Harlem Holiday Lights

The holiday energy in Harlem is bigger and brighter than ever this year as the 125th Street Business Improvement District, which has been revitalizing Harlem's cultural scene by promoting the arts, entertainment, dining, and business community for over 30 years, kicks off the holiday season with the 30th anniversary of Harlem Holiday Lights, a free public event on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 (rain date on November 21, 2023) featuring New York City’s only parade of lights beginning at 6 p.m.

The parade, which has evolved from simple street decorations to a moving illuminated showcase that transforms the whole neighborhood, will integrate local businesses and community members, welcoming New Yorkers and visitors from all over the globe to experience the vibrancy, culture, and sounds of Harlem. Featuring 15 magically lit-up floats, the parade will assemble at 125th Street and Broadway, traveling throughout the neighborhood. In addition to the parade, the neighborhood will glow with a variety of activations and experiences for locals and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, including musical entertainment, dance performances, parade watch parties, refreshments, giveaways, and special promotions with local businesses, a mural project and so much more. The parade route and map can be viewed here. 

New this year, thanks to generous funding from New York City Department of Small Business Services, the 125th St. BID will introduce five “Singing Trees” spaced out across the district, designed by Limbic Media, to bring the neighborhood to life through the holidays and beyond. The singing trees include unique lighting color spectacles and patterns, with each block along the five-block corridor paying tribute to different musical genres celebrating the diverse sounds of Harlem, from Jazz and Hip Hop to Old School, R&B, and Classical, all integrated into programming. 

The trees will allow visitors to sing and support nearby local businesses even beyond the holidays through the “Shine On Harlem Challenge” as the trees remain active through March 2023, and visitors can use the Vibemap to navigate the sights, sounds, and nearby sales of 125th St. The Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance Youth Orchestra and NYPD Explorers will also join the parade this year as ambassadors for the Singing Trees.

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