The holiday season in New York City is an experience so many families enjoy. From the displays at Macy's to the Rockefeller Center Channel Gardens Angels, there's so much to see in the city this time of year. Now, families can go behind the scenes at a real workshop to see how much of the city's spectacular holiday décor is made at American Christmas in Mount Vernon.
American Christmas, a company that creates intricate commercial holiday displays, has a 110,000-square-foot warehouse and showroom open to the public for the first time this year through Dec. 23. Here, visitors of all ages delight in seeing how so many popular decorations found throughout NYC are made. (Ever wonder what goes into making those beautiful department store holiday displays? Now you can get an insider's look!)
“We live Christmas year-round, and we are thrilled to open our warehouse as a gift to the people who love Christmas as much as we do,” says Dan Casterella, American Christmas Chief Executive Officer, and an employee of the company for the past 20 years.
What to Expect at American Christmas in Mount Vernon
Walking around American Christmas is like a winter wonderland of world-famous décor, thousands of twinkling lights and so much more. Past years' decorations such as those from Saks Fifth Avenue and other shops are on view for permanent display.
Here's what else families will enjoy at American Christmas:
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Santa's Village Kids and families will enjoy a magical walk through Santa's Village that feature enormous animatronic displays and multiple holiday vignettes ideal for family picture-taking.
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Visits with Santa (on specific dates to be announced)
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A Pop-Up Outlet where one-of-a-kind vintage decorations are available for purchase (open weekdays, 10:30am-7:30pm; weekends 9am-8pm)
American Christmas was founded by Marvin Schwam in 1968 as an offshoot of his business selling artificial plants and flowers. It was acquired by MK Illumination in 2017, and creates commercial Christmas displays used by retail stores, building lobbies, corporate headquarters, hotels, malls and more. Services include design and development, manufacturing and assembly, distribution, installation, removal, refurbishment, and storage. The Mount Vernon warehouse has 70 full-time employees but expands to over 400 during the holiday season.
Tickets sales will be donated to several locally based charities, including The Mount Vernon Boys & Girls Club, North East STEM Academy, Youth Community Outreach Program and the Ronald McDonald House.
What You Need to Know About Visiting American Christmas in Mount Vernon
Where is American Christmas located?
American Christmas is located at 30 Warren Pl., Mount Vernon, NY.
When is American Christmas open?
The experience runs through Dec. 23. Santa’s Village is open weekday, 11am-7:30pm; weekends, 9:30am-7:30pm. The vintage pop-up store will also be open through Dec. 23 on weekdays, 10:30am-7:30pm; weekends, 9am-8pm.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are not needed to visit the pop-up outlet and Christmas in America Shop. Prices for Santa's Village are $10 per ticket for a 15-minute time slot during the week and $15 per ticket on weekends. Free parking is available in the front of the building.
For more information, visit americanchristmas.com or follow American Christmas on Facebook or Instagram.
Main image courtesy American Christmas
