Giant Inflatable Santa On Long Island Goes Viral: 'It's Actually Crazy'

FARMINGDALE, NY — If Santa were as large as this inflatable, he wouldn't stop at one neighborhood of cookies, his reindeer would have trouble lifting his sled, and he certainly wouldn't fit down any chimneys.

Two Farmingdale families team up each holiday season to decorate their yards in festive fashion. This year, George and Christina Stergiopoulos opted to add a 42-foot tall inflatable Santa Claus to the mix, and it has drawn more attention than they could have imagined.

People have been stopping by Florgate Road for photo opportunities and to gaze at the enormous Saint Nicholas decoration. The inflatable has gone viral, even picking up media attention in Chicago. Were the Stergiopolouses or their neighbors, Jacklyn and Jonathan Proscia, anticipating their lawn garnishing would go viral?

"No, not at all. It's actually crazy," Christina Stergiopoulos told Patch. "...We decorate during all the holidays for the kids, our neighbors and everyone. We love it. We get very into holidays where we are, especially this year — the neighborhood went all out this year. It's really nice to see so much more decoration and so much more lights."

About a month ago, George found the blow-up Claus online and was speaking with John about it, according to Christina.

"[George] was like, 'Listen, what do you think about this?'" Christina recalled. "John said, 'Why not?' Me and my friend Jackie, we were like, 'This is crazy.' It went viral."

Christina said it's "pretty funny" how much attention the decor is getting, as it has gone viral.

"You've got some good feedback," she said. "Some negative feedback, as usual on the web. It's fun. My kids love it. They like to see groups of people coming at night to see the house. As soon as that thing is up, people are waiting. There are lines for pictures. It's crazy."

Santa is not blown up 24/7, as Christina suggested. Windy weather is a no-go, and the families must be home when Saint Nick is inflated, as they have to "babysit it all day," Christina said.

An Instagram page, @Farmingdale_Santa, was created so people could track when the Farmingdale families are flaunting their jolly elf. The current schedule is 4 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, according to a post. People are encouraged to check out the Instagram page for updates.

"Whoever wants to come, they are more than welcome to come," Christina said.