In Photos: Santa in the Beach and Christmas Tree Lighting celebrations bring out big crowds to Kew Gardens

Local realtor Shea Warrington of Shea Sells Boutique, left, joins Finn and Gideon, both age 4, and Danielle and Hailey, as they visit with Santa Claus during Santa in the Beach at Kew Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 30. Photo by Alan Shackleton.

Despite some cold windy weather, a big crowd came out for the Santa in the Beach and Christmas Tree Lighting celebration at Kew Gardens park on Saturday, Nov. 30.

The event was presented by The Beach BIA and local realtor Shea Warrington’s Shea Sells Boutique.

Along with a chance to meet and take photos with Santa, participants were also able to enjoy a number of holiday treats before the Christmas tree at the entrance to Kew Gardens on Queen Street East was lit.

Those attending Saturday’s celebrations were entertained by holiday carollers and seasonal characters including the Grinch and Frosty the Snowman.

The event also helped collect donations of new and unwrapped toys for Centre 55’s Share A Christmas Program.

Beach Metro Community News’ Alan Shackleton was at Saturday’s celebrations, and here are some of his photos:

The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony took place at the entrance to Kew Gardens on Queen Street East on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Wyatt, 16 months, visits with Santa during the Santa in the Beach celebrations at Kew Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Isla, 3, and Lily, 1, meet the Grinch at the Santa in the Beach and Christmas Tree Lighting celebration at Kew Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Carollers provided entertainment for those attending the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Kew Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Luke and Margot, both age 2, meet with Frosty the Snowman and Elsa from Frozen at the Santa in the Beach and Christmas Tree Lighting celebration at Kew Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The crowd prepares for the countdown of the Christmas Tree lighting at Kew Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 30.