Madison Square Park Tree Lighting

In 1912, this park lit the first community Christmas tree in America. According to the park's conservancy, a wealthy local organized the ceremony when a visitor told him of "his loneliness...during the holiday season." The lighting retains its neighborly vibe, with a performance by AudraRox and the New York Life Singers. Stick around for the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership’s second annual Ugliest Sweater Competition (6:30pm); prospective participants can sign up at flatironcheerugliestsweater.eventbrite.com.