Santa Claus Is Coming To Queens
By Diana Sanders

It is that time of year again. The Christmas season is known for its lavish decorations, the eggnog, the presents, and of course, the man himself, Old St. Nick. Santa is the most important part of Christmas—children certainly seem to think so. Whether they secretly stay awake on Christmas Eve to see him sneak down the chimney, or send countless letters to the North Pole, it is assured that children across the world impatiently await the sight of Santa Claus.

For that reason alone, Santa has decided to pay a little visit to Queens, just in time for the holidays. Parents can choose from various different locations around Queens that offer a meet and greet with Santa himself, and, of course, a picture.

Steinway Street in Astoria will feature Santa’s Shop inside the Jackson Hewitt tax office located at 28-17 Steinway St. Santa’s Shop will be open for visitors from noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 11 and 18. The free event is sponsored by the Steinway Street Business Improvement District and will allow children not only to visit and take a picture with Santa, but also to receive a free gift. For more information, contact the Steinway BID at 718-721-8252.

For those not so close to Steinway Street, Queens Center Mall, the largest mall in Queens, will also welcome the man in the red suit throughout December until Christmas Eve. Santa will be available for pictures Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 7 p.m. Kids can find Santa on the third level of the mall, at the JCPenney wing.

The Queens Center Mall has raised the bar this year not only by making Santa Claus available for pictures with children, but with pets as well. This year on December 11 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., pets can also take a picture with St. Nick to add to the family collection.

Santa Claus will be visiting the Bay Terrace Mall in Bayside as well. Parents can bring their kids to meet Santa and one of his elves on December 10, 11, 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The mall, located on 26th Avenue and Bell Boulevard offers other holiday activities as well this season, such as a Menorah lighting and a horse and carriage ride. Dates for these events are available on the Bay Terrace Web site, www.bayterrace.com.

St. Nick doesn’t only climb down the chimneys of malls and stores, though. He can also be found at the King Manor Museum for his annual appearance on December 17. Santa will visit King Park, on Jamaica Avenue and spend his time from 1 to 3 p.m. reading his favorite stories with children. After each reading, children can take pictures at this free event.

Visits with Santa Claus are available in many places throughout Queens for the enjoyment of children. These events are mostly free and give life to the imagination and merriment of children of all ages. It is a chance for children to have a one-on-one conversation and relationship with the emblem of the Christmas season. Needless to say, Santa has a very busy schedule in Queens throughout the holidays.

The Gazette would love to

receive your photos of Santa with the kids.

Send them to us at Qgazette@aol.com or

Queens Gazette,

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Long Island City,

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Attn: Diana