Malverne’s annual tree lighting festival is one of the village’s most popular annual events, and last Saturday’s lighting topped a day that was jam-packed with things to do, starting at noon and ending at 8 p.m., a couple of hours after the tree was switched on.
Roughly 2,000 people turned out, and enjoyed the event in the company of members of the Malverne police and fire departments, local elected officials and business owners. Santa and his sleigh made an appearance as well, as traffic was kept clear of Hempstead Avenue and a number of its vehicular tributaries.
Lori Guida, longtime village resident, is a hostess at Our Town Grille on Hempstead Avenue, which served up hot cocoa, entrees, candy and more to hungry patrons during the Christmas extravaganza.
“Malverne is a Hallmark movie … and just the best town to grow up in,” Guida said. “You can always come back to it. You never really leave home.”
Guida is actually engaged to Malverne’s Santa for the past few years, Russell Wolfe. He credits his fiancée and her family for inspiring him to get involved in the festivities.
“I read all the letters from the children. I eat a lot of cookies, and I drink a lot of hot chocolate,” Wolfe laughed. “This is my fifth year here. I’m actually from Staten Island, the other island. Ever since I started coming to the luncheonette, I wanted to come and help out at Christmastime.”
The festival featured live performances, holiday food, carousel rides, horses and buggies and more activities for those of all ages. Visitors and residents roamed the streets wearing warm coats, many sporting Christmas accessories as well.
Officer Yvonne Young, of the Elmont Police Department, helped cover one end of the event with her colleagues, while members of the Malverne P.D. worked the other end.
“The festivities are good. It shows community, unity, and that’s what I like to see,” Young said. “There’s so much differentiation. Different colors, creeds, nationalities. It’s surprising — you see Jewish people, Italians, all kinds of folks.”
Created to bring the community together during the holiday season and to celebrate the festive spirit in the village, the event has grown into one of the most cherished annual traditions in Malverne.
The first tree lighting, in 1965 was a modest affair, organized by local officials and community members, but the event has grown steadily over the years, expanding to include musical performances, caroling, and a visit from Santa Claus, making it a centerpiece of the village’s holiday celebrations.
Today, the tree lighting ceremony remains a hallmark of a close-knit community, drawing families and friends, with the towering Christmas tree in the heart of Malverne serving as the focal point of the festivities.