Empire State Plaza Tree Lighting and Fireworks Rescheduled to 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, December 4 

The New York State Office of General Services today announced that the schedule for New York State’s 2023 Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival presented by Highmark Blue Shield has been updated due to the forecast for inclement weather on Sunday, December 3.

The tree lighting and fireworks event has been rescheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, December 4. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with a special performance by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, with the tree-lighting ceremony scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. There will be no outdoor activities, and the Plaza’s ice rink will be closed on Sunday.

The rink is scheduled to be open on Saturday, December 2, weather permitting, with the Learn to Skate Clinics presented by Highmark Blue Shield and hosted by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club still scheduled to take place.

The indoor holiday happenings initially scheduled for Sunday will now take place on the Empire State Plaza’s concourse level and Meeting Room 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 3. The public is invited to enjoy free family activities, including holiday-themed arts and crafts, meet and greets with Santa, and performances by the Erin Harkes Band, The Rusty Pipes, and Tuba Christmas!

The annual Great Train Extravaganza will also take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. Children 12 and younger may attend this event for free, and adults are required to pay an entry fee.

For Empire State Plaza event and rink status updates and additional information on Winter at the Plaza events and activities, including parking, directions, and ground rules, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @PlazaEvents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759.

Sponsors of Winter at the Plaza events include Highmark Blue Shield, Hannaford Supermarkets, MVP Health Care, I LOVE NY, Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, CDTA, Stewart’s Shops, PYX 106, 99.5 The River, 98.3 TRY, NY State of Health and News 10 ABC.