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!
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 - 2:30 p.m. | Rock-and-Skate with Band of Gold | 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 |
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