Bellmore Village embraces the holiday season

Dozens of families gathered on Friday at the Veteran’s Memorial near the Bellmore train station to watch 3,000 lights illuminate the village Christmas tree. The festive event, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, included horse and carriage rides up and down Bedford Ave., a nativity scene, and a visit from Santa. Between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Bedford Avenue and Petit Avenue were closed off for the public to enjoy the seasonal activities.

Before the tree lighting, a choir of students from Bellmore’s elementary school chorus groups performed vintage holiday songs. Pastor John Gravagna, of Connect Church on Corner Lane in Bellmore, led a prayer and his daughter, Victoria, belted out the holiday classic, “Noel.”

Children enjoyed playing by the Christmas tree and sipping hot cocoa offered by the Chamber. The tree will be lit for the public to enjoy as they walk, eat and shop through Bellmore Village all holiday season.