Santa Claus came to town a little early, specifically to Whitestone, when he greeted people outside the restaurant Piccolo Natale, which is owned by the Terzo family, on Wednesday, December 13.
“I did this for the community to bring all the children, parents and everyone together,” Adele Terzo said of the event, which began at 7 p.m.
Holiday cheer was in the air as people stood outside the restaurant enjoying hot chocolate, cookies and holiday decorations. Christmas carols such as “White Christmas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Blue Christmas” were among the tunes sung by the four different live performers.
A tree outside of the restaurant was lit and Santa and Mrs. Claus stood by it to see people young and old and find out what they wanted for Christmas.
“It was kind of great,” 8-year-old Haley Brienza of Whitestone said of getting to see Santa, adding that it was very exciting.
Terzo first came up with the idea a couple of months ago, wanting to do something to unite the community and reinforce family togetherness.
“This is a very family-oriented restaurant and as a family person the holiday season means a lot to me,” she said. “It just makes me feel good inside to be able to do something.”
The tree will be lit outside of Piccolo Natale through January 6, which is the date of Little Christmas. The name of the restaurant means Little Christmas.
Terzo said that she definitely plans on making this an annual holiday event at the restaurant. Next year, she also hopes to get a charity involved with it.
Piccolo Natale is located at 15-01 149th Street in Whitestone.
Piccolo Natale Restaurant spreads holiday cheer
By Jessica Lyons
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