Join us as the iconic Fifth Avenue Snowflake is illuminated by St. Jude patient Faith to usher in the beginning of the holiday season in New York City. Suspended above the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, the beloved snowflake is adorned with more than 16,000 Baccarat crystal prisms and has become one of the city’s most recognizable holiday landmarks.
The snowflake will shine brightly throughout the holiday season in honor of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and the important work it does for children and families facing pediatric cancer and other life-threatening diseases from around the world. This celebration is part of a community-wide movement united in the desire to help St. Jude continue its mission: Finding cures. Saving children.® Thanks to generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live.
The event, hosted by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, the Fifth Avenue Snowflake for Humanity Foundation and the Fifth Avenue Association, is free and open to the public.
The official illumination ceremony will be emceed by television personality and bestselling author Paige DeSorbo and will feature special holiday performances by The Spence School Choir, Marymount School Choir, The Salvation Army Band and the Jorday Rivera Dancers.
An exclusive performance by Norah Jones.
In addition, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will host its Inaugural St. Jude Snowflake Ball on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM at The Plaza Hotel, featuring an exclusive performance by ten-time GRAMMY® Award winner Norah Jones.
Follow @stjudenyc on Instagram for event updates and behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the illumination.
Date and Time
Thursday, December 3, 2026
6 p.m.
Attire: Black Tie
St. Jude patient Erma
Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer. Together, we can save more lives.
St. Jude patient Erma
Become a sponsor
By partnering with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and sponsoring this event, your company can align with a nationally recognized mission and brand while inspiring pride in your employees, consumers, vendors and leaders.
Thanks to generous donors like you, St. Jude can give our doctors and researchers the tools and technology they need to make the next groundbreaking discovery. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
To learn more about sponsorship packages for the St. Jude Snowflake Ball, please connect with Kelly Stillwagon at kelly.stillwagon@alsac.stjude.org or 347-491-9345 for more information.
All sponsorships are subject to review and approval by ALSAC in accordance with organizational policies and guidelines.
St. Jude stories from the Tri-State
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YouTuber Tom Grossi’s inspiring journey: 30 stadiums, $500K for St. Jude, and NFL Fan of the Year.
Experience the ultimate NFL adventure with Tom Grossi, the comedian and YouTube sensation. Follow his whirlwind tour of all 30 NFL stadiums in just 30 days, as he spreads joy and raises money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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‘Tangible Sense of Hope’
Uncover the remarkable healing journey of two little girls who overcame brain tumors with the help of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care make a difference.
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New Jersey volunteer blossoms in the light of a 'God moment' at St. Jude
Love, compassion and a commitment to community: The guiding lights of Tina Marshall's life led her naturally to the cause of St. Jude.
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From a pub in Queens, a lifetime of love endures through a lifesaving mission
Camille loved Vinnie — and St. Jude. He honors his wife of 66 years by raising thousands for her favorite charity, uniting his Queens neighborhood in the process.
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New York volunteer finds inspiration in his father's 9/11 service
After his father died of cancer, New York City volunteer Kevin Dong was inspired to give his all to help St. Jude kids.
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Supporting St. Jude is part of this Connecticut family's DNA
For as long as St. Jude has existed, this family has supported it with full hearts and hard work. From coin-jar drives to dances, they’ve done it all for the cause.
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New York grandmother enjoys a full life after five decades of beating cancer in St Jude
Robin tenía poco más de 20 años cuando recibió tratamiento para un linfoma de Hodgkin. Ahora celebra en Nueva York que es abuela tras cinco décadas de haber vencido el cáncer.
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New York volunteer gives 100% to St. Jude
When Regina Allen-Maxwell, was recruited to volunteer on behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, she knew she needed to learn more about St. Jude and its mission.
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Inspiration amidst the pandemic: St. Jude gives New York businessman a reason to be generous during difficult times
Michael Duggal had been a longtime supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, but now he's even more involved, donating funds and space for the St. Jude 60th Anniversary NYC Gala.
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George Jalinos: Part of his DNA
As a a member of The New York St. Jude Hope and Heritage Gala, George Jalinos is a pillar in the Lebanese Syrian community, and says it's in his DNA to support the mission of St. Jude.
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We're grateful for: Vinnie DePaola, who has taken up his late wife's favorite cause
He honors his late wife by supporting St. Jude, her favorite cause.
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Kids for Kids Foundation - raising money for organizations that support children and families struggling with medical challenges
Join Kids for Kids Foundation in support of the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Other ways you can get involved:
Welcome to the Inaugural
St. Jude Snowflake Ball
December 3, 2026 | The Plaza Hotel, New York
