The History of Harlem Holiday Lights

Dating back to 1993, Harlem Holiday Lights is an annual event that brings the community together to celebrate Harlem’s great heritage and the start of the holiday season. It engages community organizations to showcase the best of Harlem. The event started merely with minimal street decorations. Over the years, it has grown to become one of Harlem’s annual events. The event encourages shoppers to take advantage of the many businesses on 125th Street and to bring the Harlem community together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Beginning in 2010, the BID began to collaborate with Community Boards 9 and 10 to ensure the continuation of the event and to open up the door for more community participation.

Through partnerships with a number of community organizations, including the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association, the 125th Street BID coordinates a full night of family-friendly holiday activities.