Holiday Cheer Shines at New Century’s Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland
The Christmas festivities at New Century this year included classic sled rides, illuminated tunnels, holiday crafts, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and a lively sing-along featuring popular carols.
“This event is ideal for my 4-year-old daughter,” remarked Amanda Murray, a long-time resident of Deerpark, who lives just minutes from New Century on state Route 209.
“It’s not overly stimulating or too loud; it provides a tranquil atmosphere with plenty of activities for her. Her favorite part was singing the Christmas carols,” she shared with The Epoch Times.
This year’s second annual Christmas event was held in the afternoons on December 7 and 14 at New Century, a venue recognized for its family-oriented, tradition-filled events throughout the year, including the signature Moon Festival each fall.
Event organizer Jin Pang mentioned to The Epoch Times: “This season is all about sharing and giving. We invite everyone from the community to come together and celebrate Christmas.”
On December 7, Deerpark councilman Robert Whitney and town clerk Florence Santini illuminated Christmas trees, along with various festive decorations and a light tunnel.
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“It’s wonderful to be here; it truly is beautiful,” remarked Gary Spears, the town supervisor of Deerpark, to The Epoch Times. “We’re going to stroll around and admire all the sights.”
Adjacent to the light tunnel, a large tent hosted various food vendors, offering freshly made Japanese ramen, Taiwanese rice bowls, traditional Chinese soup, Xinjiang-style meat skewers, and gyros.
Marina Colon, a resident of Bloomingburg, who participated as a vendor alongside her mother selling tumblers and handmade stuffed animals, expressed that her favorite food was the gyros.
“They were delicious,” Colon stated, eagerly anticipating her return to New Century next fall for the Moon Festival.
The 2nd annual ‘Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland’ at New Century in the town of Deerpark, N.Y., on Dec. 7, 2024. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times
Most non-food vendors were located on the first floor of a central building at New Century, while the second level hosted back-to-back sessions featuring Christmas songs, photo opportunities with Santa, and holiday dance performances.
This marked the second year that Matt Tullar, a semi-retired handyman from Otisville, donned the Santa Claus suit at New Century, finding increasing joy in this festive role.
“You stay positive, keep your spirits high, and say ‘Merry Christmas’ often,” he advised, “You engage with the little ones and ask them, ‘Have you been good this year?’”
Tullar reflected on the significance of fulfilling wishes, mentioning a gentle approach to encourage children to prioritize the needs of others.
“It’s like asking them to think of others first: What would you wish for others?”
The 2nd annual ‘Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland’ at New Century in the town of Deerpark, N.Y., on Dec. 7, 2024. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times
The 2nd annual ‘Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland’ at New Century in the town of Deerpark, N.Y., on Dec. 7, 2024. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times
The 2nd annual ‘Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland’ at New Century in the town of Deerpark, N.Y., on Dec. 7, 2024. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times
The 2nd annual ‘Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland’ at New Century in the town of Deerpark, N.Y., on Dec. 7, 2024. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times
The 2nd annual ‘Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland’ at New Century in the town of Deerpark, N.Y., on Dec. 7, 2024. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times
The 2nd annual ‘Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland’ at New Century in the town of Deerpark, N.Y., on Dec. 7, 2024. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times
The 2nd annual ‘Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland’ at New Century in the town of Deerpark, N.Y., on Dec. 7, 2024. Larry Dye/The Epoch Times
