Santa! Smiles! Star Wars! Here’s a look at this year’s Christmas in the City celebration
This year took on particular poignancy because founder Jake Kennedy, 64, has been diagnosed with ALS.
In a city full of them, it’s hard to think of a more inspiring charity event: On Sunday, Christmas in the City was back at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, providing gifts and a blowout party to children from homeless shelters throughout Boston.
Founded in 1989 by Jake and Sparky Kennedy of Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy, the non-denominational party hosts thousands of children and their parents every year. This year took on particular poignancy because Jake Kennedy, 64, has been diagnosed with ALS, which took the lives of his father and brother. Kennedy’s son, Zack, a neuroscientist at University of Massachusetts Medical School, has dedicated himself to researching a cure for the lethal disease.
The organization is 100% volunteer-run; you can find out how you can get involved or donate at the Christmas in the City website.
Here’s a look at this year’s celebration.
Santa Claus, flanked by “Star Wars” stormtroopers, waves during the annual Christmas in the City event at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Dana Mendes holds his niece, Izariel Brown, 5, while they walk into the Winter Wonderland.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus wave while being introduced on stage by Sparky Kennedy.
Children ride on a carnival ride.
Blue Man Group performs.
Jariel Negron, 7, feeds a goat at the Winter Wonderland.
Logan Rosario, 3, of Milton, plays in fake snow with his nanny, Nancy Hicks of Milton.
Stormtroopers from the “Star Wars” movie series walk in the Santa Parade.
Vanessa Ramos, left, and her daughter, Royalty Ramos, 3, watch the Blue Man Group perform.
Nelaani Prendergast, 8, embraces a woman portraying comic book character Harley Quinn.
Sharmake Osman, 4, and his mother, Nawal Osman, are welcomed by superheroes and movie characters.
Jun Kao, 2, reacts to the “snow” upon entering.
From left, Ava Miller, 7, Damarion Seay, 10, Avant Miller, 7, and Felicia Seay enter the Christmas in the City event.
Grateful attendees hold signs in support of Christmas in the City co-founder Jake Kennedy, who was recently diagnosed with ALS.
Jake Kennedy poses for a photo with his wife, Sparky Kennedy. The couple founded the event in 1989.
Mayor Marty Walsh speaks while Sparky Kennedy embraces Jake Kennedy.
Material from The Boston Globe was used in this report.
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