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Councilman Tony Avella and other supporters of the ban gathered at Central Park's Grand Army Plaza.

Similar demonstrations were held at the same time in more than a dozen other major world cities.

Supporters of the ban say it's inhumane to enslave horses, but some tourists say the rides are part of the New York tradition.

"We recognize cruelty to animals is no longer appropriate and the abuse that you see going on, while it might seem like some sort of holiday tradition, is far from it," said Avella.

"As a tourist, I think it's a good experience," said one New York visitor. "So it's something I would look into doing."

The demonstration did not keep Santa away as he helped kick off the traditional holiday carriage ride season, with carrots for the horses and candy canes for children.

Coincidentally, the two events fell on the same day.