Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Roosevelt Island Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Thursday December 3, Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting December 2 - It's Coming On Christmas


The 2009 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place Thursday December 3 at 7 PM in front of Blackwell Plaza.


According to RIOC:
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Live music by the Westside Brass Quartet, photo ops with Santa, hot cider, food, and gifts for all. Sponsored by RIOC.
When
Thu Dec 3 7pm – 8pm Eastern Time
Where
Blackwell Plaza (500 Main Street)
Santa Clause Arrives For 2007 Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Photo by Alexis Villafane

The tree lighting ceremony is a nice Roosevelt Island tradition. but last year's event drew some negative criticism from a reader:
Could somebody please let the RIOC know that the majority of the audience (that is children) is solely interested in Santa and maybe see the tree light up? Please, do not let any children sing any songs anymore - at least let them practice until they have it down perfectly. It was so bad. Especially with the weather and standing in the Santa line waiting desperately with young kids for Santa to show up. That woman (I forgot her name) was okay.

Also, getting to Santa was sheer chaos. People ignored the line and let children push forward especially during the performances. When Santa time came nobody cared to go back to the line as it was formed. It was mad house.

This was our first tree lighting ceremony here on the island. I expected better.
Which drew this reader's response:
Waaa, Waaa, Waaa !
Followed by:
I would happily accept that "Waaa" comment but I did talk to a lot of people and they all agreed with me that night. Santa: good. Tree: good. Old lady singing: okay. Kids singing: please, no. At least the speeches were kept short.
No more Grinches. Here is one of my favorite Christmas/Winter songs, a wonderful version of Joni Mitchell's song River, sung by Sarah McLachlan.
It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on

But it don't snow here
It stays pretty green
I'm going to make a lot of money
Then I'm going to quit this crazy scene
Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on

I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
I wish I had a river I could skate away on
I made my baby cry
Lyrics to River are here.


You Tube Video of Sarah McClachlan's River

Also, the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Wednesday December 2.


You Tube Video of Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Being Put Up

Have a great time at either or both the Roosevelt Island and Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting ceremonies!

2 comments :

KLL said...

When and where is the menorah lighting on the island and Manhattan? Thank-u.

Anonymous said...

There has always been a Menorah lighting right in front of Blackwell House. In previous years free donuts were served, let's hope it's the same this year.