Washington Square Park Christmas Tree 2025 New York City
The Washington Square Park Christmas Tree is one of the most iconic holiday trees in downtown New York City. Placed each year right under the historic Washington Square Arch, this tall, beautifully lit evergreen transforms the heart of Greenwich Village into a festive wonderland. Surrounded by jazz musicians, local choirs, and the unmistakable charm of the West Village, the tree has become a neighborhood favorite and a must-see for Christmas lovers.
Unlike the massive crowds at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, or the luxury setting of the Lotte New York Palace Tree, the Christmas tree in Washington Square Park offers a more intimate, soulful holiday experience. It’s especially magical during the tree lighting ceremony, when the arch frames the twinkling lights against the Manhattan skyline.
In this guide, you’ll learn when the tree lights up in 2025, where to find it, and why it belongs on every Christmas itinerary.
Explore more in our Christmas in New York 2025 guide, check all key dates in our Holiday Season Calendar, and follow the magic on Instagram.
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Where Is the Washington Square Park Christmas Tree in NYC?
The Washington Square Park Christmas Tree stands proudly beneath the grand Washington Square Arch, right at the north end of the park in Greenwich Village. This is where Fifth Avenue meets Washington Square North, creating one of the most iconic viewpoints in New York City. On a clear winter night, you can even see the Empire State Building glowing in the distance, perfectly aligned behind the arch and tree.
The location is not only easy to find but also magical. Especially when it snows. Picture festive lights twinkling through flurries, jazz musicians playing holiday tunes, and the scent of roasted chestnuts drifting from nearby vendors. It’s pure New York Christmas charm.
You can reach the park easily by subway via the West 4th Street station (A, C, E, B, D, F, M lines) or the Christopher Street Sheridan Square stop on the 1 train.
Whether you’re visiting in the quiet of the morning or under the evening lights, the Christmas tree in Washington Square Park delivers holiday magic with a downtown twist.
Washington Square Park Christmas Tree Lighting 2025
The Washington Square Park Christmas Tree Lighting should be scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2025, typically around 5:00 PM. If the schedule follows previous years, this is the most likely date and time. However, it’s always best to check the official Washington Square Association website closer to the date for final confirmation.
This charming event began in 1924, making it one of the oldest public Christmas tree lightings in New York City. Each year, locals and visitors gather under the iconic Washington Square Arch to sing carols, sip hot drinks, and watch the tree come to life.
The ceremony is usually accompanied by live music, choirs, and a classic countdown. The tree glows brightly under the arch, perfectly framed with the Empire State Building visible in the distance.
Unlike bigger tree lighting events, this one feels small, joyful, and community-focused. There are no barricades or massive crowds. Just a warm and festive atmosphere.
When snow falls during the ceremony, it transforms the scene into a Christmas postcard. It’s one of the most magical ways to kick off the holiday season in Greenwich Village.
To plan your night, explore our full NYC Christmas Calendar or see our guide to other major events like the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting.
Is The Christmas Tree Lit Every Night?
Yes, once the tree is officially lit, the Washington Square Park Christmas Tree remains illuminated every night through the holiday season. In 2025, the lighting is expected to take place on Thursday, December 12, during the annual public ceremony under the arch.
After the event, the tree lights turn on automatically at dusk each evening and stay glowing until late at night. You don’t need to attend the lighting to enjoy the view. The tree is fully decorated and lit every day through early January, making it a perfect stop on any December evening walk in the Village.
There’s no strict schedule published for the daily lighting hours (usually between 4pm and 1am), but from past years, the tree usually turns on just before sunset. Whether you visit before dinner or after exploring nearby decorations, the tree will be shining.
To see when other holiday trees across the city are lit, check our full NYC Christmas Calendar.
Do You Need Tickets for the Christmas Tree Lighting?
No, the Washington Square Park Christmas Tree Lighting is completely free and open to the public. You do not need tickets or a reservation. The tradition dates back to 1924 and has always remained a community event hosted by local organizations like the Washington Square Association.
Anyone can attend the lighting, which usually takes place around 5:00 PM. Just show up a bit early to find a good spot under the arch. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming. Caroling, live music, and the countdown make it feel festive without the need for large security setups or restricted areas like at other NYC tree lightings.
Since the park is small, it’s best to arrive 15–30 minutes before the ceremony starts. Bring something warm to drink, and enjoy the neighborhood vibe.
Can You See the Empire State Building from Washington Square Park?
Yes, and it’s one of the most iconic views in the city. Standing at the northern end of Washington Square Park, right under the arch, you can look straight up Fifth Avenue and see the Empire State Building in the distance. At Christmas, this view is even more magical. Especially at night when both the tree and the building are lit.
Many visitors take photos from this exact angle. The Washington Square Arch perfectly frames the Empire State Building, with the Christmas tree glowing below. It’s one of the best holiday photo spots in New York City.
This location has been featured in several films and is a highlight on our New York Movie Tour with a Christmas Twist, which explores real filming locations across Manhattan.
If you’re visiting for the holidays, be sure to stop by after sunset. You’ll get the full effect of the lights, the skyline, and the festive atmosphere.
Why the Washington Square Christmas Tree Is Worth Seeing
The Washington Square Park Christmas Tree may not be the tallest in New York City, but it’s one of the most atmospheric. What makes it special isn’t size, it’s setting. The glowing tree stands directly beneath the marble Washington Square Arch, creating a picture-perfect holiday scene. At night, you can see the Empire State Building rising behind it, completing one of the most iconic Christmas views in the city.
This tree is also about tradition. It has been lighting up the park since 1924, making it one of New York’s oldest holiday traditions. The local feel, live caroling, and historic location make it a favorite among Greenwich Village residents and in-the-know visitors.
If you’re looking for a quieter, more romantic alternative to the Rockefeller Center Tree, this is it. There are no barricades, no massive crowds, just a peaceful holiday glow in the heart of the Village.
Nearby cafés, jazz music in the park, and the festive spirit of NYU students walking by add to the charm. It feels like stepping into a Christmas card from old New York.
Washington Square Park: Famous Films, History, and Year-Round Charm
Washington Square Park is more than just a holiday destination. It’s one of the most iconic parks in New York City, with a long history of protests, performances, and pop culture moments. The Washington Square Park Christmas Tree brings festive magic each December, but the park remains a must-visit location all year round.
Over the years, many famous movies and TV shows have filmed here. Films like When Harry Met Sally, I Am Legend, August Rush, and Inside Llewyn Davis all feature the arch and surrounding park. Even shows like Gossip Girl and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel have used it as a backdrop. Its view up Fifth Avenue toward the Empire State Building makes it one of the most cinematic spots in the city.
We even visit this exact location on our New York Movie Tour with a Christmas Twist. It’s a fun way to experience the park through the lens of your favorite films, while also discovering more iconic movie locations across Manhattan.
Beyond its film fame, the park stays lively in every season. Street performers, artists, activists, and NYU students keep it buzzing with energy. In spring, you’ll see cherry blossoms. In summer, kids splash in the fountain. And in fall, the leaves turn golden and frame the arch beautifully.
No matter when you go, Washington Square Park offers a uniquely creative and welcoming atmosphere. And at Christmas, it shines a little brighter.
Things to Do Around Washington Square Park at Christmas
After visiting the Washington Square Park Christmas Tree, take time to explore the festive charm of Greenwich Village. This downtown neighborhood is one of the best places in New York City to soak up a cozy, local Christmas atmosphere.
You can start with a holiday stroll down MacDougal Street, just steps from the arch. It’s lined with historic bars, tiny jazz clubs, and cafes decorated with fairy lights. Grab a hot chocolate from a local bakery, or duck into a bookstore for a quiet break from the cold.
The area is perfect for slow wandering. Tree-lined streets are dotted with brownstones wrapped in garlands and wreaths. On weekends, you might hear live music in the park or see carolers performing near the arch.
Just a short walk away, you’ll find charming shops in SoHo, or you can head west toward the West Village for even more festive streets and boutique shopping.
Want to see more without the stress of planning? Our New York Movie Tour with a Christmas Twist is a great way to explore the best film locations downtown, including Washington Square.
Whether you visit by day or night, the Village offers an unforgettable slice of New York at Christmas.
Plan Your Visit: Tips, Safety & Transportation
The Washington Square Park Christmas Tree is easy to visit and one of the most charming free attractions in New York City during the holidays. The park is located in Greenwich Village, at the base of Fifth Avenue. To get there, take the subway to West 4th Street, 8th Street–NYU, or Christopher Street. All stations are just a short walk from the northern entrance, where the tree stands beneath the iconic arch.
The best time to visit is just after sunset, when the city lights begin to glow and the Empire State Building shines in the distance. Early mornings are also ideal if you prefer a quiet atmosphere or want to take photos without crowds.
Washington Square Park is a safe and lively neighborhood year-round. It gets even more festive in December thanks to NYU students, street musicians, and the cozy charm of nearby cafés. That said, if you’re visiting after dark, especially in winter, it’s always helpful to join a guided bus tour for comfort, safety, and time-saving.
We offer several curated Christmas tours in New York City with exclusive perks like reserved seating, skip-the-line access, and free hot chocolate at Bryant Park. They’re a great way to see multiple trees and decorations, including Washington Square, without the stress of planning.
