Christmas parades 2026New York City · The Big Apple

Christmas parades and tree lightings in New York City, 2026.

We found three Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around New York City with 2026 dates: three tree lightings and lighting nights, all free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?No 2026 parade posted yet.Not yetWhen’s the tree lighting?Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: Dec 2 · 7–10pm. Plus 2 more.3 lightingsIs it free?Every one listed here is free to watch.3 freeDaytime or after dark?0 daytime, 3 in the evening. Each card is marked.3 evening

Last checked · 3 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

2DecWedRockefeller Center Christmas Tree LightingTree lighting · 7–10pm3DecThuDumbo Holiday Tree LightingTree lighting · 4–7pm8DecTueWashington Square Tree LightingTree lighting · 6pm–7pm

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around NYC

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

No 2026 Christmas parade posted here yet. We check parade organizers every week through early December.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near NYC

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Dec3Thu

Dumbo Holiday Tree Lighting

Dumbo Archway and Pearl Plaza · Dumbo, Brooklyn

Tree lightingFreeEvening
Time
4–7pm; tree lit at 5:30pm
Price
Free

Good to know: Santa and elves, a photo booth, student performances, cocoa and treats. Bring an unwrapped toy for the 84th Precinct toy drive.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec8Tue

Washington Square Tree Lighting

Washington Square Park, under the Arch · Greenwich Village

Tree lightingFreeEvening
Time
6pm–7pm
Price
Free

Good to know: Brass quartet and carols with songbooks handed out. Santa leads the countdown and brings candy canes. Carols return under the Arch on Christmas Eve at 5pm.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s added

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Keep planning

More for little kids in NYC

November: things to do in NYCEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in NYCEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in NYCFree days, free events and places that never chargeIndoor play in NYCIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with pricesIce skating in NYCHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and pricesThanksgiving weekend in NYCParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayNoon Year’s Eve in NYCKid-friendly countdowns, home by napChristmas trains in NYCPolar Express, Santa and lights trains with datesThe Nutcracker in NYCBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas markets in NYCChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in NYCWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1This week in NYCDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

Christmas parades in New York City: the FAQ

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center: Wed, Dec 2, 2026, 7–10pm. Dumbo Holiday Tree Lighting at Dumbo Archway and Pearl Plaza: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, 4–7pm; tree lit at 5:30pm. Washington Square Tree Lighting at Washington Square Park, under the Arch: Tue, Dec 8, 2026, 6pm–7pm.

All of the ones we list are free to watch: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, Dumbo Holiday Tree Lighting and Washington Square Tree Lighting. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in NYC that weekend, parades included.

New York City skyline