Annual Tree Lighting Lights Up Park Slope For Small Business Saturday

PARK SLOPE, NY — Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue is set to glow this month with its much-anticipated annual tree lighting, the Business Improvement District announced.

This year’s annual tree lighting, which has previously capped the Open Streets season—when sections of Fifth Avenue close to cars so neighbors can dine, shop, and play—will once again take place on Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday, which highlights the impact of spending at local businesses, kicks off a season of “shop small” events. Created by American Express in 2010, the day falls between the major retail holiday Black Friday, which tends to favor national chains, and Cyber Monday, this year set for Dec. 1.

Since its launch in 2010, consumers have spent an estimated $163 billion at small businesses across all Small Business Saturdays. In New York State, small businesses make up 98 percent of all businesses and employ 40 percent of the private-sector workforce, according to figures from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office.

Small businesses—typically those with fewer than 500 employees—have provided two-thirds of all jobs over the past 25 years. According to the Labor Department, a partial collapse of these businesses could have serious consequences for the U.S. economy.

Park Slope’s tree lighting will take place Saturday, Nov. 29, with a celebration along Fifth Avenue from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The 30-foot tree is set to be lit at 5:15 p.m., officials said.

Here's what to know about the event:

WHERE: Fifth Avenue on the corner of Fourth Street

WHEN: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 29; Tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. sharp

WHAT: The family-friendly event will feature live music by Victor V. Gurbo with Mark Caserta, photos with Santa, bubbles from BubbleDad, Mexican hot chocolate from Chela and other fun holiday activities.

WHO: Organized by the Park Slope 5th Avenue Business Improvement District.