Fort Hamilton brings the holiday cheer with Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Spectacular

It was another ‘spectacular’ event at Fort Hamilton.

The Fort Hamilton Army Base, 101st Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway, hosted its third annual Fort Hamilton Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Spectacular.

Throughout the free event, which ran from 4-9 p.m., attendees from Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and other neighborhoods enjoyed the holiday spirit the fort had to offer, which included a market that sold unique products created by local artisans and artists, traditional food, a carousel, Santa and more.

“This is our third annual tree lighting event and it seems to be growing every year,” said Bruce Hill, base spokesperson. “We had more vendors. We had our typical tree lighting along with the holiday market. Santa came and helped light the tree with Mrs. Claus and U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton Commander Colonel Peter Sicoli.”

The fun wasn’t limited to military personnel and their families, but rather, “was open to the public,” according to Hill, who explained that attendees “had to register online beforehand.

“Every time Fort Hamilton gets the opportunity to interact with the community, mainly the residents or official agencies, it’s always a good thing,” said Hill, pleased to see the event grow and give back some goodwill to the community. “It’s important to foster the camaraderie that we continue to have.”

The holiday market started at 4 p.m. and the tree lighting took place right around 5:30. The market featured “over 100 vendors,” according to Hill, who said, “There was a wide range of products that the vendors were selling. The list goes on and on.”

The highlights of the event were mostly for the youngsters. “Of course there was a long line to see Santa and sit on his lap,” Hill said. “I don’t know the exact number but it grows every year.”

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