Coinciding with Small Business Saturday, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District (Park Slope 5th Ave BID) and local residents rang in “the most wonderful time of the year” with the 16th annual tree-lighting ceremony Nov. 29 at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street, outside Washington Park’s J.J. Byrne Playground.
The free, family-friendly festivities on the pedestrian-friendly Fourth Street Plaza featured soapy magic tricks by Bubble Dad Chris Catanese, face painting, music by Victor V. Gurbo and Mark Caserto, an arts and crafts table, and warm chocolate provided by Chela Mexican Restaurant.
The highlight of the holiday event was, of course, Santa Claus — the most important person of the season. He and his elves trekked from the North Pole to Park Slope, posing for photos and leading the countdown to illuminate the holiday spruce.
Before flipping the switch to illuminate the evergreen, Santa issued a playful warning for those who hadn’t been on their best behavior: they had 20 days to repent if they expected gifts under the tree.
Park Slope residents Hope Hou and Serko Artinian attended the event for the first time and appreciated its community feel.
“I think this neighborhood is really one of the best we’ve ever experienced in New York City,” Hou told Brooklyn Paper. “Events like this make the neighborhood community really special. It brings everyone together. Usually, you wouldn’t really have a chance to interact with other community members.”
“We love the neighborhood, we love the people,” Artinian added. “We love the sense of community. We love the events that actually help preserve and respect the space.”
Lisa Hilliard from Collierville, Tennessee, was visiting family over Thanksgiving and enjoyed the celebration.
“I love all the families that I see here, and it’s just amazing to see the children enjoying Christmas,” Hilliard said.
Her son-in-law, Jacob Doan, who moved to the neighborhood six months ago, noted the event’s impact on community connection.
“In a big city like New York, having things like [the tree lighting] makes the neighborhood feel like a really true community,” Doan said.
Joanna Tallantire, executive director of the Park Slope 5th Ave BID, told Brooklyn Paper that the tree lighting coincided with Small Business Saturday to encourage Brooklynites to shop local.
Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue — dubbed New York City’s “coolest” street by Time Out in 2024 — is home to 520 small businesses. Tallantire noted that the holiday season accounts for about 25% of merchants’ annual sales, though tariffs imposed during the Trump administration have posed challenges.
“It’s a tough year with the tariffs, and it’s been a slow beginning, so just keep going back into the shops. They’re getting more and more gifts ready for you, and they’re packed with stuff and inventory,” she said. “Support small, local shops, and have fun.”
Mark Caserta, vice president of Small Business Support at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, said the tariffs continue to affect the local economy.
“The economy is a little slow right now, and there’s definitely an effect on tariffs. When we talk to businesses, they’re finding prices are higher than ever for them,” Caserta told Brooklyn Paper. “Small Business Saturday is merely a reminder of how important it is to support small businesses, and this year, more than ever, it’s really needed because of the struggles with tariffs, with ICE, and increased costs. Mom-and-pop businesses and immigrant-owned businesses really need your support.”
Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, whose district includes Park Slope, attended the ceremony and emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses. The lawmaker wished everyone “peace, love, and joy for the holidays.”
“When you get to know your neighbors, you get to know your local businesses, they get to know you, our communities are happier, they’re safer, and our merchants do better,” Simon said. “We don’t really need to spend all of our money in big corporate entities like Amazon and others, because we have everything we need right here.”
