Frank Seddio’s dazzling light display draws thousands to Canarsie every year

December 11, 2017 By Aidan Graham Special to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Everyone knows about the famous Christmas lights display of Dyker Heights, but Hon. Frank Seddio’s own display in Canarsie has also gained quite a bit of notoriety as thousands flock to his house every year for his dramatic display on Flatlands Avenue. Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

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As the choirs sang and the children cheered, the Seddio household’s iconic light show lit up Canarsie with holiday spirit.

An estimated 3,500 people gathered at the corner of Flatlands Avenue and East 93rd Street on Sunday, Dec. 3 to watch the grand opening of what has become an annual Brooklyn tradition. Comprised of more than 50,000 lights and spanning eight holiday-themed displays, the show dazzled visitors from all over the borough with its extravagance and detail.

First beginning in 1963 with the homes previous owner, the tradition is been carried on by Brooklyn’s Democratic Party Chairman Hon. Frank Seddio, who purchased the property in 1986. Since then, the holiday display has grown tenfold, now consisting of $350,000 worth of decorations, including almost 100 unique moving parts.

Construction of the exhibit requires around 25 volunteers working every weekend in November in preparation for its annual opening on the first Sunday in December.

The display’s exuberance has become a staple in the local community, and is matched by only by the festivities of its opening night.

Visitors munched on candy canes as they listened to performances by the choirs of Holy Family Church and Our Lady of Trust Catholic Academy, as well as the Chorus of P.S. 115, singing Christmas carols and holiday classics.

Politicians from around the city came out for the event, including Mayor Bill De Blasio.

“I texted de Blasio,” said Seddio, who told the mayor, “If you’re gonna go out to Rockefeller Center to light one lousy tree, you have to come to our opening night.”

While the mayor’s attendance excited guests, it paled in comparison to a visit from Santa Claus himself, who traversed the crowd, listening to the holiday whims and wishes of the younger attendees.

“That’s who we do this for,” explained Seddio. “All you have to do is look into the eyes of the children. The enjoyment a 5-year-old kid get out of this is priceless.”