In advance of the fall and festive season, The Belmont Business Improvement District (BID) announces a variety of local programming celebrating community and culture in one of New York City’s historic Italian neighborhoods. New Yorkers and visitors can expect the return of beloved annual events like the Ferragosto Festival, doo-wop performances by The Belmont 4,Italian American Heritage Month celebration, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, and more.
“For over a century, Bronx Little Italy has stayed true to its authenticity and strong ethnic heritage, welcoming thousands of visitors each year that keep us on the 'map' as a thriving immigrant enclave in NYC," said Peter Madonia, Chairman of the Belmont Business Improvement District. “We are proud to carry on this legacy today through decades-old traditions like our annual Ferragosto Festival and Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, which not only highlight our thriving neighborhood but also encourage collaboration with location institutions like Fordham University, the Bronx Zoo, and New York Botanical Garden, showcasing all that our Bronx ecosystem has to offer.”
Highlights from September to December 2026 include:
- “Paulie’s Final Push & 9/11 Tribute,” Returning to Arthur Avenue (Wednesday, September 9 at 10:30 AM) – Since 2021, retired United Airlines flight attendant Paul “Paulie” Veneto has pushed an airline beverage cart nearly 800 miles along routes symbolizing the flight paths of the four aircraft hijacked on September 11, 2001 – honoring the flight crews, the “first, first responders". This year, marking the 25th anniversary, Paulie will complete his final push and journey on foot from Boston to Ground Zero, honoring all who were lost that day (and ever since), all part of keeping the promise to #NeverForget. When he arrives at the memorial on 9/11, he will have surpassed 1,000 total miles between the five Pushes. On September 9th at 10:30am, Paulie will pass through Bronx Little Italy for a brief ceremony at East 186th Street & Arthur Avenue, joined by families and local Bronx community members pushing four additional carts – one for each flight hijacked. Learn more at pauliespush.com/25years and follow the @bronxlittleitaly for the event’s latest updates.
- Pre-Ferragosto Fun at The Belmont Library (Thursday, September 10) – In anticipation for the annual Ferragosto Festival in Bronx Little Italy, The Belmont Library & Enrico Fermi Cultural Center will kick off the celebrations early with a special cultural program at 3pm. All are welcome to participate in a Game Day featuring Tombola, Italy’s favorite game of chance.
- Annual Ferragosto Festival (Sunday, September 13) – For over 25 years, the Belmont BID’s annual Ferragosto Festival has brought together local businesses, supporters, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of Italian culture, food, music, and community. Visitors from near and far are invited to indulge in authentic cuisine from local small businesses like Calabria Pork Store, Emilia’s Restaurant, Artuso Pastry Shop (celebrating 80 years of business in 2026), and Teitel Brothers, enjoy live music and entertainment, and explore the old-world charm of the Bronx’s Little Italy. This year’s festival will take place from 12-6pm, rain or shine, on Arthur Avenue between East 187th Street and Crescent Avenue. Additional parking will be available at Fordham University (685 E Fordham Rd) for $10, with a free shuttle to and from the event from 11am-7pm.
- Doo-Wop Pop-Up Performances by The Belmont 4 (September 19, 25 & 26 & October 3, 17, 23 & 24) – While shopping or dining in the district this fall, catch the vintage sounds and timeless doo-wop harmonies of Arthur Avenue’s own The Belmont 4. The talented a cappella group will bring the spirit of old-school Italian American New York to life as they stroll through the streets and pop into local eateries on select Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30-8:30pm.
- Italian American Heritage Month Celebration (Monday, October 12) – In conjunction with Columbus Day, from 12:30-3:30pm, the band Pane e Cioccolato will return for a live musical performance at the cross section at East 186th Street and Arthur Avenue. Visitors and residents can enjoy the nostalgic sounds of Italian classics while immersing themselves in the neighborhood’s rich history and all that it has to offer, from artisanal food shops to retail merchants, delicious eateries, cafes, and beyond.
- Holiday Services & Live Nativity Scene at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (Thursday, November 26 & Saturday, December 19 to Friday, December 25)
- Thanksgiving Mass (Thursday, November 26, 10am)
- Lessons & Carols (Saturday, December 19, 6:45pm)
- Live Nativity Scene (Tuesday, December 22 & Wednesday, December 23) – Experience the story of Christ’s birth through a live nativity scene, featuring a manger with real people and farm animals. The nativity will be on display in front of the Church on December 22 from 10am-6pm and December 23 from 10am-4pm.
- Christmas Eve Carols (Thursday, December 24, 11pm)
- Christmas Day Services (Friday, December 25) – The Church will host a Midnight Mass at 12am. Christmas Day masses will be offered at 9:30am and 1:30pm in Spanish, 11am in Italian, and 12:15pm in English.
- Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Saturday, December 5) – Holiday magic will fill the air as the Belmont BID kicks off the festive season with their Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Ciccarone Park, at the intersection of East 188th Street and Arthur Avenue, from 4-6pm. The annual event will feature a meet-and-greet with Santa and his elf, cheerful holiday carols, and delicious Italian cookies and hot chocolate provided by local small businesses. The BID will also partner with The Children’s Cancer Society of America to offer a toy giveaway for local children on a first come, first serve basis.
- Holiday Caroling and Santa Sightings in the Neighborhood (Select December Dates) – On select days leading up to Christmas, The Jolly Holidays will be serenading shoppers and diners with classic holiday carols. Families can also expect special visits from Santa and his elf – the perfect way to round out a trip to the Bronx Zoo’s annual Holiday Lights or New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show®.
In addition to a robust lineup of community events and programming, Bronx Little Italy offers countless butchers, bakers, delicatessens, pastry shops, specialty grocery stores, and more to satisfy everyone’s holiday shopping needs, from a complete Thanksgiving meal, a seafood spread for the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or a beautiful gift basket full of authentic Italian delicacies. As a gift idea for the chefs and foodies, Little Italy in the Bronx has its own pasta sauce and products available nationally and on Amazon.com. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Belmont BID to help preserve the neighborhood and traditions for generations to come.
Arthur Avenue is also a great destination for holiday celebrations and gatherings. While known for its delicious Italian fare, the neighborhood is home to a diverse selection of cuisines, including Albanian, Mexican, and beyond. For the full list of restaurants in Bronx Little Italy, see here.
To learn more, follow the BID on Instagram at @BronxLittleItaly, X at @BXLittleItaly, Facebook at @BronxLittleItaly, & TikTok at @BronxLittleItaly.
