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 Dump 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: [email protected]
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

Op-Ed: Invest in our children in next year’s budget

Dec. 7, 2023 By Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas

Eighty-five percent of brain development happens during the first three years of life. For young children who need additional support, interventions like speech, occupational and physical therapies can create positive changes that have a lifelong impact on their social, physical and emotional health, as well as their success in school and beyond. That’s why New York’s Early Intervention program was created – to provide New York families with accessible resources to help their young children meet their developmental goals and thrive.

“New York’s Funniest Stand-Up” with Matt Koff

Dec. 6, 2023 by Jill Carvajal

The “New York’s Funniest Stand-Up” competition recently celebrated its 15th year as part of the annual New York Comedy Festival both founded by Caroline Hirsch of Caroline’s on Broadway. New York’s Funniest and previous winners have gone on to become some of the biggest names in comedy.

Buy ‘Made in Queens’ this holiday season

Dec. 1, 2023 By Tammy Scileppi

Seems as if the holiday season is coming upon us quicker than ever! And if you’re running out of thoughtful ideas for gifts and stocking stuffers, here are some tempting offerings, courtesy of those innovative Made in Queens (MiQ) folks.