You are reading

Holiday spirit convenes under Sunnyside Arch for lighting ceremony

Dancers from the Sunnyside Ballet Studio performed pieces from the Nutcracker. (Photo by Iryna Shkurhan)

Nov. 20, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan

Hundreds of locals of all ages gathered underneath the Sunnyside Arch for a holiday lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 17. 

The festive event, which put forward performances from Sunnyside Ballet Studio and Sunnyside Drum Corps, was organized by the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District. Vendors along 46th St. sold hot chocolate and elote while Christmas carolers belted away holiday classics. 

The Sunnyside Drum Corp were the first performers of the night. Photo by Iryna Shkurhan

The holiday lights along Queens Boulevard spanning from 38th Street to 50th Street, along with several blocks on Greenpoint Avenue, were already lit up ahead of the event. But following a collective countdown, the snowflake lights on 46th Street between Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue were turned on as the final addition to the display. 

“They’re beautiful, and we’re very glad to bring them to you every year,” said Dirk McCall de Palomá, the executive director of Sunnyside Shines. “And we’re trying to find ways to make them even bigger and better.”

Santa Clause came to Sunnyside early this year. Photo by Iryna Shkurhan

Members of the Sunnyside Ballet Studio performed several dances from the Nutcracker. They are gearing up for their performance at Queens Theatre on Dec. 17. 

Council Member Julie Won also attended the event with her husband and son, whom McCall de Palomá referred to as the “first baby of the district” in his remarks. 

Dirk McCall de Palama, Executive Director of Sunnyside Shines, led the event. Photo by Iryna Shkurhan

Won announced that 2,000 turkeys will be given to NYCHA residents in District 26, which includes the Pomonock and Ravenswood Houses. They will also distribute 2,000 hot traditional Thanksgiving meals to new migrants residing in shelters for their first Thanksgiving in the United States.

“When we think of the holidays, we think of community and we think of how resilient we’ve been,” said Shyvonne Noboa, associate executive director of Older Adult Services at Sunnyside Community Services. “And sometimes when the world can seem chaotic, we can lean on each other.” 

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Fall fun in western Queens: Your guide to the best seasonal events

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With beach days and summer BBQs behind us, the start of September rings in the start of magnificent Fall foliage, Halloween and more fun activities that come with the start of Autumn, including a list of Fall events in the area. From apple picking to seasonal ciders and more, there is tons to explore in the community. From Mystic Markets to scary movie meet-ups and more, here is a list of Fall events you do not want to miss.

A hidden gem in Sunnyside: Bistro Punta Sal blends Peruvian and Italian flavors

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

On a quiet street in Sunnyside, Bistro Punta Sal has its French doors wide open, letting the late August breeze emanate throughout the space, which is ornate with flowers, paintings and an array of tables and chairs for intimate dinners with friends or a romantic date night. The cozy restaurant, located at 45-51 46th St., is a hidden gem in the neighborhood that is just waiting to be discovered, as the sights and aromas of the restaurant invite guests in. 

Queens Together launches ‘Unofficial US Open Dining Guide’ encouraging fans to sample restaurants along the 7 line

Aug. 20, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

The US Open returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park this Sunday, with more than 1 million attendees anticipated to take mass transit to the iconic annual tennis event. With hundreds of thousands of fans set to take the 7 out to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, there is a world of delicious local eateries lying beneath the elevated train tracks should any fan wish to stop en-route to the US Open.