The Seddio family announces the opening of their Annual Holiday Display on December 6, at 5 p.m. at the corner of Flatlands Avenue and East 93rd Street, in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn.
This magnificent collage of lights, animated figures and talking animatronics has been a Brooklyn tradition since 1963 attracting visitors from around the borough and the city.
Valued at over $300,000 the display includes over 50,000 lights, almost 100 animated dolls and a talking Christmas tree. Each of seven display areas identifies a different holiday celebration.
Santa’s workshop, which includes eight shiny reindeer, elves making toys and Santa himself, is followed by a 15-foot toy soldier who guards the entire display.A carousel of reindeer ridden by its own army of toy soldiers — over 10 feet in diameter — circles the inner yard of the property.
A visit with the Van Deer’s enjoying Christmas Day is second only to Mickey and Minnie Mouse joined by a host of Disney characters decorating the Christmas tree, nicknamed “Stumpy,” an eight-foot computer generated animatronic tree which vocalizes holiday songs and tells jokes.
In another section, a life size nativity features figures built into a crèche. In still another scene, children stand in front of the winter wizard listening to him recite the “Night before Christmas”.
Internationaland multi cultural in flavor, vignettes also depict Chanukah and Kwanza celebrations.
Look for the ten-foot high hot air balloon festooned with lights to guide you to the house or the 12-foot Ferris wheel which circles the front lawn and includes Sesame Street characters.
The Seddio display has been shown on numerous television stations and was featured in Time Out Magazine.
The December 6 musical opening night features a live Santa, elves and a dozen costumed characters. This year choral renditions will be provided by the Public School 115 chorus and the choir of Solid Rock Baptist Church. Christmas carols will be played on steel drums by “Dem Stars” Steel Band. All are invited to the opening event.
Construction of the display is done solely with volunteers and typically takes the entire month of November to finish.
Frank Seddio is a life long Canarsie resident; he is a local attorney who has been active in numerous community organizations throughout his career.
