Seddio holiday display to hit Canarsie with holiday cheer once again

The Seddio family is bringing the holiday spirit to the borough once again.

Starting Sunday, December 6, the family will debut its well-known holiday display in Canarsie at the corner of Flatlands Avenue and East 93rd Street.

“This year’s display is the most fantastic we’ve ever put together,” said Frank Seddio, lifelong Canarsie resident, community advocate, local attorney and chair of the Kings County Democratic Party. “We finally figured out a way to animate our hot air balloon—which will now go up and down beside our home over 20 feet. We are looking forward to the most fantastic year ever with good weather and lots of people.

“In good years, we’ll have over 5,000 people attend,” added Seddio. “The streets are closed, the mood is festive and Santa has even personally informed me that he is expecting a very quick trip down from the North Pole.”

The display, now in its 29th year, also features over 500,000 lights, close to 100 animated dolls, a talking Christmas tree, an animatronic winter wizard, ice skating Smurfs and a 12-foot Ferris wheel , among other attractions and décor.

Valued at over $350,000, the display, and the celebration that goes along with its opening, is not just for show. Each year, an important community member is memorialized at the opening of the display.

This year, Mill Basin resident Detective Randolph Holder—shot and killed on duty in October—will be remembered during the December 6 opening night ceremony, which will also feature musical renditions by local groups as well as a visit from Santa, elves and a dozen costumed characters. This year choral renditions will be provided by the Public School 115 chorus and the choir of Mary Queen of Heaven. Christmas carols will be played on steel drums by the “Metro Steele Orchestra” and the event is open to the public.

Construction for the massive holiday display is done by volunteers every year and takes close to an entire month to complete. The display will be up until the New Year.