You are reading

Sunnyside kicks off holiday season with lights

Source: Pat Dorfman

Dec. 2, 2012 By Bill Parry

Police from the 108th Precinct closed down traffic on Skillman Ave. on Thursday evening so a crowd of 250 people could celebrate the 3rd annual Holiday Lighting event.

The event, which marked the illumination of the snowflakes on Skillman Ave., took place across the street from Aubergine Café (Skillman and 50st Street), where the owner Gary O’Neill provided hot chocolate to the attendees.

“This is by far the biggest crowd in the three years we’ve done this,” Jimmy Van Bramer, the local councilman, said. “It gets better every year.”

Students from P.S. 150 and P.S.11 sang Christmas carols for the crowd of parents, elected officials and a host of civic leaders. The children sang songs such as: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas; I wanna wish you a merry Christmas; and Let there be Peace on Earth.

About 10 minutes later, a police car pulled up and Santa emerged handing out candy.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce held its 30th tree lighting celebration at Sabba Park, which went ahead as planned despite the harsh rain.

A few dozen hardy souls braved the elements to join the Sunnyside Drum Corps and choral groups from the LIC YMCA and LaGuardia Community College.

Pastor Brian Dowd, the parish leader at Queens of Angels, was happy with the turnout despite the inclement weather. “I like to call Sunnyside a small town in the big city,” Father Dowd explained, “this reminds me of It’s a Wonderful Life.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

9 Comments

Click for Comments 
Rick Duro

I saw a stare down between Chaaaaaange guy and a bank employee, I predict a turf war soon.

On another note, there is a sign on the bank that says ‘no smoking w/i 25 feet of doors’. So the bank employees go and smoke in front of the laudromat on 41st instead….

RD

Reply
Sunnyside Native

LOL @ Ruben! Well, the other homeless guy who holds the door for you at the Dunkin Donuts on Queens Blvd., between 45th & 46th Streets is now branching out to hold the door at other local establishments! Isn’t that GREAT!

Reply
Ruben

Yesterday I saw an Asian man/employee of TD Bank Shoo away the Chaaaange Bum. A tear fell down my eye, tis was a Christmas miracle!

As promised I will now open an account with TD Bank…a bank with BALLS!

Reply
"Sunnysider"

Sorry I missed this event this years but 250 people show alot for our town getting together … this brings unity and love and caring for our town which is really fantastic and a very proud moment for us

Ihope we all have a great holday season… Iknow we are a real melting pot of relegions here so Iwish all our relegious leaders a happy and safe holday season to all ofus..

Reply

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.