Categories: Articles, Pat Stevenson,
Harlem ushered in the holiday season with dazzling brilliance on November 18th as the Harlem Holiday Parade of Lights set off at 6 p.m. from Broadway and 125th Street. Now in its 30-plus year tradition, the event, produced annually by the 125th Street Business Improvement District (125BID) remains New York City’s only evening parade dedicated entirely to holiday lights. It has become a beloved community celebration that radiates joy, unity, and the spirit of Harlem.
This year’s theme, “Culture, Community, Connections,” highlighted the rich heritage and strong bonds that define the neighborhood. Leading the procession as Grand Marshals were actor and philanthropist Malik Yoba, born in the Bronx and raised in Harlem, and the legendary Apollo Theater, celebrating nine decades of artistic excellence on 125th Street. Their presence underscored the parade’s commitment to honoring Harlem’s cultural legacy while shining a spotlight on the people and institutions shaping its future.
The parade itself was a magical spectacle: more than 20 brilliantly illuminated floats, pulsing with music and movement, traveled through Harlem. This year the UniverSoul Circus added their Caribean Carnival members in costumes and stilt walkers who walked
alongside the floats, two FDNY fire trucks, and a Department of Sanitation vehicle adorned for the festivities. The procession glided past crowds gathered at dozens of designated watch areas, where generations of Harlem families came together to share holiday cheer.
There were approximately 50 community watch sites and activations, each adding its own unique flavor to the celebration. At 120th Street between Mount Morris Park and Madison Avenue, and again at 2014 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, the NYPD distributed toys on behalf of the 125th Street BID, creating joyous moments for children and families. The Department of Transportation handed out flashlights, pens, and safety literature near Lenox Avenue, while PICHC energized their watch zone at 127th and Lenox with music and snacks.At 18 Mt. Morris Park, WHCR Radio Station filled the air with music, while Settepani Restaurant treated guests to a complimentary glass of prosecco with any pizza purchase. On West 116th Street, FACES NY warmed the crowd with hot chocolate, peppermints, and hand sanitizers. Nearby, Greedy Pot offered treats and cocoa at their Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard location.Memorial Sloan Kettering provided screening at the Harlem State Office Building, accompanied by WHCR Radio station providing jams for the crowd.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine’s office continued their annual tradition by hosting a festive watch party with snacks and hot chocolate at 431 W. 125th Street. Up and down the route, stoop gatherings and spontaneous celebrations erupted, including vibrant clusters along 132nd Street and Malcolm X Boulevard. The Clayton & Co. Merchant Association welcomed paradegoers at Harlem Hops, while the Schomburg Center drew crowds with hot beverages and music at Malcolm X Boulevard and 135th Street.
Many local organizations embraced the community spirit with warmth and creativity. First AME Bethel Church shared prayer cards at 132nd and Lenox; Boost Mobile offered hot drinks and raffles on 125th Street; and Brasserie added flair with live music and a festive window display. At 161 W. 125th Street, Sister in Purple and Erika Ewing (D9) kept spirits high with a brightly lit watch corner. The Victoria Theater Restaurant hosted an indoor viewing party featuring special holiday cocktails, while Harlem Heavenly Notes performed along Frederick Douglass Boulevard.
Additional highlights included Industrial Bank’s refreshments at 382 W. 125th Street, Xtraordinary/Lion’s Den’s music and toy giveaway on Madison Avenue, A Senior’s watch party where 85 ipads were given to participating seniors at 134th and Malcolm X, and the 107–145 West 135th Street Apartment Tenant Association’s hot chocolate and WHCR DJ set—embodying the warmth and diversity of Harlem’s holiday spirit.
The parade and its many activations were made possible through a wide network of community partners and sponsors, including the Memorial Sloan Kettering,Manhattan Borough President’s Office, Community Boards 9 and 10, the Apollo Theater, Columbia University, Settepani Restaurant, MetroPlus Health, Toys of Hope, Ryan Health, A. Philip Randolph Senior Center, Hope Center, Mushtari, Living Redemption Harlem–Dowling West Side Center, Harlem Community Development Corporation, Central Harlem Senior Citizens’ Centers, W. 135th St. Apartments Tenant Association, Harlem Advocates for Seniors, Fata Realty, the United House of Prayer, the FDNY, the NYPD, and others whose support brought the celebration to life.
Reflecting on the evening’s success, Barbara Askins, CEO of the 125th Street BID, shared a message of gratitude and pride:
“This season was God blessed. Harlem community coming together and connecting with each other, showcasing the rich culture and history that has shaped this community for decades. The 125th Street BID has always recognized that our district sits in the middle of an amazing community, and it is a priority to engage with the community on many levels. Harlem Holiday Lights helps us expand engagement with all who live, work, visit, and invest in Harlem. Happy Holidays.”
There was an after parade party hosted by Native Restaurant. Barbara Askins and the Holiday Lights Committee would like to thank all the participants, volunteers and sponsors. The Holiday Lights continued to shine on 125th Street and will remain up until the New Year. – so enjoy.
As the final float rolled by and the lights shimmered into the night, one thing was clear: the Harlem Holiday Parade of Lights continues to be a radiant reminder of the power of community—and a beacon guiding Harlem into a joyous holiday season.
photos by
Nadezda Tavodova
Tezgor
