Times Square turned into a real-life holiday movie moment as “A Christmas Story”’s Peter Billingsley (“Ralphie”) and Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves donated 500 brand-new bikes to the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, and Tayshia Adams was one of the stars who showed up to help make the day unforgettable. Hundreds of children attended the movie-themed celebration, which featured leg lamps, Santa, limited-edition “A Christmas Story” Plush Puppies, digital movie codes, and plenty of Raising Cane’s famous fresh Chicken Fingers. Celebrities, including Olivia Ponton, Luann de Lesseps, Rachel Fuda, Austen Kroll, Joe Amabile, Nick Barrotta, and more, joined the festivities, but it was Adams’ heartfelt presence that stood out most. The Blast was on site and spoke exclusively with Tayshia Adams about why this event meant so much to her.
Tayshia Adams Says Seeing Kids’ Joy Makes Everything Worth It
Raising Cane’s
Raising Cane’s brought “A Christmas Story” to life at the giveaway, turning the event into a movie-inspired celebration filled with leg lamps, a Santa visit, and plenty of brand-new bikes, helmets, and fresh, hand-battered Chicken Fingers. The Raising Cane’s Global Flagship in Times Square even features a festive window display inspired by the film, which Time Out named the No. 1 NYC Window Display for the second year in a row. The installation showcases some of the movie’s most iconic pieces, including Billingsley’s original pink bunny suit, cowboy costume, and Red Ryder BB gun, all transported by armored truck from his personal storage. It marks the first time these treasured items have ever been displayed publicly.
As kids made their way through Times Square for the surprise moment, Adams said the joy on their faces made everything worth it. “Any opportunity that I get to help a child to feel loved, heard, and celebrated is something I want to be a part of because a child deserves to feel that,” she told The Blast exclusively, adding that she knows exactly how impactful even the smallest gesture can be. “I know firsthand what the smallest kind gesture can do for somebody… so it’s definitely something I’d want to participate in and support.”
To keep the holiday magic going, children also took home limited-edition “A Christmas Story” Plush Puppies and digital codes to watch the beloved film at home.
Adams Reflects On The Event’s Impact
Raising Cane’s
Even though the kids hadn’t yet received the bikes at the time of the interview, their excitement was already electric. “Seeing a child’s face light up is one of the greatest joys of life,” Adams said. “I don’t think there’s anything more pure than seeing a child genuinely happy and excited.”
She added that moments like this are exactly why she continues to volunteer her time for kids’ causes, telling The Blast, “I donate a lot of my time to help kids specifically for that reason.”
Tayshia Adams Reveals Her Must-Watch Holiday Movie
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Of course, being at “A Christmas Story”-themed event sparked the question: what’s her essential holiday watch? And Adams didn’t hold back.
“Obviously, this is so generic… I’m a ‘Home Alone’ girl,” she laughed. She’s so committed, she’s already rewatched it two times, and it was only December 3.
She also shared her love for “The Holiday” and “The Family Stone,” an underrated seasonal classic.
Adams Calls 2025 Her Warm-Up Year And 2026 Her Blossoming Era
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As the year comes to a close, Adams reflected on how she’s approaching the future.
For 2025, she described her state simply as, “Defrosting.”
And as for 2026? “I have blossomed,” adding, “So much good is going to come in 2026… I feel back, which is fun.”
Raising Cane’s Nationwide Bike Giveaway Spreads Holiday Magic
Raising Cane’s
Now in its sixth year, Raising Cane’s annual bike giveaway brought 100 Cane’s-branded bikes and helmets directly to Times Square, contributing to a total of 500 bikes donated to the Harlem organization, which helps local youth build confidence, access opportunities, and reach their full potential.
This giveaway is just one stop in Raising Cane’s annual holiday campaign, which will distribute 4,000+ bikes to youth organizations across nearly 30 markets nationwide. The Times Square event alone brought together hundreds of excited kids experiencing true Christmas magic, many receiving their first bike ever. For Adams, there was no better place to be.
With joy, warmth, and a whole lot of holiday spirit, she helped make the day shine, proving yet again why she remains a fan favorite both on and off screen.
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