The tree lighting and holiday party in Murray Hill gave our neighbors an occasion  to celebrate!

Thursday, December 15, 2022

On Friday, December 9, 2022, The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association with Patrons of Park Avenue, in collaboration with Church of Our Saviour, celebrated the annual tree lighting on Park Avenue and enjoyed our holiday party!  The evening commenced with hundreds of neighbors congregating on the corner of 38th Street and Park Avenue to listen to a live performance of the Big Apple Chorus singing their holiday song collection. Jon Harari, Co-Chair of Patrons of Park Avenue welcomed everyone with a story about the invention of electric Christmas tree lights by Thomas Edison 140 years ago in Murray Hill. Jon also commented on the new tradition of hosting art on the Park Avenue malls south of Grand Central Terminal, notably the inaugural exhibition of animal sculptures by artist Idriss B. The animal sculptures were decorated with festive seasonal bows. Victoria Spagnola, Chair of Patrons of Park Avenue, led the countdown of the tree lighting with all the neighbors in attendance, assisted by Matt McKeon, who helps coordinate the installation of the lights on Park Avenue each year.

Afterwards, neighbors were welcomed to the annual holiday party by Heather Dolland, MHNA’s Chair of Events. The party took place in the ballroom of the Church of Our Savior. Neighbors enjoyed a holiday themed venue with lights, trees, candy canes, and Santa Claus, as well as beverages and catering by Meze Mazi, Coppola's and Sophie's. Caitlin Caruso sang live with Dan Furman on the piano.  Two hundred guests were in attendance including community leaders, Murray Hill neighbors, family and friends, and more.

Our deepest thanks to all of the volunteers and organizations who made this a very special family-friendly event. We would also like to thank the Church of Our Saviour for hosting the party in their ballroom and for sponsoring the party. And last, but not least, we  would like to extend our gratitude to members of the NYPD who came out to provide added safety and security.

Photos by Peter Koloff

See all photos at https://patronsofparkavenue.org/2022/12/12/2022-annual-tree-lighting-and-holiday-party.