Atlantic Avenue Kicks Off Holiday Festivities with Tree Lighting, Window Walk, And Toy Drive

Brooklyn residents are invited to spread holiday cheer on Atlantic Avenue as it gears up with a flurry of festive events and activities. Whether you're in the mood for a dazzling tree lighting ceremony or a weekend of window displays and visits from Santa- there's something for you.

The festivities, hosted by Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation, will kick off on Tuesday, Nov. 26, with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the St. Cyril of Turov Belarusian Church, 401 Atlantic Ave., at 6:00pm, according to a press release. 

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon and Council Member Lincoln Restler will officiate the ceremony after a count down by the Girl Scouts Troops 2133 and 2518 first, second, and third-graders from P.S. 261 Philip Livingston. After the tree is lit, Brooklyn High School of the Arts will conclude the ceremony with renditions of holiday classics.

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, the Atlantic Avenue Merchant Holiday Window Judging Competition will showcase the creativity of local businesses. Judges, including artist Alaiyo Bradshaw and Brooklyn Watercolor Society President Alicia Degener and President of the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition and Leon Taylor, Director of Community Media at BRIC. 

“Walk the Windows Weekend” on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 will kick off the Atlantic Avenue Holiday Shop & Dine Season. Visitors can stroll the avenue from Fourth Avenue to Hicks Street to admire holiday windows, shop for unique gifts and enjoy free tote bags filled with local business promotions. Santa will be on hand for photos, accompanied by a brass quartet playing holiday tunes.

Adding to the fun is the 4th Annual Children’s Party with Santa, held Saturday, Dec. 7, from 12:00pm - 3:00pm at the Hoyt Street Garden. Kids can participate in arts and crafts, decorate ornaments, and meet Santa and Olaf for photos.

Throughout the season, the AALDC will host its Annual Holiday Toy Drive, benefiting women and children in local shelters. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at participating businesses until Dec. 12. Donations will go to organizations such as Arbor Inn, Camp Friendship, and the Wyckoff Gardens and Gowanus Houses via Council Member Restler’s office.

For more details, including event locations, Santa sightings, and the toy drive, visit atlanticave.org/holidays.