The tree stands in the casino’s entrance and is wrapped in 6,500 lights. The tree’s 2,200 branches are decorated with 1,500 ornaments and 300 poinsettias.
Resorts World Casino New York City welcomed the community as they brought holiday cheer with its annual Christmas tree lighting at the South Ozone Park facility last Tuesday.
The night kicked off with carolers singing Christmas favorites, such as “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Santa Claus himself came out to thank all the community members, casino workers and carolers in attendance for coming. He then asked children what they wanted for Christmas and gave a big “Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas,” to all those present.
Senior Vice President of Marketing at Resorts World Casino New York City, Missy Lawrence, also welcomed the holiday revelers and thanked everyone for coming out.
Resorts World Casino New York City President Edward Farrell told the crowd about all the holiday festivities that the casino is hosting, including a menorah lighting ceremony on the first day of Hanukkah and a Kwanza celebration on Dec. 27. He also thanked the community members for all their support. He then kicked off the tree lighting.
“Now it is my privilege to announce that Santa Claus with the help of his reindeer will put down the eggnog and turn on the Christmas lights,” he said.
Many delighted “oohs and aahs” came from the audience followed by a big cheer as Saint Nick waved to all, standing in front of the lit up tree.
The tree, now featured in the lobby, stands 40 feet tall and is wrapped in 6,500 LED lights. The tree’s 2,200 branches are decorated with 1,500 ornaments and 5,400 feet of red velvet and gold ribbon and filled with 300 poinsettias.
Santa Claus joined Resorts World Casino New York City President Edward Farrell to light the tree that stands a towering 40 feet. Michael Florio/The Forum Newsgroup
Saint Nick spends time with the numerous children who came to the tree lighting to catch a glimpse of their favorite North Pole resident.
Carolers entertained the crowd at the Resorts World Christmas tree lighting with many festive holiday tunes.
By Michael Florio
