CARNEGIE HILL — Watch more than 100 trees light up for the holiday season at Sunday's 71st annual Park Avenue Tree Lighting.
Neighbors and friends of all faiths are invited to gather at the Brick Church's steps on Park Avenue and East 92nd Street at 6:30 p.m. to hear the Reverend Michael Lindvall say a word to commemorate veterans, for whom the tree lighting has been dedicated since its start in 1945.
Carolers will perform before the lighting of the tree, and visitors are encouraged to join in.
The southbound lane of Park Avenue and blocks north and south of the church will be closed for revelers between East 89th and 93rd streets beginning in the late afternoon until about 7:30 p.m.
Each year, roughly 7,000 people turn out to the lighting, according to Adam Gorman, the church's associate pastor for youth and family ministries.
"Getting a whole lot of people singing Christmas carols on Park Avenue gets me in the Christmas spirit," he said, adding that people who live across from the church often take part from their windows or rooftops.
The lighting, organized by the Fund for Park Avenue and the Brick Church, was started to memorialize those who died in World War II.
The Fund, which takes contributions for the lighting, begins installing the 104 fir trees in November from East 54th to East 97th streets.
Last year, the Fund put together a video showing the preparation and end result.
The Brick Church is also holding a social hour before the lighting with hot cocoa, cookies and holiday crafts at 5 p.m. RSVP is requested.
The Brick Church is located at 62 E. 92nd St. and RSVPs to its social can be made at (212) 289-4400. Lyrics to the Christmas carols can be found here.
