STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Despite Sunday\u2019s intermittent rain, hundreds turned out to help kick off Joseph and Marisa DiMartino\u2019s famous \u201cLights For Life\u201d Christmas display at their 107 Sharrotts Rd. home in Charleston.<\/p>\n
The spectacular Christmas village is expected to attract more than 16,000 visitors who come to see Victorian displays, including a bakery, dance hall, carousel, dancing marionettes, wooden soldiers, and Santa\u2019s workshop, complete with holiday-themed props like elves, snowmen, reindeer, Santa Clauses, gingerbread men, and more.<\/p>\n
This year marks a significant milestone for the DiMartinos – it is the 25th year they have been transforming their home into the North Pole while raising funds to support pediatric cancer patients at Northwell\u2019s Staten Island University Hospital.<\/p>\n
In their first year, they raised $1,600 for the pediatric oncology program. <\/p>\n
\u201cLast year, between sponsorships and donations, we broke a record with $82,620. This year, I want to hit $90,000,\u201d said DiMartino.<\/p>\n
To help reach that goal, Joseph Zichittella, president of the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation, presented the DiMartinos with a $500 check.<\/p>\n
The display has grown over the years, and now DiMartino starts setting it up immediately after Labor Day and tries to add something new every year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe added a couple of interactive pieces that people can put their heads through and take pictures,\u201d DiMartino said. \u201cThere\u2019s some more stuff in the back, including bears that go up and down, a lot more lights, all new trees in the front with lights that change all different colors.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2025 season kicked off at 3 p.m. with live performances hosted by WCBS-FM 101.1 deejay Joe Causi<\/a> and dynamic 77 WABC deejay Vinnie Medugno<\/a>, also known as \u201cMr. Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n Medugno said, \u201cThis is a great event to bring light to so many, not just holiday lights, but light for the spirit. It\u2019s a great way to start the season and be reminded of our blessings while thinking of the many children in the fight against pediatric cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n Medugno continued, \u201cWe all come together in the spirit of Christmas to shed that light that shines bright in each child, even in their toughest moments. It\u2019s what the season is all about, and I thank Joe Dimartino for his continued efforts to welcome us all back to his home to kick off the season in a big way!\u201d<\/p>\n The grand opening featured special performances by local artists and school groups, including Angelo and Maria Venuto, Reina, Barnes Intermediate School (I.S. 24) Dancers, Rocco Laurie Intermediate School (I.S. 72) Dancers, Dani Dante, the Rocco Laurie I.S. 72 Chorus, 9-year-old Marcello DiGregorio, and more.<\/p>\n Joining the star-studded cast to lend their support were Miss Staten Island Gabriella Marinelli and Miss Staten Island Teen Victoria DiPaolo. <\/p>\n For those wanting a snack or some hot chocolate to warm up, the Camp S\u2019mores truck was fully stocked and readily accessible across from the DiMartino\u2019s home.<\/p>\n A contingent of officers from the NYPD\u2019s 123rd Precinct was on hand to assist with traffic and keep everyone safe as Sharrotts Road was closed to accommodate the large crowd.<\/p>\n Deejay Joe Causi was accompanied by his wife, Lucille, and children Anthony, Marie, and Therese.<\/p>\n For Causi, who lives blocks away from DiMartino, his participation represents the enduring nature of their friendship. <\/p>\n \u201cI have known him since we were five years old. We grew up together in Brooklyn playing as kids,\u201d said Causi.<\/p>\n Reflecting on the event, Causi said, \u201cIt keeps getting bigger and bigger. And now, many organizations are getting involved in this. It\u2019s gonna be even bigger in the next five years. This is going to be out of the park, huge!\u201d <\/p>\n Viewing the display is free, but donations are encouraged if visitors can do so. <\/p>\n \u201cI want everybody to come see it and enjoy it,\u201d said DiMartino. \u201cThere aren\u2019t many things free in life, but over here, this is free. If you want to make a donation, it goes directly to the Pediatric Cancer Unit<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Visitors are encouraged to use #LightsForLife when posting on social media.<\/p>\n On Dec. 16 at 4:45 p.m., Northwell\u2019s Staten Island University Hospital will be teaming up with the DiMartinos for a Day of Surprises<\/a>, <\/p>\n When is it open?<\/p>\n The display is open daily, Sunday to Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Christmas Eve from 5 to 1 a.m. Santa will be there on Dec. 13, 14, 20, and 21 from 7 to 8 p.m. \u201cLights For Life\u201d<\/a> will remain open to the public through Jan. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n