Kings Plaza ushers in holidays with annual tree lighting

Christmas lovers rejoice!

To start the busy holiday season with a bang, Kings Plaza Shopping Center, Avenue U and Flatbush Avenue, celebrated its second annual Countdown to Light the Enchanted Tree event on Saturday, November 22.

From 5-6 p.m., children and shoppers alike were able to enjoy giveaways, games, prizes and a visit by Santa Claus.

“It went really well,” said Sara McGuinness, the marketing manager for the mall. “We had probably over 400 people in attendance. We also had a DJ and dance competitions.”

To add to the unique experience, over 1,500 shoppers received a magic wand to help with the countdown to light the tree situated on the lower level of the mall. The countdown began five minutes before the 6 p.m. tree lighting.

McGuinness said that the event helped business for the day. “It definitely made a difference,” she remarked. “We spoke to a couple of our retailers and they were very pleased with the traffic that night.”

Once the tree was finally lit, the many kids that attended were able to meet Saint Nick and share milk and cookies with him, along with posing for photographs and letting him know what gifts are on their holiday wish list this year.

“I think they love when Santa comes out the most,” McGuinness said. “He comes out in something like a Segway but it has three wheels. Everyone gets kick out of that.”