Outside McCarren Park in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, there is a wide selection of fresh-cut Christmas trees lined up on Driggs Avenue.

This is part of the 40th anniversary setup for Greg’s Trees.

What You Need To Know

Greg’s Trees celebrates 40 years in business this Christmas. However, it marks the first year without owner Gregory Walsh, who died of prostate cancer in May

Walsh’s son, who is also named Gregory, is honoring his father’s legacy by not hiring anyone to play Santa this year to appear at displays in Brooklyn and Queens. His father took joy in dressing up as Santa

Walsh believes his father would have been proud that he is continuing the family business

“These are the Frasers from North Carolina,” owner Gregory Walsh of College Point said. “These are the most popular trees across the board.”

Walsh says that while returning customers have found much is the same, this year, one long-running tradition will be broken.

After Walsh’s father, who was known as “Big Greg,” died of prostate cancer this past May on the same day as his 63rd birthday, it was decided that Greg’s Trees would honor its founder by not bringing in a replacement Santa.

“We used to do Santa at all the stands,” Walsh said, mentioning that it’s weird that he’s not Santa there. “So it’s strange, but [we’ve] gotta adapt and keep going.”

For Walsh, who is just 22 years old, persevering to ensure that the family business continues to thrive is one of many ways he remains connected to his father.

“I mean, it’s strange not having my dad,” he said. “He was Santa, and he was also the boss. We’re carrying on his legacy in the best way we know, I think, keeping the business going.”

In a bittersweet twist, the image of Walsh’s beloved father as Santa Claus will continue to endure, thanks to a new documentary called “The Merchants of Joy,” which is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

Walsh says the documentary will always remain dear to him since most of his father’s scenes were filmed in 2023, when he was still joyful.

“It’s great. We’ll have that forever,” he said. “That was him at his best. Happy go lucky Santa. Full [of] energy. It’s really nice and special to have.”

Family friend Antonino Brusca of Flushing believes “Big Greg” would be very proud.

“I remember when he was 10 years old, he used to come with his pop to the shop. The little one was always next to Greg. He was always with his father, and I’m very happy that he’s taking his father’s position right now,” he said.

Looking ahead, Walsh says his time in the Santa suit is still about 20 years away.

“I don’t know if I can grow a beard like he did,” he said.

However, Walsh says he does intend to hire someone next year to dress as Santa to continue that part of his father’s legacy.

“I think he’s looking down on us, happy that we’re still doing it,” he said.