December 3 | 3–8pm | Pier 16, Seaport Square | Free
Join the Seaport Museum at Pier 16 and Seaport Square for the annual neighborhood tree lighting event––a magical evening filled with community spirit, music, and cheer.
Starting at 3pm, you can pursue the pop-up holiday market presented by MAUM Store on Pier 16, where you can shop festive finds. Stop by the Museum’s booth in the market to participate in a free family activity where you can go-fish for Winter-inspired paper illustrations of fish from New York Harbor that share fun, historical facts about the Fulton Fish Market. This activity inspired by ice fishing is ideal for kids ages 2–10.
As the sun sets, the holiday lights adorning the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose will cast a magical glow on all the vessels and add to the seasonal spirit at the Pier. From 6pm to 7pm, enjoy lively performances and surprise appearances as the evening builds to the tree lighting countdown, illuminating Seaport Square for the holiday season.
This event is free, but please let us know that you’re coming by registering below.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the Seaport Museum’s historic ships and exhibition galleries is not included with this event. To explore more that the Museum has to offer, book in advance or ask Museum staff at the holiday market about Pay What You Wish admission tickets, available Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
These tickets grant access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree at Pier 16 and all current exhibitions on view in the introduction galleries inside Schermerhorn Row located at 12 Fulton Street. Timed tours of the 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16 are available separately.Advance Pay What You Wish tickets for the forthcoming Maritime City exhibition, opening in March 2025 in A.A. Thomson & Co. located at 213 Water Street are now available. Be among the first to explore this exciting new exhibition!
Neighborhood Holiday Tree Lighting
This year’s tree lighting will be hosted by Onika McLean, known for her vibrant energy. From the soulful harmonies of the Big Apple Chorus to the electrifying beats of the Brooklyn United Drumline, the evening promises nonstop entertainment. Don’t miss the graceful moves of Gotham Dance and a show-stopping performance by rising star Carolina Rial, all leading up to the spectacular countdown to light the tree.
Ready for more?
Head over to our Programs and Events page to see what else is happening at the Museum. Sign up for an upcoming talk, learn more about visiting Wavertree, or explore our virtual offerings.