Black Santa returns to Wyandanch Winter Spectacular Dec. 6

The Winter Spectacular is returning to Wyandanch this December, bringing holiday magic — and a special Santa — with it. Wrapped up this year in a new pink coat laced with fur, Santa James sets out to fulfill the wishes of children seeking a Saint Nick who looks like them. 

"I’ve been in the Santa business for 13 years working as an area manager for Smith Haven Mall, Roosevelt Field, Walt Whitman and Broadway Commons in Hicksville. To be honest, I noticed there wasn’t a lot of diversity or equality for the Black Santas," says Philana Aiken, owner of Santa Your Way photo studio. "I decided to show the world what great representation is and how it’s important for us to have the option to have a Black Santa."

Santa James is one of the stars of the Wyandanch event held on Dec. 6. The event officially kicks off the holiday season in the Suffolk County village, where families can get their photos taken with him for free from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m. Photo sessions are also available by appointment through Dec. 28.

"I like seeing the impact that it has, not just on the children but the adults as well. It’s a joy to expand their imagination and creativity plus have an influence on how they think," says Santa James, of Middle Island. "It doesn’t matter what color or race you are; everyone comes in to take a picture."

NEW TWIST

Visiting Santa James is not your average Santa experience. First, there’s no red suit or fuzzy white trim.  Santa James rolls in style with a custom-made suit, and the color scheme changes every year.

"This year we are supporting breast cancer awareness by going pink. We will be giving back to a breast cancer organization and a local individual grappling with the disease during the holidays," says Aiken, who codesigned the suit with her business partner David Simon. "Pink is getting bigger in the celebrity world. Many people have pink Christmas trees or have a pink section in their home."

Santa James doesn’t sit on a throne but rather a Cleopatra royal chaise longue, with R&B holiday music playing from artists such as Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Chris Brown and Motown classics. He is also assisted by his friend the Grynch.

"We have adults in their 30s and 40s coming from all over to see Santa James even if they don’t have kids. Some bring their animals," Aiken says. "People have come from as far away as California, North Carolina, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston and upstate New York just to meet him."

'HOLIDAY PARTY ON ICE'

Folks can gather around The Rinx ice-skating rink at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, in the center of Delano Stewart Plaza, to watch a professional ice-skating presentation called "Holiday Party on Ice" from Ice Dance International. The 25-minute program will feature U.S. top competitive skater Emmanuel Savary, of Delaware, as well as Russia’s Danil Berdnikov and duo Karina Manta and Joe Johnson, of New York City.

"There’s a nice opening number where they each step out and perform together," says Douglas Webster, executive and artistic director of Ice Dance International. "This program celebrates the holidays in a diverse and inspirational way."

The professional skaters will then open the ice to the public for a free skate session from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m.

"We can hold over 100 skaters," says Tommy Palamara, vice president of operations of The Rinx. "It’s a first-come, first-served type of situation. We have 200 pairs of skates; therefore we can usually accommodate most people."

DECOR GALORE

The entire plaza is professionally decorated by Holiday Productions of Shirley. The trees are wrapped with starbursts, and garland is draped around the ice rink, topped with bows. This year features a gold-and-white theme, including four 12-foot gold-and-white candy canes, plus gold-and-white illuminated ornaments. Additionally, there will be a lit walkway next to the rink and a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree in the plaza decorated with white lights, along with its outer bushes.

"This style is very posh and modern. The gold and white theme comes off very classy," says Sean Henderson, president of Holiday Productions. "This is a good community with a lot of great people. It’s a beautiful upcoming area on Long Island. I believe in this project."

Take selfies at various photo-op spots such as two snowmen, a gingerbread man and Santa’s sleigh pulled by gold reindeer, which guests can sit in. New this year is a light display from Radio City Music Hall, including 20 oversize multicolor lights that are each 10 feet.

"This is an iconic piece of New York City history," Henderson says. "It was on display for 20 years and now it will be here in Wyandanch."