Santa swung down from the chilly north to Atlantic Avenue on a balmy Thursday evening to join in the festivities and annual tree lighting in downtown Brooklyn’s charming Boerum Hill.
The jolly old elf took holiday wishes and Dear Santa letters from neighborhood children and watched local entertainment along with 200 other guests at the Belarusan Church.
Singers from PS 261 kicked off the evening with traditional holiday carols including a rockin’ rendition of Winter Wonderland. They were followed by ballroom dancing from PS 261. Everything from a crisp version of the tango to the cha-cha-cha was on display.
Caroling PS 261 Singers
The children’s musical group, Rolie Polie Guacamole, was a delightful addition keeping the beat lively throughout the evening.
In keeping with tradition, Council member David Yassky officiated at the tree lighting joined by Council Member-elect Steve Levin and tree-lighting sponsor Marathon Bank’s own Peter Krekoukis. The borough president’s office was also represented.
Marathon Bank's Peter Krekoukis, Council Member-Elect Steve Levin and Council Member David Yassky
The evening was kicked off by Angela Ferrante, president of the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation (AALDC). She then turned the night over to Master of Ceremonies Christian Haag, vice president of the AALDC.
Christian Hagg and Angela Ferrante
The annual tree lighting ceremony is a popular holiday event bringing people together from the neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Downtown Brooklyn and Boerum Hill along and around the stretch of Atlantic Avenue running from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue. Local Atlantic Avenue restaurants provided a wide range of free food including Betty Bakery for cookies; Trader Joe’s for chips & juice; Pete’s Waterfront Ale House for cider and eggnog; Moxie Spot for chocolate dipped macaroons, water bottles, plastic cups; Downtown Atlantic for their world-famous cupcakes; and Blue Marble for organic ice cream.
The tree lighting was also an opportunity to announce the winners of the Atlantic Avenue Green holiday windows promotion. Winning retailers include Blue Marble, Gumbo, Dig, City Foundry and Rico. To read more on that story click here.
