Coney Island came together last week for the community’s first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting at Kaiser Park.
Hosted by NIA Community Services Network, the Dec. 12 event marked the culmination of the organization’s seasonal tree lighting celebrations, which also included a festive gathering at Red Hook’s Coffey Park.
The Kaiser Park celebration featured performances from the NIA/I.S. 239 Carolers, the I.S. 239 Chorus, and the Coney Island Cathedral Choir. The Coney Island Sharkettes and the Coney Island Cathedral Angel Praise Dancers also warmed the crowd’s hearts with festive routines.
The man of the season also made a special appearance. Santa Claus took photos with families and heard children’s wish lists while guests enjoyed light refreshments, music and the warm glow of the newly lit tree.
NIA extended thanks to their partners, including Council Member Justin Brannan, Senator Andrew Gounardes and Senator Iwen Chu, for their support in bringing these local tree lightings — a symbol of holiday cheer across the borough — to life.
Brannan told Brooklyn Paper that events like NIA’s tree lighting celebration show that the People’s Playground is so much more than just a summer destination.
“I was so excited to bring a new holiday tradition to Coney Island’s amazing west-end community,” Brannan told Brooklyn Paper. “Around the globe, people dream about coming to Coney Island in the summer — just to see the sand and smell the sea. For me, what makes Coney Island truly special are the people who live year all year round. I hope this will be the start of something very special for years to come.”
The Kaiser Park event followed the Red Hook Tree Lighting, where attendees enjoyed Christmas caroling, a special dance performance, and craft stations created with the help of Cora Dance, Pioneer Works Red Hook Art Project, and local tenant associations.
It was another cold but lovely night as we inaugurated a new community tradition in Red Hook with the lighting of a Christmas tree in Coffey Park last night!
Thank you @NIABklyn and all our sponsors for helping to make it such a special night! pic.twitter.com/PYXdD9SADF
— Senator Andrew Gounardes (@Sen_Gounardes) December 14, 2024
