STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Forest Avenue Business Improvement District will mark two decades of its annual Holiday Stroll on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. along Forest Avenue.
Santa will ride along the Forest Avenue corridor from Broadway to Hart Boulevard during the celebration. Rain or snow, local merchants plan to open their doors to visitors, offering treat samples, hot cocoa and special holiday offers.
The Kettle Black traditionally offers hot chocolate with whipped cream for strollers, anticipated this year on Thursday, Dec. 4. –
“We’re proud to mark two decades of bringing holiday joy and togetherness to our Forest Avenue community,” said Nina Flores, executive director of the Forest Avenue BID. “This event truly captures the spirit of the season and showcases the heart of our local businesses.”
The event typically features seasonal decorations along Forest Avenue, with businesses competing in a holiday window display contest. Santa arrives in a horse-drawn carriage. Restaurants offer special menu items and tastings to encourage residents to explore the neighborhood’s culinary offerings.
The Forest Avenue Stroll evolved from holiday-themed events that the Forest Avenue BID began organizing two decades ago to promote local businesses in West Brighton. In 2017, the event featured 22 strands of LED lights strung across Forest Avenue and drew participation from businesses such as Café Milano, Beans ‘n’ Leaves, Panini Grill, The Staaten, Moretti’s Bakery, and Pastosa Ravioli. Today, support for the festivities continues with contributions from Sally’s Southern, The Kettle Black, Ho’Brah, Better Health Gourmet, Jody’s Club Forest, Crumbl Cookie and Italo Fine Foods.
A Forest Avenue tradition: LiGreci’s The Staaten is known for its fried fresh zucchini sticks. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
This year will see some newcomers in the food realm, including Randall Manor Tavern at 382 Forest Ave., Shah’s Halal Food (opening this November) and perhaps Insomnia Cookies, also in the works. Jean’s Fine Wines is now a craft store called Muse at 642 Forest Ave.
Jean Daggan, left, and her daughter-in-law Kristin Daggan own two businesses in the area, including Muse — a craft store where visitors can create holiday ornaments and other decorative pieces using beads, glass, and torches.Silvestri
The Forest Avenue event has grown over the years to include live entertainment, family-friendly activities and community beautification efforts. The BID works to promote the area’s businesses and foster community engagement. It is funded in large part by an annual assessment of $165,000 paid by commercial property owners (or their tenants) located within its boundaries, covering Forest Avenue from Hart Boulevard to Broadway. The BID is managed by a nonprofit board that includes local stakeholders and elected officials. The board ensures funds are used effectively to support the district’s 149 ground-floor retail businesses.
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