Hosted by the 125th Street Business Improvement District (BID), Harlem Holiday Lights is a beloved annual tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Harlem. What began with modest street decorations more than 30 years ago has grown into a spectacular one day event and the ONLY lighted parade in New York City!

This year’s theme “Dance! Harlem’s Heartbeat” pays tribute to Harlem’s storied history of dance and highlights its global influence and unparalleled contributions to the arts, culture and history.

Misty Copeland, Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theater the first Black woman to be promoted to the position in the company’s 75-year history in 2015 is the Grand Marshal. The Misty Copeland Foundation, a Harlem based organization, with its first signature program BE BOLD, aims to bring greater diversity, equity and inclusion to dance, especially ballet.

The BID will also pay special tribute to George Faison, an award winning, internationally celebrated producer, writer, essayist, composer, director, choreographer and dancer, who made history in 1975 when he became the first African American to win a Tony Award of best choreography for The Wiz!.

Harlem Holiday Lights is a FREE family friendly event that encourages shoppers to take advantage of the many businesses along 125th Street and to bring the Harlem community together to celebrate the most wonderful time of year!

Harlem Holiday Lights 2024

By 125th Street Business Improvement District

Harlem Holiday Lights 2024

Team Members