Looking Back at Magical Lights Kickoff 2024

The holiday season is in full swing in Lincoln Square! On December 3, the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District kicked off our annual Magical Lights programming at Dante Park (Broadway and 64th Street). The event featured dazzling lights, festive performances, and a strong sense of community spirit (see great photos here!).

Residents and visitors alike gathered, eager to witness the lighting of the park’s eight iconic London Plane trees adorned with interactive, audio-reactive lights from Limbic Media. The evening began with a heartwarming performance by the Kaufman Music Center’s Special Music School Chorus, whose harmonies set a festive tone. Attendees were also treated to captivating circus performances by The Department of Spectacle, featuring jugglers, a unicyclist, and a stilt walker. Rosa Mexicano kept spirits high with complimentary Mexican hot chocolate. Glowsticks and kazoos were given out to children to help them join in on the fun.

WABC-TV’s Nina Pineda and Chief Meteorologist Lee Goldberg emceed the event, joined by New York City Council Member Gale Brewer; Manhattan Borough Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura; Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services Dynishal Gross; Deputy Manhattan Borough President Aya Keefe; the 20th Precinct’s Commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector Candida Pun Sullivan; LSBID Assistant Treasurer, local resident, and EVP of Global Holdings Wendy Mosler; LSBID Board Member and Owner of Color Me Mine Claudia Martinez-Azzara; LSBID Board members Suzanne Davis and Gerry Creamer; Pete Diaz from Community Board 4; Eleni DeSiervo from Lincoln Center; and Lincoln Square BID President Monica Blum, who emphasized the community-building spirit of the tradition.

The night reached its apex as children led the countdown to the lighting, followed by a confetti shower and jubilant cheers as a light snow fell and the lights came to life. The Saints of Swing’s lively tunes kept the celebration going. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

The Magical Lights will illuminate both Dante (Broadway and 64th Street) and Richard Tucker (Broadway and 65th Street) parks throughout the season, so be sure to come back to relive the magic. This year’s expanded attractions in Dante Park include nightly recordings from Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera, with the lights reacting dynamically to the melodies. Additional events, including caroling with the Fabulous Fezziwigs (December 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 17, and 19) and the 3rd annual WinteRamble procession (December 18), promise more holiday magic throughout the month.

Photo Credit: Filip Wolak