The Empire State Plaza holiday tree lit in colorful lights with fireworks exploding in the background.

New York State Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival

Presented by Highmark Blue Shield | Sunday, December 8 | 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Celebrate the Season
New York State Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival 
Presented by Highmark Blue Shield
December 8, 2024
12:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Empire State Plaza and Cornerstone at the Plaza

Celebrate the season at the beautiful Empire State Plaza with FREE activities including the official ceremony and tree lighting, fireworks, demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, carvings by The Ice Farm, performances by Tuba Christmas, eggnog and coffee samples from Stewart’s Shops, photo opportunities with Santa Claus at Cornerstone at the Plaza, and more!

 

 

Schedule of Activities
TimeActivityLocation
12:00 - 3:30 p.m.Open SkatingIce Rink
2:00 - 7:00 p.m.Inside the Snow Globe with Cornerstone at the Plaza featuring a warming area and holiday concessionsCornerstone at the Plaza
12:00 - 4:00 p.m.Ice Sculpting by Ice Farm SyracuseIce Rink
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.Carriage RidesPlaza North End
2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 p.m.Meet & Greet With Santa ClausCornerstone at the Plaza
1:15 - 3:15 p.m.Rock-and-Skate with Band of GoldIce Rink
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.Visit with Albany FireWolves mascot Alphie for a chance to get free tickets to their "Happy Howlidays" game on December 14Ice Rink
4:00 p.m.TubaChristmas PerformancePlaza North End
4:30 p.m.Demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating ClubIce Rink
5:00 - 5:15 p.m.Caroling with The Rusty PipesPlaza North End
5:15 p.m.Official Ceremony, Tree Lighting, and FireworksPlaza North End
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Open SkatingIce Rink
All the Snacks
Food Trucks, Concession & More!
Pomme De Terre

Sliders
Poutine
Fries
Chicken Tenders
All Beef Hot Dogs
Grilled Cheese
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Winter Pear Crisp
Churro Waffle
Jumbo Cinnamon Bun
Hot and Cold Beverages

Mosall’s Grove

Cider Donuts made-to-order
Fried Dough
Hot Cider, Coffee, Cocoa

 

Junior's Food Truck

Philly Cheesesteaks
Italian Sausages
Burgers
Popcorn Chicken

Logans on the Concourse

Open 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

Cornerstone on the Plaza

Open 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Concession
Specialty beverages
Sweets & treats

 

Herbies Burgers 

Open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

Parking
FREE Parking Available in the Visitor's Lot
Starting at 11:00 a.m.
Opt-In to Emergency Notifications
For emergency notifications during this event, text ESPHTL to 888777.
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