Tompkins Square Park Tree Lighting: What You Need To Know

EAST VILLAGE, NY — Trees throughout New York City are being illuminated in time for the holiday season, and the towering evergreen in Tompkins Square Park is next on the list.

The annual Tompkins Square Park tree lighting will kick off with a ceremony on Sunday at 4 p.m.

The evening will include carolers, thanks to performances from the Carolers of Olde New York, from the Theatre for the New City, and the Mandel and Lydon Trio.

Unlike other tree lightings throughout the city, East Villagers string lights on an existing park tree instead of hauling one in from upstate. The towering evergreen was planted in 1992 in the memory of Glenn Barnett and other neighbors who have died of AIDS. Barnett was an East Village local and a fierce advocate for the park's value to the community before he died in 1992.

The East Village staple Veselka Restaurant is providing refreshments for the evening.

Dozens of businesses near the park will also have special deals on Sunday to celebrate the tree lighting.

Image credit: Sean Gallup / Staff / Getty Images News