In 1893, the City of New York purchased the land that would become Corlears Hook Park — a prescient investment in waterfront green space for the growing Lower East Side. Today, this stretch of shoreline remains a vital community anchor, especially as winter settles over Manhattan. Against the backdrop of modern luxury developments like One Manhattan Square, the park maintains its historic role as a gathering place for neighbors. And never more so than during the December holidays.
On December 8, Corlears Hook Park transforms into a hub of celebration as locals gather to decorate the grounds from 4–5:30 p.m. The Friends of Corlears Hook Park, a volunteer group that has stewarded this waterfront space since 2014, provides decorations celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas traditions. Children can craft their own ornaments on-site (weather permitting), adding their creativity to the park’s evolving display. The festivities culminate at 5 p.m. with the tree lighting at the park’s center — a free community tradition that draws neighbors together in the crisp evening air.
The waterfront setting amplifies the evening’s magic. Corlears Hook Park marks the dramatic bend in Manhattan’s coastline where the East River widens on its way toward the harbor. At ground level, visitors follow winding paths between the river and the center grounds, where the holiday tree will stand. One Manhattan Square residents know a different view. From their homes, they watch the daily theater of harbor traffic against the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Come December 8, they’ll see the park’s illuminated tree join the constellation of city lights below, a new addition to this centuries-old waterfront landscape.
The tree lighting captures the spirit of the Lower East Side — and One Manhattan Square residents experience it on their own terms. After the festivities, the building’s cellar bar provides an elegant retreat for the evening. The property’s 45,000-square-foot private garden offers its own seasonal charm, with spaces designed by West 8, the team behind the Governors Island Park project The Hills. Brooklyn Fare, the building’s gourmet grocery, completes the picture, ensuring every winter gathering has the proper provisions.
The Lower East Side continues to evolve, balancing preservation and progress with remarkable grace. December’s lights twinkle across the neighborhood as the One Manhattan Square condos stand ready for the next chapter in this dynamic story. Contact our sales team to be part of what comes next.