The Inn at Great Neck kicks off holiday season in the Plaza

Janelle Clausen
Members of Great Neck High School's choir sang at the Inn at Great Neck's annual Christmas tree lighting party on Wednesday night, a tradition many of them have been involved in since their freshman year. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)
Members of Great Neck High School's choir sang at the Inn at Great Neck's annual Christmas tree lighting party on Wednesday night, a tradition many of them have been involved in since their freshman year. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)
This Christmas tree was lit up with the help of Lily, 4, a pre-K Parkwood student who came with her mom. She said liked green and all the other colors. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)
This Christmas tree was lit up with the help of Lily, 4, a pre-K Parkwood student who came with her mom. She said liked green and all the other colors. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)

When village officials and other residents needed to turn on the Christmas tree at the Inn at Great Neck, they turned to 4-year-old Lily Weinberg for help.

Although timid at first, the Parkville pre-K rose the occasion. She helped Mayor Jean Celender flip the switch, illuminate the large tree in all the colors of the rainbow – and kick off the holiday season in Great Neck Plaza.

“That was definitely a big surprise,” her mother Beth Weinberg said.

Lily, though, was also one of many people that came to the Inn at Great Neck’s annual tree lighting party.

The William H. Shine South High School chorus sang holiday tunes together to the piano playing of Janine Robinson, a vocal music teacher, while attendees gathered at tables to mingle and eat an array of sweets prepared by the staff.  

Even Santa Claus – also known as Nicholas Horn, the assistant general manager of the Inn at Great Neck – decided to swing by, offering high fives, hugs and holiday cheer for the children in attendance.

“[It’s] for the kids, for the neighborhood and one kid told me what he wanted for Christmas. Hearing that and having a son at home, it’s kind of nice,” Claus, who came back for his third lighting event, said.

Members of the South High School Choir pose with Mayor Jean Celender, Janine Robinson and Santa Claus. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)
Members of the South High School Choir pose with Mayor Jean Celender, Janine Robinson and Santa Claus. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)

When asked what his favorite part of the event was, Claus said it was seeing everyone singing along, coming together and “enjoying life.”

Alan Mindel, the principal manager at the Inn at Great Neck, said the event has been going on for more than 15 years. There came a point where it seemed public entities couldn’t do these types of events, he said, but as a private businessman, he saw a way to spread some holiday cheer.

“I’m a Jewish guy and we’re a Jewish family, but we believe in supporting the whole community regardless of the religious background, and Christmas is a great time of year and a great holiday,” Mindel said. “A lot of people have fun with it.”

Singers in the South High School choir – like juniors Ashley Yu and Daniella Brancato, both 16, and sophomore Gabe Gan, 15 – have kept coming back since they were freshman.

And part of that has to do with how fun it can be.

Lanie, 70, came to the party with her 12-year-old "pup" Kenny. "He loves children," Lanie said. "He loves everyone." (Photo by Janelle Clausen)
Lanie, 70, came to the party with her 12-year-old “pup” Kenny. “He loves children,” Lanie said. “He loves everyone.” (Photo by Janelle Clausen)

“I think Christmas and holiday music just puts me in the best mood whatsoever. And just having the community support and everything – it’s just the best feeling in the world,” Yu said.

“It’s so nice watching everyone smile and actually sing along. Their faces light up, you can see it,” Brancato added. “The holidays are so fun.”

Michael Schwartz, the head of the music department at South High School, also noted that while many of the students can have quite busy schedules, they value the chance to help the community too. They’re busy not just during the school day, he said, but after school with rehearsals and other activities.

“It’s not just about educating the kids in terms of performing in school,” Schwartz said, “but it’s also giving back to the community.”

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