Bryant Park’s tree lighting is the friendlier, more manageable cousin of the Rockefeller Center ceremony. The tree stands over the rink at Bank of America Winter Village, and the free celebration usually includes live music and a skating performance on the ice before the lights switch on.
The 2026 lighting is expected on Tuesday, December 1, the evening before the Rockefeller Center tree is lit. Bryant Park confirms the exact schedule and performers in November.
Quick Facts
| Expected date | Tuesday, December 1, 2026 (confirm at bryantpark.org) |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Where | Bryant Park, Sixth Ave between 40th and 42nd Sts, Manhattan |
| Subway | B/D/F/M to 42 St–Bryant Park; 7 to 5 Av |
| Also here | Winter Village holiday shops (through Jan 3, 2027) and the free-admission rink |
What to Expect
The ceremony takes place at the rink, with skaters performing under the lights before a countdown. Viewing is from around the rink and the surrounding terraces. Arrive 45 minutes early for a decent spot. Afterward the holiday shops stay open, so you can browse the kiosks with hot chocolate in hand.
Explore Winter Village
Read our full Bryant Park Winter Village guide for rink hours, skate rentals and the best food stalls. The Rockefeller Center tree is a 10-minute walk north, and the Grand Central Holiday Train Show and holiday fair are two blocks east.
About Bank of America Winter Village
Winter Village transforms Bryant Park, the green space behind the New York Public Library’s main branch, into a holiday destination each season. The tree stands at the edge of the rink with the library and Midtown towers around it. After the lighting, the rink stays open late and the shops are open for browsing.
Tree Lighting Tips
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before the lighting for a good view.
- Dress warmly; you’ll be standing outside after dark.
- Follow the organizers’ social media on the day for any weather changes.
- Stay a few minutes after the countdown, when crowds thin and the tree is easier to photograph.
More Tree Lightings
See every ceremony in our NYC tree lightings guide, and our full Winter Village guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bryant Park tree lighting 2026?
It is expected on Tuesday, December 1, 2026. Bryant Park announces the official date and lineup in November.
Is the Bryant Park tree lighting free?
Yes, it is a free public event.
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