Of all Brooklyn’s traditions large and small, none hold the majesty, spectacle and community good cheer like the Seddio family’s opening of their annual holiday display at their old homestead in Canarsie at the corner of Flatlands Avenue and East 93rd Street.
This magnificent collage of lights, animated figures and talking animatronics has been a Brooklyn tradition since 1963 attracting visitors from around the borough and the city. And each year this community minded holiday display has been named in memory of a local residents who service made a difference in the lives of our residents.
This year’s display is in honor of the late Detective Randolph Holder, who was a resident of Mill Basin and was shot to death in the line of duty in October while patrolling in Harlem.
Valued at over $350,000 the display includes over 500,000 lights, almost 100 animated dolls, a talking Christmas tree; a four foot parrot who sings tells jokes and captures the hearts of all who hear him as well as an animatronic winter wizard straight out of Disney World.
Each of eight display areas identifies a different holiday celebration. Santa’s workshop, which includes eight shiny reindeer, elves making toys and Santa himself.
Standing guard over the entire display is a 15-foot Toy Soldier who oversees the Carousel of Reindeer ridden by its own army of toy soldiers — over 10 feet in diameter – circling the inner yard of the property?
Watch the SMURFS, as they ice skate across the front lawn with Papa Smurf and Smurfette as the star attractions, dancing to Holiday songs.
A visit with the Van Deer’s enjoying Christmas Day is second only to Mickey and Minnie Mouse joined by a host of Disney characters decorating the Christmas tree, nicknamed “Stumpy,” an eight-foot computer generated animatronic tree which vocalizes holiday songs and tells jokes.
A life size nativity features figures imported from Milan, Italy built into a crèche, which includes on opening night, live animals to delight the children as they feed the donkeys, rabbits, llamas and others.
International and multi cultural in flavor, vignettes also depict Chanukah and Kwanza celebrations.
Look for the twenty-foot high Hot Air Balloon festooned with lights that travels up and down the side of the display to guide you to the house or the 12-foot Ferris wheel which circles the front lawn and includes Sesame Street characters.
The flying Zeppelin which floats fifteen feet above the ground and travels over 100 feet across the entire length of the side yard of the property.
The Seddio display has been the subject of numerous television programs and has been featured in many magazines, newspapers and articles about the magic of these beautiful holidays.
The opening night festivities also features musical renditions by local groups as well as a live Santa, elves and a dozen costumed characters. This year choral renditions will be provided by the Public School 115 chorus and the choir of Mary Queen of Heaven. Christmas carols will be played on steel drums by “Metro Steele Orchestra”. All are invited to the opening event.
Construction of the display is done solely with volunteers and typically takes the entire month of November to finish.
Frank Seddio is a lifelong Canarsie resident; He is a local attorney who has been active in numerous community organizations throughout his career. He is also the Kings County Democratic Party Chair.
The holiday lighting is slated for 5 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 6.
