Annual Williston Park tree lighting ushers in local holiday spirit

Jed Hendrixson
The lit Christmas tree in front of Village Hall. (Photo by Jed Hendrixson)

Hundreds of Williston Park families gathered outside Village Hall Sunday night for the village’s annual tree lighting.

Village Mayor Paul Ehrbar and the Board of Trustees, along with their families, brought Christmas cheer to the neighborhood. Willis Avenue, as well as several side streets, were closed to better fit the many families that braved the rain to ring in the holiday.

The lighting ceremony was an exceptional success, Ehrbar said. Ehrbar thanked in particular Deputy Mayor Kevin Rynne and the village’s Recreation Committee, who were responsible for organizing all of the events of the evening.

The members of the committee are Tara Bridges, Tim Casey, Sue Miller, Kathy Carr and Stacey Cullen.

Boy and Girl Scouts sang Christmas songs and carols like “Frosty the Snowman” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” as parents looked on. When the tree finally lit up, the crowd applauded and cheered.

After a brief lull in the festivities, sirens blared and lights flashed as Santa Claus arrived, escorted by a convoy of Williston Park Fire Department vehicles down Willis Avenue.

Santa then sat down with every boy and girl, forming a line that wrapped around the block, to hear what each wanted for Christmas, and had photos taken with families. Santa brought hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes for all.

Families that were unable to attend or wish to see Santa again, can call or email the village to add their house to the list of homes he’ll visit on Christmas Eve.

Share this Article