Lighting the Tree with Santa Claus

The holidays are in full swing in Bayport and Blue Point. This past weekend held their annual tree lighting and Santa Claus event.  

Going to Bayport Flower Houses during Christmastime is a holiday tradition for many families in the area. The business has been holding the event for approximately 10 years, according to Karl Auwaerter, owner of the business. "It's informal, we don't go crazy, but every year we add something new to it," he said. This year's new addition was the Coco Chalet where Santa-goers were treated to hot chocolate and cookies. 

Santa Claus listened to the Christmas wishes of children and posed for photos all afternoon.  While kids waited to see Santa, elves handed out candy canes, and live Christmas music was performed by local musician J.K. Hodge, and friends.

Three-year-old Lianna from Bayport said, "I am excited to see Santa and the candy canes are yummy!"

"We come every year to get a Christmas picture of our son.  It is just beautifully decorated here," said Jan Josephson of Medford. 

After all the wishes were heard, Santa Claus went outside with his bells to light the tree.  He picked a few children from the crowd to push to the button to make the tree shine bright.

Auwaerter said that they use the same live potted tree each year. "We do not want to keep cutting down a new tree, so we use a live potted tree that goes in the back after Christmas." 

Santa Claus reminded the children to listen to their parents and do good in school.  He then lead everyone in a song of "Jingle Bells" before being whisked away in his decorated tractor.