You are reading

Astoria businesses launch crowdfunding campaign to restore holiday lights on Ditmars Boulevard

Holiday lights on Ditmars Boulevard. Photo: Shane O'Brien

Holiday lights on Ditmars Boulevard. Photo: Shane O’Brien

Nov. 18, 2024 By Shane O’Brien

A group of Astoria businesses has launched a crowdfunding campaign to illuminate Ditmars Boulevard and 23rd Avenue with festive holiday lights.

The Destination Ditmars Merchants Association, which includes The Tiny Owl, The Brass Owl, The Bier and Cheese Collective, Queen’s Room, Rivercrest, and The Honey House, has raised approximately $9,000 toward its $18,000 goal to bring holiday cheer to the neighborhood.

While some lights have already been installed on both streets, the group still needs to raise an additional $9,000 to complete the project and brighten the remaining sections.

Rivercrest co-owner Ciara O’Sullivan said Destination Ditmars took over the boulevard’s holiday lights for 2024 after the previous organizer stepped away last year. This left Ditmars Boulevard and 23rd Avenue without Christmas lights for the 2023 holiday season.

Each business in the collective has put money toward the 2024 holiday lights and the association is now seeking donations from other local businesses and individuals in the community in order to reach its $18,000.

O’Sullivan said individuals can donate to the campaign by buying Ditmars Boulevard tote bags, which are currently on sale for $30 in each of the member businesses and other establishments in the area.

Ditmars holiday lights tote bags on sale at the Honey House. Photo: Shane O'Brien

Ditmars holiday lights tote bags on sale at the Honey House. Photo: Shane O’Brien

Anyone wishing to donate can also bring cash to the Tiny Owl at 31-21 Ditmars Blvd. or by donating online at Give Butter. 

O’Sullivan said holiday lights can help contribute to the seasonal cheer in the area, adding that the local community felt their absence last year during the holiday season.

“A lot of the community really does appreciate the lights,” O’Sullivan said. “I know it’s something that’s so simple, but I feel like it really just brightens up the streets and offers that holiday cheer. It kind of beautifies the streets in our neighborhood.

“Ditmars and 23rd Avenue is a very special part of Astoria, so we wanted the community to be happy that their lights are back up.

O’Sullivan added that Destination Ditmars is hoping to continue organizing the area’s holiday lights in the coming years and believes the lights can have a positive impact on local businesses and on community spirit.

“I don’t think it hurts (local businesses) just because it does make the street look that much more festive,” she said. “We all came together as a community to get those lights up, so it does give a sense of unity among the community.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Your autumn hair care survival guide, straight from Ellee Salon in Long Island City

Sep. 18, 2025 By Jessica Militello

The transition from summer to fall brings plenty of changes, from the start of cooler weather to fun autumn recipes and more, but for many, the seasonal shift can wreak havoc on our hair, causing ends to feel dry and roots to feel more oily than normal. Before you give up on your hair goals and reach for a baseball cap, check out some of these fall hair tips and the latest trends for the season from veteran hair stylist and owner of Ellee Salon, Ellen Lee.

LGBTQ+ advocate calls for passage of GIRDS Act

Sep. 18, 2025 By Jimmy Robles

It has been several years since lawmakers first introduced the Gender Identity Respect, Dignity and Safety (GIRDS) Act in 2021. Various organizations, including the Trans Immigrant Project (TrIP) of Make The Road New York, have called on state legislators in Albany to protect and end discrimination against TGNCNBI (transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary and intersex) people in state and local correctional facilities.

College Point man charged with arson, attempted murder for allegedly starting 2-alarm house fire: NYPD

One of the five civilians rescued by the FDNY from a 2-alarm house fire in College Point on Friday morning was arrested later in the day for allegedly starting the blaze in his first-floor apartment.

Jonathan Mejia, 33, was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16 on a complaint charging him with arson in the first degree, four counts of attempted murder in the second degree and other related charges.