STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Santa’s arrival must be close when lines at Staten Island bakeries stretch out the door and down the block.
Such was the case throughout the day Wednesday, Christmas Eve, as residents journeyed around the borough in hopes of snatching up a bevy of holiday favorite pastries to box up and bring to family and friends on the night before Christmas.
Buono Bakery, Grasmere
Christmas Eve customers stand in line eagerly anticipating a taste of some of the festive holiday treats being quickly turned out at Buono Bakery in Grasmere on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025.(Dennis Rees for the Advance/SILive.com)
That was the scene Wednesday at Buono Bakery in Grasmere, where a festive crowd gathered early, willing to wait for a taste of holiday tradition.
The longtime Italian bakery, which has been serving sweet treats since 1966, was buzzing as hundreds waited their turn for seasonal favorites.
While the Christmas Eve crowd was large inside Buono Bakery in Grasmere, things moved smoothly as the bakery’s staff working hard fulfilling orders on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025.(Dennis Rees for the Advance/SILive.com)
“They’re buying like crazy,” said an Advance/SILive.com photographer on the scene, noting customers were leaving with hefty hauls of holiday staples.
Among the most popular items was struffoli, glistening with its signature honey glaze and nearly sold out by midday. Other hot sellers included assorted pastries, strawberry cheesecake, cannoli and a wide variety of breads.
Outside, the flow never slowed. As one car pulled away, another quickly slid into its place. Inside, the bakery was standing room only, with staff working nonstop, boxing and bagging orders at a pace that would make even Rudolph start to sweat.
While the Christmas Eve crowd was large inside Buono Bakery in Grasmere, things moved smoothly as the bakery’s staff working hard fulfilling orders on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025.(Dennis Rees for the Advance/SILive.com)
“Everyone is in good spirits. Everything is orderly,” the photographer noted. “The ladies behind the counter are working very hard — once you’re inside, you’re good. They just brought out another load of cookies.”
At the front of the line on Hylan Boulevard, one customer said he had been waiting about 40 minutes but that it was well worth it — a sentiment echoed by many in line.
Renato’s Pastry Shoppe, Port Richmond
Renato’s Pastry Shoppe owner Michael Peccorillo said that after 46 years in business on the Island, he feels lucky to still be busy during the holiday season.(Advance/SILive.com | Shane DiMaio)
Over at Renato’s Pastry Shoppe, which has been serving up tasty treats in Port Richmond since 1979, owner Michael Peccerillo told the Advance/SILive.com that the bakery was also bustling Wednesday with customers looking to satisfy that holiday sweet tooth.
“We had a line out the door starting at 7 a.m. today,” said Peccerillo. “Italian pastry, cheesecake, rainbow cookies and cookie trays,” he said have been some of the most popular items rolling out this Christmas Eve.
A rainbow cookie cake stares out invitingly from a display case at Renato’s Pastry Shoppe in Port Richmond on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025.(Advance/SILive.com | Shane DiMaio)
Peccorillo noted that after 46 years in business on Staten Island, he feels lucky to still be busy during the holiday season. “It’s always fun to have the staff and and a full store in the holiday spirit around here,” he said.
Michael Peccerillo, owner of Renato’s Pastry Shoppe in Port Richmond, puts the finishing flourishes on a cake before it rolls out the door for Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, 2025.(Advance/SILive.com | Shane DiMaio)
Whether any treats will be left over for St. Nick remains to be seen, though he may still manage to snag at least a bite of one of Staten Island’s most sought-after specialties — if he hurries.