Park Slope Christmas Tree To Be Lit On 'Small Business Saturday'

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — The first Christmas tree lighting in New York City will take place on Saturday evening in Park Slope.

The neighborhood's Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District will host the tree-lighting ceremony at 5:45 p.m. on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street.

A host of small businesses along the corridor will also be offering specials and sales so Park Slopers can kick off their holiday shopping locally.

"The vitality of our small businesses is what makes Park Slope 5th Avenue so special, especially for the holidays when you're searching for unique gifts for all the people in your life," Mark Caserta, the executive director of the Park Slope 5th Avenue Business Improvement District, said in a statement.

"Our 520 small businesses have everything - classes ranging from kickboxing to painting, shops featuring fashion, home decor, jewelry, wine, specialty foods, baby clothes and toys and gifts for the whole family. Our tree lighting is the perfect way to kick off Small Business Saturday and the holiday season."

The tree-lighting will feature free hot cider and treats from local businesses along with live music from Urban Choir Project and BK Women's Songwriting Lab.

Costumed characters will be around for the festivities, including Santa "cruising the avenue in a vintage pink Cadillac," the BID says.

You can see a full list of Small Business Saturday specials from Fifth Avenue businesses here.

Hopefully the tree fares better than it did two years ago, when someone cut the cords that powered the tree's lights.

Photo courtesy Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business improvement District