PARK SLOPE — A local merchants group is hoping that a late November holiday tree lighting will inspire shoppers to spend early and often at neighborhood stores.
The Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District is kicking off the holiday shopping season with a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, when many people will still be eating Thanksgiving leftovers.
The BID used to host its tree lighting in early December, but moved the event to late November in 2013.
"We are 99 percent sure we're the very first public Christmas tree lighting in the city now," said BID executive director Mark Caserta. "We're trying to set the tone and the mood for the season."
The tree lighting will coincide with Small Business Saturday, the American Express-sponsored promotion for local businesses.
Caserta said he sees Small Business Saturday as the "antithesis" of Black Friday, which he feels focuses on major retailers, and that Fifth Avenue's shops are a great local alternative to big-box stores.
The BID represents more than 500 businesses between Dean and 18th streets, and last year American Express used the avenue as backdrop for a video about Small Business Saturday.
This year the BID has arranged a day of special deals and activities called High 5 For The Holidays at local stores to lure visitors to the avenue.
Promotions include a free family Zumba class at Body Reserve (207 Fifth Ave. between President and Union streets), free glitter tattoos as Lulu's Cuts and Toys (48 Fifth Ave. between Dean and Bergen streets) and a $10 painting session for kids at Pinot's Palette (382 Fifth Ave. between Fifth and Sixth streets).
The 6:30 p.m. tree lighting celebration will feature live music by Rolie Polie Guacamole, as well as songs by a 15-year-old opera singer. There will be free sugar cookies from Du Jour Bakery, free hot chocolate from The Chocolate Room, an appearance by Santa Claus and giveaways of tickets to Broadway shows.
"It's always a fun event and people walk away smiling," Caserta said.
