Holiday lights flickered to life on Dec. 5 at John Paul Jones Park as Bay Ridge residents gathered for the neighborhood’s annual Christmas tree lighting.
The ceremony, held around 6 p.m. at the park at 101st Street and Fourth Avenue, followed a brief weather-related rescheduling and brought together families, neighbors and local leaders. The event was organized by NIA Community Services Network with support from Council Member Justin Brannan and state Sen. Andrew Gounardes.
Founded in 1981, NIA provides programming and human services to children, families, and seniors across more than 40 sites in New York City. The organization runs after-school and youth development programs, senior services, family support initiatives and community events, and is also behind many of the borough’s holiday celebrations, bringing seasonal festivities and community gatherings to neighborhoods throughout Kings County.
Cheers rose from the crowd at the rain-checked lighting as the towering tree was illuminated, casting a warm glow across what’s commonly known as Cannonball Park. Holiday music and caroling filled the air, and Santa Claus delighted children with a surprise appearance.
For many in Bay Ridge, the lighting marked more than the flipping of a switch — it signaled the start of weeks of holiday gatherings and community traditions.
