Manhattan Festival of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony
Visitors gather to watch an aerial drone light show followed by the lighting of the holiday tree. Guests can meet Santa, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, sit by the fire, and stroll around the lighting displays. Spectators can also tune into a local FM frequency to hear music synchronized with the display.
What to Expect
Features an aerial drone light show and FM radio-synchronized music.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Whoville, Inc.
Food & Drink
Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies are offered at the event.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Low
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free; no tickets needed.
- Hours: Displays turn on at dusk each evening. On Opening Night, the drone show is at 7:00 PM sharp, followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
- Parking: Parking is available in nearby public lots, the parking garage, and on surrounding streets.
- Accessibility: The plaza features paved paths, ramps, and nearby ADA parking.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early on opening night to get a good view of the aerial drone show, which starts right on time before the tree lighting.
- Bring a portable FM radio tuned to 88.1 FM so you can hear the music synced to the lights.
- Leave time to find a spot in the nearby public lots, the parking garage or the surrounding streets around Blue Earth Plaza.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, though you can warm up by the fire with a free hot chocolate.
- Tag #MHKFestivalOfLights when you post your photos and videos so the festival can share them.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening Night features a 7 PM aerial drone show followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
- The event is free, and no tickets are needed.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring kids and a stroller?
Yes. It's family-friendly and stroller-friendly, and the more the merrier.
What is there to do besides watching the tree light up?
You can visit Santa, sip hot chocolate, wander the lighting displays and sit by the fire.
Is there food or drink?
Yes. Volunteers hand out free hot chocolate and cookies.
How do I hear the music that goes with the show?
Tune any FM radio to 88.1 FM to hear the synchronized music while the tree lights up.
How can I volunteer on opening night?
Volunteers are needed for about three hours on November 27. Roles include handing out hot chocolate and cookies, welcoming guests, helping Santa, set-up and cleanup, and behind-the-scenes production help. Email whovillemanhattan@gmail.com to sign up.
More Christmas Events Near Manhattan
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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