For those celebrating the Christmas holiday, there shouldn’t be any shortage of opportunities to experience yuletide cheer throughout the borough.
Several heartwarming Holiday tree lightings are planned around the borough in the coming days and weeks, some of which include gift giveaways that are sure to bring smiles to the faces of children and adults.
Among the Christmas-themed events is a tree lighting and toy giveaway with ‘Jolly Ole Saint Nick’ taking place at Derosa O’Boyle Triangle at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 2.
The Throggs Neck Merchants Association and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto sponsor this particular event.
The man in red will arrive in an Edgewater Park Volunteer Fire Company truck where he will proceed to help dignitaries light the tree and then give out toys to children purchased by the merchants, said Benedetto.
“What more magical event in Throggs Neck could there be but a Christmas tree lighting to keep everyone pumped up and excited,” said the assemblyman, adding this is his 14th year sponsoring the lighting.
Benedetto said that he hopes for decent weather for the event, which is a festive community gathering, adding that the almost decade old partnership with the TNMA has enlarged the event and taken it a whole other level.
Bob Jaen, TNMA president, said the organization expects to giveaway 800 to 1,000 toys purchased with money it raises at events throughout the year, adding that a choir performance is expected.
“We want to carry on this fine holiday tradition that gives back to the community,” said Jaen.
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is sponsoring the borough’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting, complete with Christmas carols, Santa and Mrs. Claus and treats outside of the Bronx County Building at 851 Grand Concourse, at the corner of East 161st Street, on Thursday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m.
The Fordham Road Business Improvement District is kicking off the holiday season in style with its 14th Annual ‘Sparkling in the Heart of Fordham’ event featuring holiday music, Santa Claus and gifts in Bryan Park at East Fordham and East Kingsbridge roads.
There will be a first annual tree lighting in front of the 42nd Precinct, located at 830 Washington Avenue, on Wednesday, December 5 at 6 p.m.
It will feature Christmas caroling, guest speakers and hot cocoa and cookies.
Pelham Bay will see its Christmas tree lighting in Keane Square Park at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 1, said Irene Guanill, Pelham Bay Merchants Association president.
“’Come one and come all’ and make this your community tree by bringing an ornament to put on the tree,” said Guanill.
Westchester Square Business Improvement District’s Tree Lighting will take place on Friday, December 7.
The tree lighting will be at 5 p.m. in Owen Dolen Park.
The Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance will hold its Christmas Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 9 at 4:30 p.m.
This event takes place at the St. Dominic Convent Cross on Van Nest Avenue between Unionport Road and Victor Street.
