From the Bronx to Broadway: The Magic of American Christmas with Dan Casteralla

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In this festive episode of I Live Here Westchester, host James Jockle sits down with Dan Casteralla, a 20+ year veteran and CEO of American Christmas—a company behind some of New York City’s most iconic holiday displays. From humble beginnings as a Bronx-based plant company to a national leader in commercial Christmas décor, American Christmas is synonymous with seasonal joy—and it all happens from their massive headquarters right here in Mount Vernon.

What You'll Hear About in This Episode:

• The origin story of American Christmas and Dan’s journey from seasonal worker to senior executive
• How the company evolved after pivotal moments like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic
• Behind-the-scenes of those jaw-dropping overnight installations across Manhattan
• How creativity meets logistics in a business that moves 300+ containers of joy annually
• The secret to highlighting architecture without overpowering it during the holidays
• The engineering and patents that make the magic possible
• The heartwarming success of Mount Vernon’s own Holiday Lane charity initiative
• The rise of Halloween as the next big decorating holiday (yes, really!)
• And a sneak peek into Christmas in July and what’s next for seasonal celebrations in Westchester

✨ Whether you’re a Westchester local, a lover of holiday magic, or just curious how NYC transforms overnight every November, this conversation offers a rare look into the business of joy.

Follow American Christmas and check out their local initiatives like Holiday Lane—where all proceeds go to support charities in Mount Vernon.

#ILiveHereWestchester #AmericanChristmas #MountVernonNY #HolidayLane #NYCHolidays #ChristmasInJuly #BuzzsproutPodcast #WestchesterLocal

I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media.
We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.

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