The holidays simply cannot begin without the festivity of the Park Avenue Tree Lighting at Brick Presbyterian Church. Friends and families gather to heartily sing and call out the count down that illuminates of two and a half miles of holiday trees in the wintry night. It is a spectacle that cannot be missed. Our mighty metropolis is transformed into a small town community where bundled neighbors exchange good cheer and blessings of the season.
On Sunday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 pm continues the 70 year old tradition which began when several Park Avenue families wanted a special way to honor those men and women who died in World War II. In the early days, the cost of the Tree Lighting was underwritten by a few families, but now this sparkling display is made possible each year by contributions to The Fund for Park Avenue. Today the iridescent trees remain a symbol of peace and a reminder of the sacrifices made to attain it, in celebration of New York’s Holiday Season.
For what to wear to these most joyous holiday fetes, we went shopping to find just the right ensemble to keep us toasty while caroling and primed for the parties up and down Park Avenue. First up – the brilliant red pleated midi skirt, topped by a ruffled sweater or a eye-popping dotted blouse. Faux fur is gaining popularity and we found these two beauties to wrap yourself with panache. Normally, I avoid logos but this Valentino Belts is an exception and exceptional. It is reversible and oh so versatile. On you feet – tall or short boots and top it off with a cozy chapeau!
Mad for plaid? I found this awesome pair of Manolo’s – a true investment to wear year after year.
It wouldn’t be the Tree Lighting without my fave photo of Roger Webster and Barbara McLaughlin, President of Fund for Park Avenue, taken by Annie Watt. Roger, we still miss you!
The Fund for Park Avenue is responsible for planting and maintaining the trees and flowers on the Park Avenue Malls between 54th and 86th Streets through Park Avenue Malls Planting Project. The Fund also manages the annual Park Avenue Tree Lighting. Both programs are made possible by annual contributions from the community. In addition, The Fund’s Sculpture Advisory Committee works closely with NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks Program to present a variety of temporary sculpture exhibitions on the Park Avenue Malls.
