Christmas Cheer in Yonkers

By Deszure Thomas

Christmas cheer and excitement filled the air as New Yorkers celebrated the holiday season at Cross County Mall. Located in the heart of Yonkers, the mall was decorated with bright lights and vibrant decorations. Christmas songs with a modern-pop twist chimed from the speakers and children were running around in glee. In the center of it all was a large Christmas tree, where busy shoppers occasionally stopped to take group pictures.

Beginning in November through December 26, Cross County Mall is currently hosting a full-on Christmas experience. For adults and children alike, features include photos with Santa, a pop-up ice skating rink, vendor market popups, and a holiday food truck market.  New Yorkers can have a festive experience while holiday shopping.

On a chilly evening with temperatures under 30 degrees, the mall’s ambience exuded warmth and welcoming invitation.  Upon entry, what would’ve otherwise been bare and dull trees were glistening and shining emblems of the Christmas spirit. They almost functioned as light posts, guiding each attendee into the full Cross County Christmas experience. The warm, bare tree lights foreshadowed everything that would lie ahead. From multiple feet away, the mall’s Christmas tree could be spotted, lighting up the dusky sky.

While the Christmas experience was taking place, shoppers were scrambling to find gifts for their loved ones. The warmth of the atmosphere was accompanied by busyness and high tension. Long lines began to form in front of big chain stores, such as Bath and Body Works. Just next to the bustling chain store was a festively decorated miniature cabin. It glowed as garlands, shiny red ornaments, and white lights rimmed its roof and windows. Strings of people with children started gathering around this cabin forming a circle, adding to the excitement. At first glance, it was a struggle to see why everyone was so eager to line up at this cabin. But lo and behold, this was Santa’s humble abode.

The setup was Santa’s Wonderland Cabin where inside, children (and pets) got the opportunity to make memories.  “My daughter has been dying to go here. Everyday she’s been like ‘Can we see Santa? Can we see Santa?’’ said one parent. “I’ve been online for about 10 minutes now.” According to Cross County Center’s official website, reservations are highly recommended, but not required for pictures with Santa Clause. Pictures began last month in November and will continue until Christmas Eve.

Another festive attraction at the heart of the mall included an outdoor ice skating rink. The pop-up ice skating rink was fenced with green garlands and tied with bright red bows. The garlands were each lined with warm Christmas lights, contributing to the ambience. Children flocked to this site and begged their parents to join the fun. Everyone above the age of five was welcome. However, the skating rink did not contain real ice according to parents. “It’s kind of disappointing that the ‘ice’ is basically plastic, but it’s close enough to the real thing,” chuckled a parent who brought their child to skate. Cross County Center’s website describes this substance as “glice.” Despite this, the children still get to wear real skates.

Ending the night of festivities, Cross County had its annual Christmas food truck market. Trucks lined the walkway, some were decorated with colorful Christmas lights. Vendors included Tipsy Tacos, Ray’s Empanadas and Brother’s Fish and Chips. Each vendor offered a variety of their specialty. One customer at Ray’s Empanadas exclaimed “I was recovering from the flu… after that empanada, I feel way better.” Whether one wanted to fuel up while shopping, or end their generous spending with a hearty meal, the food truck market served a “New York” touch to the Christmas wonderland experience.

Though Christmas is speedily approaching, Cross County mall will not be done with their festivities. On December 26, it will be hosting its annual Chanukah Menorah lighting for the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. As one shopper said,  “I’m definitely coming back next year…mainly for the food trucks.”