tucker Park with live music, festive treats, and more!
Get a Bonus Gift at Lincoln Ristorante
For every $100 spent on gift cards, get a $25 bonus card FREE! Give the perfect Holiday gift & get a little something in return
Boulud Sud's Winter Wonderland
Enjoy a Mediterranian dining experience and toast the holiday season! Sip on various Champagne offerings, or imbibe in a seasonal sparkling cocktail, The Evergreen
Your Voices - A Kinetic Sculpture by Es Devlin
Visit the illuminated revolving sculpture from December 6–18, 2022 at Josie Robertson Plaza, and attend free public performances at 6:00 pm on December 6, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18
Music at Noon: Free Concert Series in December
Join Ethical Culture NYC each week in December for a free mid-day concert in historic Adler Hall
Note that there may have been more special deals and events for the holidays locally that are not listed here. Many of these discounts and deals end on December 31. Check back for updates and visit our Neighborhood Guide for a list of businesses and cultural organizations in Lincoln Square.
Do you know about a special holiday deal or event in Lincoln Square that's not listed here? Let us know about it by emailing us at info@lincolnsquarebid.org!