MTA - Metropolitan Transportation Authority
12/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/02/2024 14:28
MTA Announces Holiday Lights Destinations Across Service Area
Take the Bus, Subway, Long Island Rail Road, or Metro-North for Christmas Tree, Menorah and Holiday Lights Ceremonies Across Metropolitan Area
Mass Transit is Fast, Reliable Way to Enjoy the Holiday Season
Visit MTA Away for Travel Tips, Money Saving Deals, and More
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is encouraging customers to take mass transit to this year's holiday illumination events across the New York metropolitan area with a diverse list of opportunities including Christmas Tree, Menorah, and holiday lights events across the service area.
With Gridlock Alert Days in effect for much of December, public transportation is the easiest and most dependable way to get into the holiday spirit. Visit MTA Away for trip guides, upcoming events, discounts to shows, museum admissions and more.
New York City
Tuesday, Dec. 3: Lincoln Center Business Improvement District Magical Nights
Take the train to 66 St-Lincoln Center.
Wednesday, Dec. 4: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Take the line to the 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center, the train to 51 St, the train to 50 St or the to 49 St. Customers can also take the M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7 or Q32 bus to 50 St. Crosstown M50 buses will operate via 57 St. in both directions between 8 Ave. and Lexington Ave.
Thursday, Dec. 5: Central Park Conservancy Holiday Tree Lighting at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center in East Harlem
Take the or train to Central Park North (110 St), or the train to 110 St. Riders can also take the M116 bus to 116 St and 5 Ave, the M106 bus to East 106 St and 5 Ave or the M2 Limited to Central Park North and 5 Ave.
Sunday, Dec. 8: Fifth Avenue Holiday Open Streets (57 St to 48 St)
Take the to 5 Av-53 St or to 5 Av-59 St. Southbound buses will operate via Lexington Ave between 72 St. and 42 St., crosstown M50 will operate via 57 St. in both directions.
Wednesday, Dec. 25: Lighting of the World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah at Grand Army Plaza in Central Park
Take the or train to 5 Av-59 St. The 5 Ave buses will be on detour, using Lexington Ave between 72 St. and 42 St.
Wednesday, Dec. 25: Chabad of Park Slope Menorah Lighting
Take the or train to Grand Army Plaza, the train to 7 Ave or the B41 Limited bus to Flatbush Ave and Grand Army Plaza.
Through Sunday, Jan 5: "Lightscape" at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Take the or train to Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum, the or train to Prospect Park (there is no service on weekends) or the to Franklin Av-Medger Evers College or Franklin Av to Botanic Garden. Customers can also take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Atlantic Terminal and connect with the or train or B41 bus. For bus service, take the B16 to Ocean Ave, the B41 to Empire Boulevard, the B43 to Washington Ave, the B45 to Washington Ave, or the B48 to Eastern Parkway.
Through Sunday, Jan. 5: Bronx Zoo "Holiday Lights" Festival
Take the train to Pelham Parkway or Metro North's Harlem Line to Fordham, then take the Bx9 bus eastward to 183 St and Southern Blvd. For bus service, take the Bx9 or Bx19 buses to 183 St and Southern Blvd, or take the Bx12 or Bx22 buses to Fordham Road and Southern Blvd. From Queens, take the Q44 to 180th Street and Boston Road.
Ongoing: Dyker Heights Holiday Home Lights
Take the train to 79 St. Customers can also take the B16 bus to 7 Ave and 79 St, the B1 to 86 St and 11 Ave, or the B4 to Bay Ridge Narrows Avenue.
Long Island
Weekend of Dec. 7: Port Jefferson Annual 2-Day Charles Dickens Festival
The village of Port Jefferson is a five-minute drive from the Port Jefferson LIRR station.
Wednesday, Dec. 25: Grand Menorah Lighting at the Merrick LIRR Gazebo
Take a LIRR Babylon Branch train to Merrick.
Thursday, Dec. 26: Grand Menorah Lighting at Kennedy Plaza in Long Beach
Kennedy Plaza is steps away from the LIRR Long Beach station.
Westchester
Saturday, Dec. 7: Village of Tuckahoe Winterfest Tree Lighting in Depot Square
Depot Square is walking distance from the Tuckahoe Metro-North station on the Harlem Line.