Santa Stops On Steinway

BY LIZ GOFF The Christmas season has arrived in all its glory on Steinway Street, where shopping is jolly, thanks to performances by the roving Goliard Carolers, visits with Santa Claus and holiday music in the air.

A frosty Christmas chill filled the air last weekend, providing the perfect setting for dozens of youngsters who paid a visit to Santa on Steinway Street on December 7. More than 40 young believers stopped by Santa's Winter Wonderland at the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service office at 28-17 Steinway St. on Sunday to deliver their list of Christmas wishes to the Jolly Old Elf.

One of Santa's elves helped spread holiday cheer taking photos of the kids with Santa.

Alejandra, 4, stared in wonder at Santa then pulled out a holiday toy catalog opened to a page displaying Barbie dolls and accessories. The little girl pointed to the toy she would most like to find under her Christmas tree, and smiled as Santa promised to make her wish come true.

Edwin, 4, and his sister Karen, 2 1/2, whispered their wishes to Santa and waved as they walked away. When they left they peered at Santa through decorations on the Jackson Hewitt windows, wishing him and the reindeers a Merry Christmas.

DJs Rob, Baron and Anthony brought the WPLJ 95.5 Party Patrol to Santa's Wonderland, calling out for kids to stop in and visit with Santa and take a spin on the WPLJ party wheel to win free CDs and other prizes.

"We'll be here for the holidays spending time with the kids and Santa and giving out surprises," Anthony said.

The WPLJ Party Patrol will join Santa on Steinway again on December 14, when parents are invited to bring a camera to Santa's Wonderland at Jackson Hewitt from noon to 4 p.m., and make some memories of their own.

Folks who like to make a list and check it twice before heading out to do their holiday shopping are invited to visit the Steinway Street Web site for a taste of the strip's hottest stops and shops at www.steinwaystreet.org and take a cyber trip along the "Longest Shopping Mall In The World", to see what's available at the "Street's" 300 stores and shops, offering all you need to make all your Christmas wishes come true.