Annual Tree Lighting

An Annual Tradition

Ferncliff Cemetery Association started an annual holiday tradition in December 2006. On the first Saturday in December, the association hosts a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, in which everyone in attendance receives a memorial holiday ornament which can be placed on the Ferncliff tree, or brought home and placed on their own tree.

Traditionally, the tree ranges from fourteen to seventeen feet in height and is decorated with over 6,000 lights. The ceremony includes speeches by the Ferncliff Cemetery Association president, Kevin Boyd, a non-denominational homily. The Cobblestone Carolers, dressed in traditional holiday costumes, entertain the crowd with a large number of festive songs, and Gertsky Catering of Mahopac provides refreshments.

The cemetery extends its hours after the formal ceremony to allow families additional time for visitation.