Holidays in Nyack: Santa, Caroling and Free Parking

Nyack's civic organizations are aiming to make the village a must-visit holiday destination.

Beginning last week and stretching into early January, decor, events and deals will to attract residents and visitors to the village's downtown.

The Chamber of Commerce of the Nyacks, the Merchants Committee and Arts, Craft and Antique Dealers Association of Nyack (ACADA) are collaborating to host "Holiday Lights of Nyack… an Olde-Tyme Village Celebration." The celebration will include tree trimming, caroling, holiday storytelling, santa sighting and more.

The celebration kicked off last weekend with "Small Business Saturday," when American Express card users were awarded $25 for shopping local. The event was aimed at bolstering small, local businesses like those in Nyack's downtown.

"Supporting a small, independent business and shopkeeper in this economic climate means healthier downtown environments," said Gina Cambre, who owns Casa del Sol and is vice president of the Chamber. "As downtowns go, so goes the local, area economy."

Going forward, several local businesses are pitching in alongside the civic organizations to sponsor the upcoming events and aid nearby charities. Maria Luisa Boutique—owned by Maria Whittingham—will sponsor the caroling by Nyack High School's advanced choir; all proceeds will benefit .

Other initiatives include festooned parking meters—spearheaded by P. Ross' Paulette Ross—and a Christmas tree provided by Lydecker Real Estate.

"Holiday Lights'" capstone will be a number of Santa sightings—Nyack's mayor and trustees will play the part of Kris Kringle and his bride, and ride through downtown aboard a fire truck.

The events and deals are tethered together with Nyack's second connsecutive year of offering free holiday parking —from Black Friday to Jan. 3, two downtown parking lots are free of charge, day and night.

"This gives a shot in the arm to local businesses at the very moment they need it most, and a boost to shoppers and diners during these tough economic times," said mayor Richard Kavesh.

Read more about the free parking .

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List of events to date:

Dec. 4, Veteran's Park Gazebo, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Santa Sighting, Tree-Trimming, Menorah Lighting, Caroling by Nyack High School Advanced Chorus, Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple Cider, Roasted Chestnuts

Dec. 11, Nyack Village Hall, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Santa Sighting, Caroling by Nyack/Valley Cottage Girl Scouts, Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple Cider 

Dec. 18, Nyack Public Library, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Santa Sighting, Caroling, Holiday Storytelling