WESTCHESTER COUNTY – As the holidays draw near, thoughts often turn to the twinkling lights and iconic displays in New York City, like Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Macy’s. The magic behind these displays has been designed and installed by Mount Vernon based American Christmas for the last 56 years. This November they will once again transform their showroom into ‘Holiday Lane’ so visitors can enjoy a spectacular holiday light and animatronics stroll, meet Santa, and take those all-important holiday photos. All profits from Holiday Lane ticket sales will once again be donated to three Westchester nonprofit organizations, adding to the $142,000 already donated over the past two years.
This year Holiday Lane opens on November 9th and will continue through December 29th at 30 Warren Place. The enchanted walk-thru includes over 100,000 twinkling lights, captivating animatronics and figurines, and several themed areas where children and adults alike will be surrounded by the magic of Christmas. Santa’s schedule varies but he will be on site from November 17th through December 23rd. Tickets range from $10 – $25 and can be purchased at https://christmasinamerica.com/collections/holiday-lane-mount-vernon
Over 10,000 people have visited Holiday Lane since its opening in 2022. “Christmas is a magical time, and we’re excited to offer an unforgettable experience while supporting our community,” states Dan Casterella, CEO, American Christmas.
After strolling and taking holiday photos, visitors can explore the thousands of unique holiday decorations at the Christmas in America Shop. Everything from ornaments to musical tabletop decorations, to artificial pre-lit Christmas Trees to large outdoor reindeer, shoppers will find what they need to make Christmas magical in their own home.
American Christmas will donate 100% of the net ticket sales to three area nonprofit organizations – The Mount Vernon Boys & Girls Club, Northeast STEM Starter Academy of Mt. Vernon, and Youth Community Outreach Program of Mount Vernon.
“The City of Mount Vernon is thrilled about what lies ahead! Over the years, we’ve watched with excitement as Dan and his team have continuously outdone themselves. It all started in 2020 when Dan shared his vision to open beyond friends and family for public holiday decoration picking. By 2021, the retail space was open, and we were delighted with the introduction of Santa’s Village. In 2022 and 2023, the unique Christmas Experience, featuring Charles Dickens-like animatronics, transported us to the magical holiday window displays in Manhattan. We’re honored to host our annual Holiday Toy Giveaway amidst the twinkling lights and Christmas carols, and we’re grateful for Dan’s partnership and the warm customer service from the American Christmas team. I can’t wait to see this year’s display!” says Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.
“Commitment and Hope consistently represent some of the most profound agents of driving meaningful, lasting change for those too often discounted. The kindness associated with Dan’s and American Christmas’ commitment to the children of Mt. Vernon provides a vivid example of what caring looks like. For the NSSA, Dan’s commitment also means that dozens of Mt. Vernon 3rd to 10th graders can attend our three-week Summer STEM Camp Program or one of our other programs delivered during the year. Based on the success that many of our prior and current students have and continue to experience, it clearly matters. We sincerely thank American Christmas for the vivid example of how much caring means and matters. The NSSA thanks and applauds your generosity and kindness!’ Gerald Dennis Northeast STEM Starter Academy.
“Thanks to Dan Casterella and his amazing team at the American Christmas they epitomize the spirit giving. Their annual financial contribution to Y-COP and other community nonprofitsnot only strengthens our mission and purpose, it allows us to further our resources and service,” stated Henry Wilson, Executive Director, Y-COP of Mount Vernon.
“When Private Industry, Government, and Not For profits come together for the benefit of the community beautiful things happen! This is one of those collaborations. The generosity of American Christmas has had a profound impact on three Youth Development Organizations in Mount Vernon. Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon has been able to provide experiences for our youth that we would not otherwise be able to provide. Our teens have been able to attend several College Visits including Howard University, Morgan State University & Georgetown University. We have also attended the Summit for Americas Youth in Washington DC the past two years. We are grateful that American Christmas & The City of Mount Vernon have come together to support the youth of our city by providing a holiday extravaganza for all to enjoy!, says “Melvin Campos, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon.
About American Christmas
American Christmas was founded in 1968 and acquired by MK Illumination in 2017, making it the largest provider of festive lighting in the world. It provides turnkey solutions for incredibly complex and intricate commercial Christmas displays used by retail stores, building lobbies, corporate headquarters, hotels, malls and more across 30 states. American Christmas services include design and development, manufacturing and assembly, distribution, installation, removal, refurbishment, and storage. The Mount Vernon warehouse has 70 full-time employees but expands to over 400 during the holiday season. For information, visit www.americanchristmas.com
More Information on the Nonprofit Organizations Benefitting from Ticket Sales:
● Mount Vernon Boys and Girls Club has been providing a safe and nurturing environment for students before and after school since 1912. More than 1,400 children and teens each day engage in a wide variety of interactive activities and programs to help them improve their self- esteem, develop positive values, and achieve their highest potential in academic success.
● Northeast STEM Starter Academy of Mt. Vernon provides students with access and exposure to enriched STEM learning that can empower them with the desire, motivation and skills needed to pursue careers as doctors, scientists, technologists and engineers.
● The Youth Community Outreach Program (Y-COP) was founded in 1990 by Allen Ayers, former Detective of the Mount Vernon Police Department. The program introduces its youth to programs that emphasize, enhance and enrich their educational, recreational, community, and cultural awareness.