Harlem’s parade of lights kicks off the holiday season in NYC
Photo credit: 125th Street BID
While Macy’s may get all the credit, the holiday season really kicks off in Harlem. On November 18, the 125th Street Business Improvement District will host its annual Harlem Holiday Lights celebration, the only holiday lights parade in New York City. A procession of dazzling illuminated floats will travel throughout the neighborhood, with designated watch parties along the route offering hot drinks, music, toys for children, games, and more holiday cheer.
This year’s theme is “Culture, Community, and Connections” to celebrate the neighborhood and the work of the 125th Street BID to bring together residents across generations. There will be more than 20 floats, two firetrucks, and a Department of Sanitation vehicle participating in the procession.
The parade will feature two grand marshals: actor and philanthropist Malik Yoba and the Apollo Theater, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
“As somebody who grew up in Harlem, worked my paper route in Harlem as a kid, performed at The Apollo Theater, shot movies and TV shows in Harlem, who proudly walks the streets as a native son and receives love like no other place on the planet, it’s an honor to be asked to be the Grand Marshal for Harlem Holiday Lights and be a part of bringing joy and holiday cheer to our community,” Yoba said.
“I’m proud to know that for the last 30+ years, the 125th St. BID brings out families, community groups and businesses to officially welcome the holiday season. I’ve seen pictures and videos from the past and can’t wait to be a part of the present celebration in real time.”
The parade starts at 6 p.m. at 125th Street and Broadway and will travel along 125th Street east to 5th Avenue, make its way around Marcus Garvey Park, down to West 116th Street, and then up to West 135th Street and back.
Along the route, there will be nearly 50 community activations, including toy giveaways, a canned food drive, live performances from the Thurgood Marshall Academy Steppers and children’s choir, food and beverage samples from neighborhood favorites like Red Rooster and Settepani, and more.
“The parade and our activations are an opportunity to further shine a spotlight on 125th St. and the iconic neighborhood as a growing arts, culture, and entertainment destination while also encouraging locals and visitors to support the economic fabric of the corridor, our small businesses,” Barbara Askins, President and CEO of the 125th St. BID, said.
“We look forward to such a warm and uplifting start to the holiday season to celebrate the cultural bridges that connect generations of Harlem residents through the parade theme of culture, community, and connections.”
A rain date has been scheduled for November 25. Learn more about Harlem Holiday Lights here.
