Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Queens: Menorah & Tree Lightings, More

QUEENS, NY — There are plenty of things going on around Queens to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Dec. 15. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the season.

Menorah lightings in Queens are:

• Vernon Mall Menorah Lighting
• Gentry Plaza Skate Park Menorah Lighting
• Astoria Park Menorah Lighting

Christmas tree lights occur:

• Winter Wonder at Queens Botanical Garden
• Woodhaven BID Tree Lighting
• Central Astoria Local Development Coalition Lighting
• Athens Square Park Tree Lighting

Christmas parades, often complete with Santa Claus, festively decorated floats and marching bands, are a holiday tradition, both nationally and locally.

Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a bucket list item for many families. If you can’t be there in person, the parade will be livestreamed on NBC and Peacock, the network’s streaming service, from 8:30 a.m. to noon Eastern Time.

Holiday lighting displays are another holiday favorite. Some to catch near Queens are:

• Whitestone Merchants Association Holiday Light Fundraiser
• Queens County Farm - Illuminate the Farm
• Winter Lantern Festival