It’s the season to be merry, and the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership joined in the holiday spirit with its annual Fulton Mall holiday party and tree-lighting ceremony in Albee Square last week.
The event, sponsored by Fulton Mall’s first legal adult cannabis dispensary, Happy Munkey, kicked off at 5 p.m. on Nov. 26 with dazzling performances by LED-illuminated stilt walkers from Bond Street Theater, as well as LED poi and hula twirlers on rollerblades. Musical highlights included DJ Mike and the band Kinto Zonó Unplugged.
Empanada Loca and BANG Cookies handed out complimentary hot chocolate to the crowd, eagerly awaiting the countdown to the holiday lights.
An LED-illuminated stilt walker from Bond Street Theater poses for a photo with a young girl.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannFriends Edwina White and Stepha LaFond enjoyed the holiday lighting party with their kids.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannParents and kids enjoyed the tree lighting festivities.
Regina Myer, president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, was excited to usher in the holiday season.
“The weather is beautiful this evening. It’s so nice to have a great crowd,” Myer told Brooklyn Paper. “We’re just excited about our holiday lights that brighten up Fulton Street and Albee Square. And we want people to enjoy the holiday season.”
Friends Edwina White and Stepha LaFond enjoyed the celebration with their kids.
“We go to school not too far away, and our friends live in the building right here, so it’s just good to get the kids together and just do something fun for the holidays,” LaFond said. She hoped that people would enjoy each other’s company this holiday season.
“Life is crazy,” LaFond said. “Take time to relax and enjoy each other.”
A hula twirler on rollerblades dazzled the crowd.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannLED-illuminated stilt walkers from Bond Street Theater and LED poi twirler dazzled the crowd.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
White added that they were drawn to the event by the music.
“The music’s fantastic, and the tree, it’s getting exciting now,” White said.
Local officials, including Council Member Lincoln Restler and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, joined the tree-lighting festivities.
Restler pointed out that 2024 had been a “banner year” for Downtown Brooklyn, with the opening of two elementary schools and Abolitionist Park on Duffield Street.
“So we have two awesome new schools and an awesome new park. The Downtown Brooklyn community is truly stronger than ever,” Restler told the crowd.
Council Member Lincoln Restler presented Jerome Wiggins (left), director of operations for the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, with a City Council citation.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannAssembly Member Jo Anne Simon, Regina Myer, Jerome Wiggins, and Council Member Lincoln Restler attend the tree lighting ceremony.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
He also acknowledged the ongoing effort to keep Fulton Mall and Albee Square clean and safe, presenting Jerome Wiggins, director of Operations for the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, with a City Council citation.
“[Jerome] really puts his whole heart into his work,” Restler said. “He’s been doing it for a decade.”
Simon echoed Restler’s sentiment.
“This has been a terrific year for Downtown Brooklyn,” she said. “This community has grown by leaps and bounds.”
Tchara Harrif attended the event with her three daughters.
“My kids love it. They’re not even ready to leave yet,” Harrif said. She hoped for peace this holiday season. “That would be the best Christmas gift ever.”
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