Harlem Holiday Lights, Parade Set For This Week: How To Watch

HARLEM, NY — Many holiday traditions are being disrupted this year, but the Harlem holiday lights are set to shine as bright as ever over 125th Street.

The display will be turned on at 5 p.m. Monday and will remain on through New Year's Eve, courtesy of the 125th Street Business Improvement District and Community Boards 9 and 10.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer is hosting a virtual "VIP Lounge" from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, where Harlemites are invited to bring a cocktail and jingle bells for a Zoom toast. The event will be free to join online.

Then, at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, a caravan of lights consisting of three large floats will travel through Harlem starting at Broadway and 125th Street and heading south before looping back uptown and finishing on 125th and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard.

Residents can follow along over livestream, and are encouraged to turn on their lights and celebrate by beating pots and pans when the caravan passes their homes.

"Window decor, lights, and other holiday and winter decorations are welcome!" organizers wrote.

Other virtual events will be on tap throughout the week, including karaoke, face painting, and a children's village.

Read more at the Harlem Holiday Lights website.

Correction: an earlier version of this article stated that the parade would be held Monday, Nov. 16. It is actually scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18.