— MEDIA ADVISORY —

New York State Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival Presented by Highmark Blue Shield at the Empire State Plaza

What: Celebrate the season at the beautiful Empire State Plaza with FREE activities, including the official tree lighting and fireworks festival, performances by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, carvings by The Ice Farm, music by Tuba Christmas, eggnog and coffee samples from Stewart’s Shops, photo opportunities with Santa Claus at Cornerstone at the Plaza, and more.

FREE Parking Available in the Visitor's Lot https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/parking

Opt-in to emergency notifications during this event, by texting ESPHTL to 888777.

Where: Empire State Plaza and Cornerstone at the Plaza, Albany, NY

When: Sunday, December 8, 2024, 12:00-8:00 p.m.

Schedule of Activities

12:00-3:30 p.m.	Open Skating
2:00-7:00 p.m.	Inside the Snow Globe with Cornerstone at the Plaza, featuring a warming area, holiday concessions, and free hot chocolate courtesy of Highmark Blue Shield.
12:00-4:00 p.m.	Ice Sculpting by Ice Farm Syracuse
1:00-4:00 p.m.	Carriage Rides
2:00, 3:00, & 4:00 p.m.	Meet & greet with Santa Claus
1:15-2:30 p.m.	Rock-and-Skate with Band of Gold
4:00 p.m.	Tuba Christmas Performance
4:30 p.m.	Performances by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club
5:00-5:15 p.m.	Caroling with The Rusty Pipes
5:15 p.m.	Official Ceremony, Tree Lighting, and Fireworks
6:00-8:00 p.m.	Open Skating

For media wishing to attend, please contact the OGS Press Office at OGSpressoffice@ogs.ny.gov or (518) 474-5987.

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