Christmas, Hanukkah Events On The UES: Menorah & Tree Lightings, More

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — There are plenty of things going on around the Upper East Side 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 on and around the Upper East Side are:

• Grand Menorah at Carl Schurz Park
• Menorah Lighting at Chabad of Midtown
• Ice Menorah on Fifth Avenue at Chabad of Midtown

Christmas tree lights occur:

• Carl Schurz Park Tree Lighting
• Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting
• Park Avenue 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 in New York City, the parade will be livestreamed on NBC and Peacock, the network’s streaming service, from 8:30 a.m. to noon Eastern Time.

Parades near the Upper East Side may not be able to match that in size, but the heart behind them is just as big. Parades and events to catch here at home include:

• Roosevelt Island Holiday Trail

Holiday lighting displays are another holiday favorite. Some to catch near the Upper East Side are

• Central Park Holiday Lighting
• Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
• Rolfs German Restaurant
• Papillon Bistro & Bar
• Winter Village at Bryant Park