Harlem Holiday Lights Turn On This Week: How To Join The Fun

HARLEM, NY — As the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter, Harlem will ring in the holiday season on Tuesday the same way it has for decades: by turning on the holiday lights and parading through the neighborhood.

This year's festivities are returning in grand fashion following a more limited event last year due to the pandemic. Entertainer Nick Cannon will serve as grand marshal, while the rappers Fat Joe and A$AP Ferg will appear on their own parade floats.

Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. on West 125th Street just east of Broadway, with a Parade of Lights Kickoff and a lighting activation by Columbia University. From there, participants will board their floats and head East along 125th Street, where offerings will include giveaways at Ryan Health and The Cliffs, and an on-location digital audio walking tour by the 125th Street BID (look for QR codes on street poles).

Along the way, the parade will dip south along Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard down to 110th Street, loop back up on Malcolm X Boulevard, wind around Marcus Garvey Park and then head west again on 125th (see the full map below).

Neighbors are encouraged to come out, bring their lights and make some noise. Other attractions along the route will include drummers and dancers, a stoop party along Malcolm X Boulevard, a tree lighting at Marcus Garvey Park, a special blessing at Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church, and a host of businesses offering hot drinks, promotions and more.

The parade will conclude around 8 p.m., near where it started on 125th Street and Morningside Avenue.

This year's festivities were organized by the 125th Street Business Improvement District, along with Community Boards 9 and 10 and the Mount Morris Park Improvement Association.

Read more about the 2021 Harlem Holiday Lights event at harlemlightitup.com.