Heartwarming moments: Santa’s visit to Forest Avenue

New York’s Staten Island. Two words sum up Thursday’s disturbance on Forest Avenue: Santa Clause. He arrived in town in a horse-drawn carriage and cheered up the streets of West Brighton between Pastosa Ravioli and Jody’s Club Forest.

In West Brighton, the Cacace family enjoys the coziness of Moretti’s Bakery. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

The smell of freshly made cookies filled the air as Nicole Cacace, a native of the North Shore, and her family entered a warm Moretti’s Bakery on this windy December evening.

Cacace revealed, Santa’s arrival on Forest Avenue marks the formal start of our Christmas season. My son’s expression lit up, reminding us exactly what the season is about, and this is the first year he truly recognized who he was.

Yes, toddlers did talk to toys. Santa enthusiasts of all ages munched on free appetizers from nearby eateries. Rice balls from Ronnie’s Sandwich Shoppe, protein brownie bites from Better, gooey mozzarella sticks from Pastosa, hot chocolate with whipped cream from Kettle Black and Duffy’s, and fresh slices from Cafe Milano were also big successes.

Friends and neighbors caught up and chatted just before Santa arrived. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

Passersby let out ooohs and ahhs as they saw the Panini Grill’s dazzling display of red, green, and gold Christmas decorations.Longtime chef Caesar and Burrito Bar owner Andrew Greenfield served from a boiling kettle of chili that was bursting with flavors of garlic, coriander, and cinnamon.

Please take note, Santa—two of these girls have the American Girl collection on their Christmas wish lists. (Staten Island Advance/Silvestri, Pamele)

Nearby, Cassie, 7, and Anna, 4, easily consumed their Crumblcookies as a pink-mitten infant battled to feed herself. (Dear Santa and Associates: This residence is occupied by two American Girl Doll lovers.)

Executive Director of the Forest Avenue BID, Nina Flores, enjoyed the celebrations. This winter walk was organized by her office, and residents went out in force despite the cold.

Santa threw candy while riding through West Brighton. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)-

“The Forest Avenue BID is excited to welcome families and kids with Santa riding down our commercial corridor, bringing holiday cheer to West Brighton,” she said. Our retailers have a great opportunity to give back and thank the community for their year-round support by hosting this event.

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From Kettle Black, greetings. (Staten Island Advance/Silvestri, Pamele)

We wish everyone a happy holiday season and hope that everyone who attended tonight’s activities felt warm and content, she continued.

As the sun sets, Santa rides off. (Staten Island Advance/Silvestri, Pamele)

See the pleasure and smiles on the North Shore this month by scrolling down below. Additionally, notice the abundance of dining alternatives in the area, of which the Forest Avenue BID group is very pleased.

Residents of West Brighton take pictures of Santa. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

Scenes from the Thursday, December 6, 2024, Forest Avenue Santa presentation. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

Locals take in the sights and smells of the thriving West Brighton food scene at Burrito Bar. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

“Cheers” to Santa, say the McVey sisters. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)Silvestri

This cold December eve is the official lighting of the holiday lights. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

In front of Pastosa with Fr. Rhey from Sacred Heart R.C. Church and Loretta Cauldwell, one of New York’s Finest. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)Silvestri

Santa came to Forest Avenue on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 on a blustery evening in West Brighton. Here is how the Staten Island town looked on the chilly night when restaurants doled out samples and horses clip-clopped along the street. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)-

Fresh Kills Barber Shop glows with warmth in West Brighton. (Staten Island Advance/Silvestri, Pamele)

Some of the Fresh Kills Barber Shop crew at the winter stroll (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

The Staaten Catering Hall and restaurant (open Tuesday through Friday for lunch) annually lights up Forest Avenue with white lights and illuminated wreaths. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)Silvestri

Cheer offered by Gateway Arms (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Silvestri

The horses and carriage took two passes up and down Forest Avenue. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

Scenes from the Thursday, December 6, 2024, Forest Avenue Santa presentation. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

Scenes from the Thursday, December 6, 2024, Forest Avenue Santa presentation. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

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Scenes from the Thursday, December 6, 2024, Forest Avenue Santa presentation. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

Hot chili from Burrito Bar, something to come back to at the restaurant when the stroll is over. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)Silvestri

Burrito Bar lit up for the holidays. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)Silvestri

The mittened crowd loves Santa. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)Silvestri

Andrew and Caesar on the Burrito Bar stoop. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)Silvestri

Wonder Restaurant will be opening its food hall shortly at Forest and Broadway. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)Silvestri

Scenes from the Thursday, December 6, 2024, Forest Avenue Santa presentation. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

Three Guys Sushi has its Christmas tree lit this season and its perennially springy cherry blossoms hanging from the ceiling. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)Silvestri

Outside of Pastosa (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Don Robert’s of West Brighton has its decorations on display for the holidays. (Silvestri, Pamela; Staten Island Advance)Silvestri

On the corner with Better Gourmet (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)-

Better Gourmet’s protein brownies (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Silvestri

Scenes from the Thursday, December 6, 2024, Forest Avenue Santa presentation. (Pamela Silvestri/Staten Island Advance) Silvestri

Cookies for a Cause delight partakers. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Jody’s has its lights on and Christmas parties rocking inside.(Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Scenes from the Forest Avenue Santa appearance on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Handsome window displays abound on Forest Avenue like those at Christmas Mouse children’s boutique. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Scenes from the Forest Avenue Santa appearance on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Scenes from the Forest Avenue Santa appearance on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Hot pizza from Milano’s (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Santa’s Helpers are working overtime at On Your Mark Cafe. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Vivi Bubble Tea has red mochi doughnuts for the holiday season. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

The red and green cheer at Beans ‘n’ Leaves Coffee Shop. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Panini Grill has intricate decorations that wow year after year as the decorating continues. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

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Panini Grill offers cheer with its outside displays as well. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Jesse from Ronnie’s talks up his new Friday only bar pie specials. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Here are the bar pie specials at Ronnie’s. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)-

Scenes from the Forest Avenue Santa appearance on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Scenes from the Forest Avenue Santa appearance on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Scenes from the Forest Avenue Santa appearance on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

A gift of mozzarella sticks for all from Pastosa (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)-

Seasons greetings from the Chocolatiers of On Your Mark (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Glowing green at Trattoria Vento (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Spreading cheer with cookies and hot chocolate from The Staaten. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Churros for the savoring from Ho’Brah (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Lights and action at Forest and Bement (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Ho ho ho! (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Santa a-glow at Burrito Bar (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

A “hi” and “stay warm and healthy!” from Better with soups, shakes and brownie samples. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Santa asks, “What’s on your list?” (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Kings Arms is open daily and on Christmas. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

Further food on Forest: hot bagels from “Rana’s” and dumplings form Diamond Forest. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

This section of Forest Avenue is called “Peter Pan Alley.” (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

The lights around Supreme Burger, Moretti’s and Duffy’s are a welcome sight. Jean’s Wine Shop has closed but it will reopen as a retail non-food operation. See you back to West Brighton soon! Ho ho ho. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)silvestri

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