Winter Programs

Celebrate the beginning of the winter season with free programming throughout the Park.

Each December, the Central Park Conservancy marks the beginning of winter with the Women's Committee's annual Winter Holiday Lighting of the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (pictured), followed by a variety of free programming. Enjoy solstice stargazing, Kwanzaa celebration, the Ice Festival, an interactive winter sword dancing performance, and lots more.

Check out the Conservancy's event calendar.

Holiday Lighting in Central Park
Sunday, December 2
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Dana Discovery Center                                                                                        
Celebrate the season at our annual holiday and winter warm-up in northern Central Park. Event culminates with caroling and the lighting of the Dana Center and a flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer.

Social Hour: Kwanzaa Dance
Thursday, December 20
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Dana Discovery Center
Come to the Dana Center for an extra festivel performance of the seven principles of Kwanzaa by Forces of Nature Dance Theater Company. Co-presented with the Museum for African Art. Ages 18+

Solstice Stargazing
Friday, December 21
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Belvedere Castle
Celebrate the first day of winter! View the night sky as guided by the Amateur Astronomers Association. Bring your own binoculars if you have them; telescope provided. Ages 10+

Ice Festival
Saturday, January 19
12:00 - 3:00 pm
Belvedere Castle
Watch master carvers from Okamoto Studio turn blocks of ice into a Central Park icon. Fun family activities will be offered.

Sword Dancing Performance
Saturday, February 16
1:00 pm & 3:00 pm
Dana Discovery Center
Be amazed by dancers who weave ceremonial swords into complex configurations as part of this ancient winter celebration.