The Christmas season is here, and Bronx Borough President (BP) Vanessa Gibson is decorating the borough’s holiday tree at this year’s annual Tree Lighting Extravaganza and Winter Wonderland event.
Bronx families full of the young, and young at heart, piled onto Lou Gehrig Plaza, near Yankee Stadium, enduring frigid temperatures, just to partake in the festivities. This year’s celebration featured the lighting of a 250-foot,100,000 LED holiday tree, 29 decorated lamp posts, and five illuminated Bronx skylines stretching from 158th Street to 169th Street along Grand Concourse.
“At a time when many of our families are facing uncertainty, events like this remind us of the power of generosity and hope,” said Gibson. “Our Winter Wonderland celebration is about our community coming together and a reminder that we are stronger when we celebrate together, support one another, and create joyful moments for our children to enjoy and remember.”
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani was also a special guest this year. “What makes us so great are the people who call the city home and celebrate Christmas. Celebrating this holiday season with Bronxites, it’s a moment to reflect on what this year has been, and also the importance of rest, joy, family, at a time like this,” said Mamdani.
Ariama C. Long photos
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Bronx BP Gibson excitedly addresses the crowd to kick off the holiday season. -
Bronx BP Gibson was joined by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the annual tree lighting in the Bronx on Dec. 5, 2025. -
The Bronx Christmas Tree with a Univision logo on Lou Gehrig Plaza in the Bronx. -
Bronx BP Gibson’s Tree Lighting Extravaganza Winter Wonderland included a free toy giveaway at Bronx Borough Hall on Dec. 5, 2025. -
Local Bronx kids pose with Mrs. Claus at the annual Tree Lighting Extravaganza Winter Wonderland at Bronx Borough Hall on Dec. 5, 2025.
The “cost of living crisis,” unfortunately, impacts struggling families as they try to buy gifts and food for their loved ones during this time of year, said Mamdani. This reality serves as a motivating factor for the city government to prioritize improvements in housing, public transit, child care, utilities, and groceries, he said. Mamdani also promised to deliver for the Bronx in policy, practices, and funding.
“Time and time again, the Bronx ends up becoming a footnote when it should actually be at the foreground of so much of what we’re talking about. If we’re talking about the affordability crisis, if we’re talking about housing insecurity, if we’re talking about the difficulty of tenants to afford their rent, we find time and time again, some of the most prominent examples are right here in the Bronx,” said Mamdani.
There were electric musical performances by the Un Café Band and Shino Aguakate outside on the plaza, followed by a fun toy giveaway with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the cozy warmth of Bronx Borough Hall.
Sponsors and event partners included Essen Health Care, Oresky, 161 Street BID, Bronx Terminal Market, SOMOS Community Care, CFSC, MetroPlus Health, EmblemHealth, Bally’s, the Transportation Workers Union of America, Brilla Schools, Verizon, The Home Depot, and Krispy Kreme, among others. The tree itself was lit up with a logo from Univision New York.
“For years, this annual toy distribution and Christmas tree lighting has been one of the most meaningful traditions we take part in. At Univision New York, we have the privilege of reaching millions — but events like this remind us that our greatest impact happens close to home,” said Roberto Yañez, regional president and general manager of Univision NY, in a statement.
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