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Thanksgiving is a week away, but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Come December 4, it'll look pretty much entirely like Christmas after Central Park is illuminated for the 18th Annual Dana Holiday Lighting. The Central Park Conservancy is throwing a free celebration full of live ice carving, caroling, cocoa, cookies and, of course, Santa (who could keep him away when there are cookies and cocoa to be had?). The finale? The lighting of the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center and a flotilla of 17 Christmas trees on the Harlem Meer. Bask in the glow!
The Mistletones, a band known as "hipster carolers" who have shared the stage with the likes of Kermit the Frog and Boyz II Men, will lead the caroling and serve as arch-chancellors of holiday cheer. Attendees are invited to share in the songs and belt out tinsel-tunes as the lights flicker on. Have no fear if your memory of the second verse of "Silent Night" is a little rusty, though—song books will be distributed.
As for ice carving, the storied Okamoto Studios from Long Island City will be showcasing two of their frozen magna opera, including a nutcracker and a polar bear surfing on an iceberg. And then they'll show you how it's done, with a live ice carving demonstration.
To partake in the lighting celebration, just show up at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center on December 4 at 5:30pm.