If there is a time to be a tourist and surrounded by a sea of puffy coats in New York, it is during the holidays. Late November and December in New York feel so much more festive than anywhere else. Tonight was no exception.
Tonight was Madison Square Holiday, Madison Square Garden’s annual tree lighting event. The entire park was decorated with fairy lights and fake ornaments, and there was a pathway leading through Gingerbread Boulevard, courtesy of Taste of Home Magazine. Attendees were instructed to Shazam (a music-recognizing app that now includes pictures) pictures of the signs next to the houses to be led on a virtual tour. Sadly, there seemed to be a glitch in the system and not everyone’s phones would cooperate.
Taste of Home also had a booth set up that was giving away free booklets of recipes. Other booths sold hot chocolate and snacks.
The tree lighting itself took place at 4:52 p.m. and everyone cheered the moment the switch was flipped. Most people cleared out within 15 minutes of the lighting, but others hung around. Children’s band Audra Rox sang funky versions of classic holiday tunes, like “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, “Frosty the Snowman” and “Jingle Bells.” Old and young folks alike bopped around while sipping hot chocolate and basking in the glow of the tree.
Anyone wanting to experience a tree lighting for the first time should check out this event next year. It is a low-key festive environment that allows a quick entrance and exit. Consider it a small step toward bracing the chaos of the Rockefeller Center tree lighting.
