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Brooklyn News

PHOTOS | Frost Fest, Coney Island’s Winter wonderland, kicks off with holiday cheer


Luna Park kicked off its second annual Frost Fest on Saturday, transforming the iconic amusement park into a festive winter wonderland.

The seasonal celebration, which runs on select dates through Jan. 1, 2025, offers a variety of holiday-themed activities for guests of all ages. Its first iteration in 2023 marked a milestone for Coney Island’s amusement district, usually closed between September and March.

Frost Fest at Luna Park brings a festive winter wonderland to Coney Island, featuring over 20 holiday-themed attractions.Photo by Erica Price
The opening day of Frost Fest on Nov. 23 featured a magical atmosphere with carolers, holiday lights, and festive cheer throughout Luna Park.Photo by Erica Price
Admission to Frost Fest is free, with rides starting at just $4.Photo by Erica Price
Frost Fest at Luna Park combines nostalgic amusement park thrills with festive winter activities.Photo by Erica Price

This year’s Frost Fest marks the return of Luna Park’s artisan holiday market and Santa’s Wonderland — all set under the dazzling glow of a 35-foot tree. New this year is the “Candy Cane Chute,” a giant rapid slide sure to amuse young thrill-seekers.

Hundreds flocked to the People’s Playground for Frost Fest’s Nov. 23 kickoff, where they were greeted by costumed carolers, illuminated dancers on stilts, the Polar Bear Plunge mascot and Kris Kringle himself.

“We are thrilled to kick off our second annual Frost Fest,” said Alessandro Zamperla, president and CEO of Central Amusement International Inc., which operates Luna Park. “What better place than Luna Park to create those everlasting holiday memories? By establishing a new Coney Island tradition, we have created an enchanting backdrop that enhances the charm of our iconic amusement attractions.”

The Cyclone gets a hint of holiday cheer.
Luna Park President Alessandro Zamperla poses with visitors — and Santa Claus.Photo by Erica Price

As part of the ongoing event, Luna Park’s famed Cyclone roller coaster will remain open throughout the winter, adding holiday flair to the nostalgia many have come to know and love Coney Island for — Zamperla among them.

“I love speed,” he said when asked about his favorite attraction at Saturday’s opening, “so roller coasters are my favorite.” Zamperla called it a tie for number one between the Cyclone and The Thunderbolt.

But with over 20 amusement park attractions decked out in seasonal decor, Frost Fest offers plenty for visitors to explore.

Some guests won big on the first night of Luna Park’s Frost Fest.Photo by Erica Price
Costumed carolers spread holiday cheer at the second annual Frost Fest at Luna Park in Coney Island.Photo by Erica Price
The 35-foot holiday tree at Luna Park is just one of the dazzling decorations lighting up Coney Island for this year’s Frost Fest.Photo by Erica Price
Families can enter ‘Santa’s Wonderland’ through an igloo entrance at the foot of the holiday tree.Photo by Erica Price
The annual holiday celebration at Luna Park features gourmet snacks, hot drinks, and a festive holiday market to keep visitors cozy.Photo by Erica Price
Kids can meet Kris Kringle and snap a photo at ‘Santa’s Wonderland,’ then drop off their holiday wishes in Santa’s special mailbox at Luna Park’s Frost Fest.Photo by Erica Price
Guests enjoy the rush of the new ‘Candy Cane Chute’ slide, a thrilling addition to this year’s Frost Fest.Photo by Erica Price

Guests can also indulge in seasonal treats from the holiday market, which features gourmet snacks and hot drinks to keep everyone cozy during the chilly weather.

The festival’s grand finale will come on Jan. 1, 2025, with the Polar Bear Club Plunge followed by an after-party to celebrate the end of the holiday season.

Admission to Frost Fest is free, and ride prices start at $4. For more information, visit lunaparknyc.com/frostfest2024.

Additional reporting by Erica Price


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Brooklyn News

Женщине предъявлено обвинение в вождении в нетрезвом состоянии после аварии в Морском центре округа Саффолк


ВАВИЛОН, Лонг-Айленд — Полиция сообщает, что в аварии, которая закончилась возгоранием нескольких лодок на Лонг-Айленде, виновата подозреваемая которая находилась в нетрезвом состоянии Это произошло около 22:00. […]

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Brooklyn

@GovKathyHochul: Melanie Chianese’s life was tragically cut short because of a legal loophole. I’m signing legislation that will expand protections for domestic abuse victims like Melanie’s family and save lives. Join me live in Dutchess County: https://t.co/pWwS5eLrEw



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Brooklyn News

Where to Take Photos with Santa In and Near New York


Photos with Santa
Courtesy of Macy’s Inc.

Where to Take Photos with Santa 2024

Make memories this holiday season by taking photos with Santa! Here are some places around New York to get photos with Santa this year!

Psst…  Check out NYC Christmas Tree and Holiday Tree Lightings 2024

Manhattan

Santaland at Bloomingdales

Bloomingdale’s 59th Street, 1000 Third Ave., Midtown
Nov. 23-Dec. 23, Mondays – Saturdays, 10 am – 7 pm, Sundays, 11 am – 6 pm; closed each day from 2-3 pm.
All ages
$25 reservation fee includes a $25 Bloomingdale’s gift card, a 15-minute private meet-and-greet with Santa, and a gift to take home.

Stop and snap a photo with Santa and his mischievous elves for a magical Holiday memory.

Here Comes Santa Claus

The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, 20 Hudson Yards, Chelsea
Nov. 29-Dec. 23, Mondays-Fridays, 5-8pm
All ages
Free

Santa is flying his sleigh to meet with children, friends and families from across the world. Bring your camera or phone to snap a photo and enjoy treats from Dylan’s Candy Bar.

Selfies with Santa

Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Chelsea
Nov. 29-Dec. 22, Wednesdays – Saturdays, 10 am – 7 pm, Sundays, 10 am – 6 pm. See website for scheduled Santa breaks.
Pet Photos with Santa: Thursday, December 5, 4-7 pm; Wednesday, December 11, 4-7 pm.
All ages
Free

Everyone’s invited to Holiday Under the Palms at Brookfield Place to get a selfie with Santa! Upon arrival, Santa’s helpers will check you in and you’ll receive a jolly alert when it’s your turn to meet the man in red. While you wait, explore Brookfield Place for perfect holiday gifts and take a photo in front of the sun-soaked wonderland featuring a massive sandcastle!

Macy’s Santaland

Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W 34th St., Midtown
Nov. 30-Dec. 24, see website for complete schedule
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

Here’s your chance to visit the busiest man of the season inside the Herald Square store. Book your time to join the line—it’s the only way to meet & take a photo with Santa.

Santa’s Corner

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, 41st St. and 6th Ave., Midtown
Dec. 16-20, Daily, 10 am – 12 pm
All ages
Free

Santa’s Corner returns giving visitors of all ages the opportunity to tell Santa what they want for Christmas, and pose for the perfect holiday photo!

Bronx

Photos with Santa

The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Ave., Co-op City
Nov. 23-Dec. 24, see website for complete schedule
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

Capture enchanting memories with Santa Photos on Level 3 in the mall! With stunning Christmas decorations and a beautifully designed Santa setup, you’ll take home photos that you’ll cherish for years.

Selfies with Santa

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, 895 Shore Road, City Island
Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 am – 12 pm and 12 – 1 pm
All ages
$15 children (1+ and up); free for adults when accompanied by a child.

Enjoy some time at the mansion! Families are invited to explore the museum decorated with festive holiday trees in each of the period rooms and take selfies with Santa.

Brooklyn

Photos with Santa

Kings Plaza Shopping Center, 5100 Kings Plaza, Marine Park
Nov. 21-Dec. 24. See website for complete schedule.
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.

Photos with Santa at Old Stone House 2024

Old Stone House, 336 3rd St., Park Slope
Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 am – 12 pm
All ages
$30

Join Old Stone House for their annual photo session with Santa.  Photographer Marc Goldberg will make his professional photos available on his website for purchase. You’re welcome to snap your own photo as well.

Queens

Photos with Santa
The Shops at Atlas Park, 8000 Cooper Ave., Glendale
Nov. 27-Dec. 24. See website for complete schedule
Pet Photos with Santa, Dec 2,  4-7 pm
Santa Cares, Dec 8,  9:30-10:30 am. Reservations required.
All ages
Photo Packages start at $39.99

Ho, ho, ho! Santa is back and he’s more excited than ever to see all his familiar friends and meet new faces this holiday season!

Photos with Santa

Queens Center, 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst
Nov. 14-Dec. 24. See website for complete schedule
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.

REGO Center Santa Photo Kiosk

Rego Center, 6135 Junction Blvd., Rego Park
Dec. 7-21, Saturdays, 12 – 2 pm
All ages
Free

REGO Center is thrilled to be bringing back the very popular Santa Photo Kiosk which will delight children and their parents. When you visit the kiosk expect to find Santa, his elves and helpers in a beautifully designed and cozy cabin that will make Christmas come alive. Children can tell Santa all of their Christmas wishes, have a digital photo taken with Santa, and receive a Santa autograph handout.

Santa Visits NY Irish Center

New York Irish Center, 1040 Jackson Ave., Long Island City
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 – 4 pm
All ages
$5 per child; free for adults

On this special day, the Center opens its doors to welcome local children from across the community, and throughout the Boroughs, for a chance to conference with Santa Claus ahead of the Big Day. Tea, coffee, and snacks will be on hand! And each child who walks through the door receives a free gift! With the bonus treat of performances by students of the NY Irish Center resident classes, including McManus School of Irish Dance and Niall Mulligan’s Fiddle classes.

Staten Island

Santa Photos

Staten Island Mall, 2655 Richmond Ave. New Springville
Nov. 8 – Dec. 24; see website for complete schedule
Pet Photos with Santa, Mondays and Tuesdays through Dec. 10, 4-7 pm.
Santa Cares Day, Sunday, Dec. 8, 9:30 – 10:30 am
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

Santa Claus is in town! He’s traveled all the way from the North Pole to spread holiday cheer and take pictures with kids of all ages. Don’t miss your chance to make holiday memories and to let Santa know what you want this Christmas. Get on Santa’s nice list and make your reservation today.

Long Island, Nassau County

Time for Santa Photos

Roosevelt Field Mall, 630 Old Country Road, Garden City
Nov. 7-Dec. 24; see website for complete schedule
Pet Photos: Sundays through December 8, 6:30-8 pm
Caring Santa: Sunday, December 8th from 9 – 10:30 am
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

The ultimate holiday tradition awaits. And Santa is making a list and checking it twice – so reserve photos with Santa today!

Pictures with Santa

Dees’ Nursery, 69 Atlantic Ave., Oceanside
Nov. 29-Dec. 22, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am – 5 pm
All ages
Photo packages start at $21.99

Each family will have a special and magical experience. Mrs. Claus joins Santa every Saturday.

Pictures with Santa

Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury
Nov. 29-Dec. 23, Weekdays, 1-4 pm and 5-8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am-1 pm, and 2-6 pm.
All ages
Free

Bring your own camera to take pictures with Santa. Children are welcome to sit on Santa’s lap, next to him or on a bench in front of him.

Long Island, Suffolk County

Santa Photos

Walt Whitman Mall, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station
Nov. 8-Dec. 24; see website for complete schedule
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

The ultimate holiday tradition awaits. Santa is making a list and checking it twice – so reserve your photos with Santa.

Santa Photo Experience

Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
Nov. 7-Dec. 24; see website for complete schedule
Pet Photos, Dec. 1-8, Sundays, 7 – 8 pm
Caring Santa, Sunday, Dec. 8th, 9 – 10:30 am
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

The ultimate holiday tradition awaits! Santa is making a list and checking it twice – so reserve your photos with Santa today! : Your pets are part of the family too, so don’t miss this fun opportunity for them to visit Santa!

Meet Santa at the Huntington Holiday Spectacular

Huntington Holiday Spectacular, 12 Wall St., Huntington
Dec. 4-23; see website for complete schedule
All ages
Free

Meet Santa and take photos with the man in red under the tree.

Santa on the Farm

Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville
Dec. 7-22, Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am, 11 am, 1-2:30 pm
All ages
$35; free for those younger than 2

Meet Santa at the Long Island Game Farm where you’ll have your family holiday picture taken, make holiday ornaments, crafts and cards, enjoy story time, games and holiday movies. Each guest will be given animal treats to share with the animals.

Rockland

Photos with Santa

Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack
Nov. 25-Dec. 24; see website for complete schedule
Pet Nights with Santa, Nov 26, 5 – 7 pm
Sensory-friendly Santa Visit, Dec 8, 9:30 – 10:30 am
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

Santa’s back and ready for holiday fun! Make sure to register early to skip the lines and go straight to the magic. Santa can’t wait to meet you, hear your holiday wishes, and capture those festive photos.

Bergen

Santa Photos

Paramus Park Mall, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
Nov. 14-Dec. 24, see website for complete schedule
Pet photos with Santa, Mondays and Tuesdays through Dec. 10
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

Santa Claus is in town! He’s traveled all the way from the North Pole to spread holiday cheer and take pictures with kids of all ages. Don’t miss your chance to make holiday memories and to let Santa know what you want this Christmas. Get on Santa’s nice list and make your reservation today.

Photos with Santa

American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
Nov. 15 – Dec. 24; see website for complete schedule
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

Snap some holiday cheer with a Santa photo. Visit Santa at his home at American Dream, Holiday Dreamland, to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Photos with Santa

Bergen Town Center, Route 4 East & Forest Ave., Paramus
Nov. 22-Dec. 24; see website for complete schedule
Pet Portraits available on Mondays
All ages
Photo packages start at $34.99

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, we’re telling you why…Santa Claus is coming to Bergen Town Center! Don’t miss the opportunity to take memorable pictures that you will cherish for years to come!

Photos with Santa

Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Nov. 7-Dec. 21Weekdays, 11 am – 7 pm, Sundays, 10 am – 8 pm; Monday, Dec. 23, 10 am – 8 pm; Tuesday, Dec. 24, 10 am – 4 pm.
Pajama Party: Tuesdays through December 17 (all day)
Baby’s First: Wednesdays through December 18 (all day)
Ugly Sweater Party: Thursdays through December 19 (all day)
Santa Paws: November 25, December 2, December 9, December 16, from 4 – 7 pm
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

Discover the magic and tradition of the holiday season with fun photos with Santa.

Santa Photo Experience

The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
Nov. 15-Dec. 24, Mondays – Saturdays, see website for complete schedule
All ages
Photo packages start at $39.99

The ultimate holiday tradition awaits. And Santa is making a list and checking it twice – book early to ensure your spot to see Santa.

Psst… Check out Where to See Santa in Westchester: Pictures, Breakfast with Santa, and More

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@NYPDnews: RT @NYPDnews: Today, @NYPDPC Jessica Tisch was officially sworn in to lead the nation’s largest police department, focusing on enhancing co…



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Brooklyn News

Губернатор Хочул объявляет о запуске первой стратегии штата Нью-Йорк по улучшению работы правительства


Губернатор Кэти Хоукул сегодня объявила о запуске первой в истории штата Нью-Йорк стратегии обслуживания клиентов, новаторская инициатива, направленная на преобразование методов взаимодействия жителей Нью-Йорка с […]

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Губернатор Хочул объявляет о выделении почти $220 миллионов федеральных средств на обеспечение готовности к чрезвычайным ситуациям и усилиям по борьбе с терроризмом


Губернатор Кэти Хоукул сегодня объявила о почти $220 миллионах федерального финансирования для поддержки усилий по борьбе с терроризмом и обеспечению готовности к чрезвычайным ситуациям по […]

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Brooklyn News

MOTA hosts meeting to draw new members


The Merchants of Third Avenue (MOTA) held an informative, passionate meeting at the Greenhouse Café the evening of Nov. 13.

The post MOTA hosts meeting to draw new members appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.


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Brooklyn News

Premium Content: Merchants of Third Avenue meeting addresses ways to expand, drive more traffic to neighborhood


The Merchants of Third Avenue (MOTA) held an informative, passionate meeting at the Greenhouse Café the evening of Nov. 13.

The post <i>Premium Content: </i><br>Merchants of Third Avenue meeting addresses ways to expand, drive more traffic to neighborhood appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.


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Op-Ed | The updated financial plan puts working-class New Yorkers first and makes our city safer and more affordable


From day one, we have put New Yorkers first, working to make this city safer, more affordable, and more livable. Thanks to our strong fiscal management — including saving nearly $900 million in taxpayer dollars over just two fiscal years, last week, we were able to deliver the November 2024 Financial Plan Update that invests in public safety, the programs and benefits that New Yorkers rely on, and improves quality of life for our city’s 8.3 million residents. Because we made smart and tough budget decisions early on, we are able to continue investing in working-class New Yorkers and their families. And we are stepping up to fund critical programs that had been supported with temporary federal stimulus funds.

This administration has been committed to cleaning up crime and disorder across the five boroughs. We are pro-public safety, and we are making sure our families and kids can feel safe and be safe. The November 2024 Financial Plan Update puts more cops on our streets, adding an additional 1,600 police officers to our neighborhoods over two new police classes by next October. This will increase our uniform force to nearly 34,000 officers to keep our communities safe.

Our officers work every day to keep us safe, and they need a leader who is spending every minute of every day keeping us safe, too. That is why, last week, I also announced the appointment of Jessica Tisch as next police commissioner. Commissioner Tisch is a 12-year veteran of the NYPD and a 17-year veteran of city government, who has dedicated her professional life to serving the people of New York City. Most recently, Commissioner Tisch served as commissioner of the Department of Sanitation. She led the ‘Trash Revolution’ in our city, delivering generational change through our containerization program and universal curbside composting service. Commissioner Tisch literally cleaned up our streets as sanitation commissioner and will now figuratively do it as police commissioner. She is the right leader in this moment and will ensure that New York City remains the safest big city in America.

The November plan also funds staffing technology and other needs at the Bellevue Outpost Therapeutic Housing Unit to treat justice-involved patients with serious health conditions. And it expands the New York City Sheriff’s Electronic Ankle Monitoring Program with funding for 51 new positions to help increase safety. It puts more money into New York City Department of Correction to support programs that reduce recidivism in our city.

New Yorkers work hard every day to provide for themselves and their families. They not only deserve a safe city, but a fair shot and their fair share, and in this November plan we are giving it to them. This plan helps working-class New Yorkers pay for necessities like housing, groceries, and bills by putting over $467 million in the cash assistance program and $115 million into our CityFHEPS rental assistance program to help families find housing and stay in their homes.

The plan also deepens our commitment to New York City Public Schools by filling gaps in the budget left by expiring stimulus funding. I am a public-school graduate; I know how important our public schools are for our kids and how important school nurses are to providing care for our kids. That’s why we are stepping in and continuing to fund school contract nurses with a goal that there’s a school nurse in every school building. Additionally, we are allocating $80 million for New York City Public Schools technology resources to make sure that administrators, schools, and our kids have the best technology at their disposal.

New Yorkers love their parks, and we are taking care of our green spaces by fully containerizing all Department of Parks and Recreation curbside trash locations with 9,000 lockable steel bins. This will continue our ‘Trash Revolution’ across the five boroughs and make sure our streets get even cleaner. We are kicking trash to the curb, reclaiming public space, fighting rats, and so much more.

Early in our administration, we made it clear that our mission is to support working-class New Yorkers by keeping them safe, making the city more affordable, and improving quality of life. In this November Plan we are building a future for working people, one that is safer, cleaner, and more affordable for all New Yorkers.