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.

TOP

Tree Lighting

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**
Time	Activity	Location
12:00 - 3:30 p.m.	Open Skating	Ice Rink
2:00 - 7:00 p.m.	Inside the Snow Globe with Cornerstone at the Plaza featuring a warming area and holiday concessions	Cornerstone at the Plaza
12:00 - 4:00 p.m.	Ice Sculpting by Ice Farm Syracuse	Ice Rink
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.	Carriage Rides	Plaza North End
2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 p.m.	Meet & Greet With Santa Claus	Cornerstone at the Plaza
1:15 - 3:15 p.m.	Rock-and-Skate with Band of Gold	Ice 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 14	Ice Rink
4:00 p.m.	TubaChristmas Performance	Plaza North End
4:30 p.m.	Demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club	Ice Rink
5:00 - 5:15 p.m.	Caroling with The Rusty Pipes	Plaza North End
5:15 p.m.	Official Ceremony, Tree Lighting, and Fireworks	Plaza North End
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.	Open Skating	Ice 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