New York doesn’t need snow for this snowflake: a giant crystal decoration hangs above Fifth Avenue during the holidays. The Snowflake Lighting is your chance to watch it light up for the season.
What to expect
Look up at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street: that’s where the snowflake hangs above the road. A public ceremony marks the moment it lights up for the season, making this one of New York’s early holiday lightings.
It’s easy to underestimate its size from the sidewalk. The snowflake stands about 30 feet tall, weighs 3,300 pounds, and contains more than 16,500 individual crystal prisms. The tradition at this intersection dates back to 1984.
There’s a charitable purpose behind the lights, too. The Fifth Avenue Snowflake for Humanity Foundation, the Fifth Avenue Association, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital host the event together. It highlights St. Jude’s work with children facing cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Families treated at St. Jude are not billed for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
And if you miss the ceremony, you can still see the snowflake during the holiday season. Keep it in mind for an evening walk along Fifth Avenue while you’re exploring Midtown.
Good to know
- The ceremony is free and open to everyone.
- The event takes place outdoors, so dress warmly if you’re staying for the lighting.
