It’s a beloved holiday tradition.
Bay Ridgites ushered in the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting at the Shore Road Gazebo on Nov. 29. Cheermeisters braved the cold and came out in droves — despite the pouring rain — to celebrate Christmas with caroling and hot cocoa. It really got people in the holiday spirit, said one reveler.
“It definitely got you in the mood for Christmas it was just such a nice event hearing the songs,” said Holly Bakke, who lives in the neighborhood and came out with her daughter. “It was a beautiful thing.”
Locals gathered in the nearby Shore Hills complex after the illumination, and students from The Guild for Exceptional Children and Fort Hamilton High School crooned Christmas classics. And Santa stopped by to meet kids and take requests for holiday gifts. Meeting St. Nick was an unforgettable experience for one trio of brothers, said a parent.
“The kids really looked forward it and were very excited to meet Santa,” said Eva Marie Lane, who came out with her sons Matthew, James, and Ryan. “It’s a wonderful way to ring in the holiday season and it’s always nice to get involved in community events.”
State Sen. Martin Golden (R–Bay Ridge), Councilman Vincent Gentile (D–Bay Ridge), and local organizations hosted the celebration.
