72nd Annual Park Avenue Tree Lighting Draws a Crowd (Photos)

There was a nip in the air -- and in more than a few flasks -- as a large crowd of carolers gathered in front of Brick Church on Sunday evening for the 72nd Park Avenue tree lighting ceremony. After a solemn rendition of "Taps" to honor service members who had died in war, Rev. Michael Lindvall declared "Let there be light" and Christmas trees lit up on Park Avenue malls from 97th Street south to 54th Street.

The Brick Church children's choir was on hand, and members of the Knickerbocker Greys served as color guard. When the lights successfully came on, Con Edison received praise from the dais as well. But center stage was on Park Avenue itself, where hundreds of carolers belted out impressive renditions of "Come All Ye Faithful," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Joy to the World," among others.

The Park Avenue tree lighting began in 1945, as a holiday remembrance of soldiers who died in World War II. The trees and lighting were originally funded by a few Upper East Side families. Today the ceremony is backed by the Fund for Park Avenue, an non-profit that depends on donations from the community.

Information on how to support the fund is available here. A list of individuals, corporations and organizations that gave to the 2015 tree lighting can be found here.

Here are some photos from the event:

Rev. Michael Lindvall at the rostrum, the Knickerbocker Greys by his side.

The crowd waits for the singing to begin.

"We wish you a Merry Christmas..."

The Brick Church children's choir.

Success.