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Washington Square tree set for online lighting

BY THE VILLAGE SUN | It’s beginning to look a lot like (a virtual) Christmas…. .

Well, at least a virtual tree lighting, that is… .

That’s what the Washington Square Association is planning to do on Wed., Dec. 9, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For 93 years, the venerable Village association has sponsored yuletide carol singing under the park arch. But this year, safety during the pandemic is taking precedence. (Who knows, though? Maybe those wacky anti-lockdown guys will sing a few carols around the tannenbaum.)

A message on the Washington Square Association’s Web site assures that the event will occur — though only online.

“It’s been a tough year for us all and so now more than ever we must cling onto our traditions of joy, happiness and community,” the message says. “This year will be a bit different, and we will be sensitive to Covid concerns, but as New Yorkers, as Villagers, we will celebrate these holidays yet again with our annual tree lighting.”

The association is currently looking for a partner to stream the lighting online. (Maybe one of Santa’s tech elves is available?…) Details will be forthcoming.

The association annually provides a 45-foot-tall tree, with this year’s version recently having arrived in Washington Square from Vermont. The fir will be festively lit for the season daily between the hours of 4 p.m. and 1 a.m.

In addition, the association’s Christmas Eve program, on Sun., Dec. 24, at 5 p.m., will also only be online this year. The Rob Susman Brass Quartet and a song leader will lustily perform familiar tunes.

Meanwhile, in Midtown, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting was held a couple of days ago, and it too was closed to the public, though streamed online.

In addition, Mayor de Blasio announced restrictions on viewing the famed Rock Center attraction. Groups of only up to four people at a time will be able to see the tree up close “in five-minute pods.”

So far, Hizzoner has not issued any edicts about viewing the more humble Washington Square tree.

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