The Merchants of Third Avenue Civic Improvement Association Inc. ushered in the holiday season Monday evening, hosting its annual tree-lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in Bay Ridge.
At The Corner on Third Avenue, dozens of residents and families crowded around as the towering evergreen flickered on, glowing with an array of multicolored lights and casting a festive shine over the neighborhood.
The event stretched beyond the lighting itself. Children crowded around tables for arts and crafts, while offering face painting and other holiday-themed activities. Students from Xavierian High School sang Christmas carols to set the mood.
The event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Bay Ridge and draws a modest crowd each year.
“Tonight we celebrate the spirit with music, arts and crafts, and of course the lighting of our Christmas tree,” Shirley Chin, coordinator and director of the tree lighting, told attendees. “Thank you to all our friends, family and neighbors who make this event possible.”
James Vavas, president of the Merchants of Third Avenue, took time to thank the elected officials who supported the event, including Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny, Council Member Justin Brannan and Council Member-elect Kayla Santosuosso.
“This is a great tradition — I’m super proud to be here and to have served as your councilman for the past eight years,” Brannan said, while motioning to Santosuosso, who he said would help continue these local traditions.
For a list of other Brooklyn tree lightings, click here.
