Preparations for Christmas Tree Lighting underway
This year's Monsignor Farrell Christmas Tree Lighting and Nativity Blessing will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5.
What to look forward to with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Nativity Blessing
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, people are starting to settle into the Christmas spirit.
As Mariah Carey quickly overtakes supermarkets and Christmas trees steadily find themselves new homes, the people of Staten Island wait in anticipation for Monsignor Farrell High School's iconic Christmas Tree Lighting & Nativity Blessing. A time of joy and unity, it is an event that kicks off the holiday season and unites not just the brotherhood of the Vir Fidelis, but also the brotherhood of Staten Island.
Farrell's iconic Christmas Tree was lit last year in attendance of over 3,000 people, and that number will only grow as Farrell's iconic holiday tradition becomes a true staple in Staten Island. This year's Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on December 5th, 2024; and as we approach that date, more and more questions arise regarding the event.
Luckily, Monsignor Farrell President Lou Tobacco, '90, sat down with The Lion to let us in on what to expect.
Monsignor Farrell President Lou Tobacco (left) stands alongside John D'Ovidio, '23 during last year's Christmas Tree Lighting.
What should people be looking forward to in this year's Christmas tree lighting?
Everything. The Christmas Tree Lighting is truly a magical and special evening; my favorite of the year. You see, we do a lot of beautiful and special things at Farrell, but this one specifically speaks to why we're all here. We all come here to gather as a family and celebrate Jesus' birthday. It is the highlight of our mission.
Probably my favorite aspect of it is family, seeing all the generations of grandparents, mother, and siblings having fun together truly warms my heart. It's simple and it brings us back to good, clean family fun.
What are some attractions people should expect to see this year?
We have many returning activities this year, as well as some new ones! The reindeer will be making another appearance from North Pole. Our brothers and sisters from St. Charles will be performing the Living Nativity again. The ice skating rink will also be there, being managed by our hockey team - the 2024 CHSHL New York City champions!
As for our new surprises: Mrs. Claus will have milk and cookies at Santa's Workshop, as well as a letter drop, so people could take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus while dropping off their letters. Along with Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph will also be roaming around for photos!
There will also be Food trucks with pasta-to-go, pizza, and so much more. The Italian Club will be selling their homemade cannoli, so make sure to get some!
Now, of course, Christmas is a time of giving. This is why a good cut of all profits will be donated to a charity chosen by the Friends Of Staten Island.
On the stage itself, there's going to be the Farrell Players' "Christmas Spectacular." along with many other performances from our faithful men: there's going to be a live medley from the Farrell Band, fun videos of faculty, and a lot of other fun stuff.
The Tree Lighting is truly a magical and special evening; my favorite of the year. You see, we do a lot of beautiful and special things at Farrell, but this one specifically speaks to why we're all here. We all come here to gather as a family and celebrate Jesus' birthday. It is the highlight of our mission.
- Mr. Lou Tobacco
As they have done in years past, students from St. Charles will perform the Living Nativity.
What performances are you most excited to see?
I'm always blown away by all of the performing talent of our faithful men and women. Everyone has their own beautiful, God-given talents that they must be confident enough to express! You got that gift for a reason, and you cannot waste it.
Who is going to be the host this year?
This year, after a Christmas greeting and speech from [Student Council President] James Westgate, WFBN host Nick Foster and Max Samarin will be cohosting our Christmas Tree Lighting.
All attendees, young and old, can get the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa!
What do you think makes the Farrell Christmas Tree Lighting a staple in Staten Island's holiday season?
Again, family is the key of this beautiful event. Last year, we saw about 3,000 people join us on that wonderful night, and we plan to make sure that it keeps growing.
What are some reasons you would give as to why families should attend the Christmas Tree Lighting?
The Christmas Tree Lighting sets the tone for the new holiday season and truly puts everyone in the joyful holiday mood. It's a great Farrell tradition, a generational night, and keeps Christ in Christmas.
Student performers will be featured on stage during Monsignor Farrell's annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Nativity Blessing.
What is the history of this event? When was it started? How has it evolved since then?
You know me; I wish everyone a Merry Christmas every day. It carries a special meaning to me. Farrell has always celebrated Christmas, just not in a festival. The is the 6th annual Tree Lighting, starting back in 2019. Back then, all we had was a nice group of people, hot cocoa with brownies, and just some Christmas carols with no stage.
That is why I am so proud to see how far it's come. I started the tree lighting, and I'm especially proud of the fact that we didn't cancel the Christmas Tree Lighting during COVID. We live streamed some performances by our faithful men and lit the tree; it was truly a moment of persevering in those dark times.
What do you imagine the Tree Lighting to look like in 10 years?
I envision it to continue being a staple in Farrell tradition, that I know for sure. I also know that it's main focus will still be family; a joyous family gathering to kick off the holiday season. As for the rest, only time will tell. Maybe Santa will come in from a helicopter! Something to keep it fresh and lively and fun.
The Lion is Monsignor Farrell's student digital newspaper. To read more articles from The Lion, click here.