Step Into the Evening on Clarke Avenue
The sky over Staten Island is already dark when the crowd gathers along Clarke Avenue, scarves pulled tight and cups of something hot in gloved hands. The smell of festive sweets drifts from the stalls, a local choir or band warms up near the tree, and children jostle toward the front for a glimpse of the man in red. Then, at six o'clock, the switch is thrown and the tree comes alight. This is the Community Tree Lighting at Historic Richmond Town, and it is free, open to all, and requires no ticket.
What Happens Under the Lights
The programme is short and traditional, and that is part of its appeal. Arrive for the early-evening start and you can expect:
- Musical performances by local groups, filling the air before the main moment.
- A greeting from Santa Claus, a reliable draw for younger visitors.
- The lighting of the tree itself at 6:00 pm, the cue for the evening's loudest cheer.
- Hot beverages and festive sweets available for purchase, so you can keep your hands warm while you watch.
The whole affair runs roughly an hour, from 5 to 6 pm, which leaves the rest of your evening free for a wander through the historic buildings or a meal nearby.
Mark the Calendar: Friday, December 4, 2026
The 2026 lighting is scheduled for Friday, December 4, from 5 to 6 pm, with the tree lit at 6:00 pm. Admission is free, no tickets are required, and all ages are welcome. Because dates, times and prices can shift, it is worth confirming with the organization before you travel; questions can go to info@historicrichmondtown.org. Come dressed for a December evening outdoors, and arrive a little before five if you want a good spot near the tree.
Know Before You Go: Staten Island, Not Brooklyn
A word on geography, because it matters when you are planning the journey. Historic Richmond Town sits at 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10306. If you are coming from Brooklyn, treat this as a cross-harbour outing and build in travel time so you are not arriving breathless at five. The reward is an evening in one of the city's preserved historic villages, with the tree glowing against the old buildings and the crowd in good cheer around it.
Make an Evening of It
Pair the lighting with the simple pleasures the event provides: a hot drink in hand, a sweet from the stalls, and a slow circuit of the grounds as the lights come on. Bring the family, bring a friend, or come on your own; the gathering is open to everyone and costs nothing to attend. With the tree lit at six, you will be back on your way with the whole night still ahead of you.
December 4, 2026 falls on a Friday, which makes the Community Tree Lighting an easy anchor for a winter evening out. Check the details with Historic Richmond Town, plan your route from Brooklyn, and put the early evening aside for carols, Santa and the moment the tree lights up.