Another season change means a whole new slew of events for Long Islanders of all stripes to enjoy. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, the solstice or general seasonal merriment, here’s a list of happenings:
A Christmas Carol
Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas—past, present and future—in this fine performance of the Charles Dickens classic. Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson. theatrethree.com $15-$30. Days, times vary. Through Dec. 24.
Holiday Lights Spectacular
This brilliantly illuminating 2.5-mile display returns for the second year after a seven-year absence. It will feature new themed displays throughout the park as well as returning favorites including the “12 Days of Christmas” and “Santa’s Beach Party.” The park will also feature an expanded Holiday Village, including a new ice skating rink as well as returning favorites, such as pictures with Santa, Holiday Hay Maze, cheerful holiday music and movies, and plenty of refreshments. There is also a Twofer Tuesday special—two trips for the price of one. Jones Beach State Park, West End, Ocean Pkwy. seetheholidaylights.com $20 per car Mon.-Thurs., $25 Fri.-Sun. Dusk-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., open til 11 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Through Jan. 3.
Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical
Everyone knows the story of the well-mannered, white-bearded weirdo claiming to be the real Santa who brings about a true miracle in New York City. But do you know the musical version? Expect masterful performances. Expect show-stopping songs. Expect to be wowed! John W. Engman Theate, 250 Main St., Northport. engemantheater.com $69-$74. 3 p.m. Days, times vary. Through Jan. 3.
Christmas at Hicks
Animated characters star in “Christmas at the North Pole,” a walk-through story telling how Santa picks out gifts for his friends who are penguins, elves and more. Enjoy the festive sounds of the brass band, take pictures with the jolly old man himself, and meet live reindeer! Donations of non-perishable food items for Long Island Cares accepted. Hicks Nursery, 100 Jericho Tpke., Westbury. hicksnurseries.com Free. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Dec. 24.
Boardwalk Lights
A nautical themed holiday light show display on the boardwalk. Long Beach boardwalk. longbeachny.gov Free. 5 p.m. Everyday. Through Jan. 17.
Bayville Wonderland
Visit the elves hard at work in Santa’s toy factory funhouse, ride the holiday express train, brave the arctic ice skating adventure, meet Mrs. Claus and other holiday characters, plus much more! Bayville Adventure Park, 8 Bayville Ave., Bayville. bayvillewinterwonderland.com $22. Days, hours vary. Through Jan. 3.
Barnaby Saves Christmas
The littlest elf and his reindeer friend, Franklynne, set off on their journey to save Christmas. Along the way, they meet some new friends and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukah and the holiday season. Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson. theatrethree.com $10. Days, hours vary. Through Dec. 26.
A Joyful Toyful Holiday
The toys come to life right in time for the holidays in this delightful holiday play. Studio Theatre, 141 South Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst. broadhollow.org $10. 1 p.m. Dec. 12, 19, 26 and Jan. 2.
Frosty the Snowman
Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from the mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow and ruin winter! John W. Engman Theate, 250 Main St., Northport. engemantheater.com $15. Days, times vary. Through Jan. 3.
It’s a Wonderful Village
Four Saturdays of holiday merriment! A Parade of Lights featuring decorated fire trucks marches down Windmill Lane to Agawam Park followed by the tree lighting on Nov. 28th, plus horse and buggy rides, pictures with Santa, shopping, carolers, hot chocolate, cookies and more! Southampton village. Full list of events here: southamptonchamber.com Free. 12:30-4 p.m. Dec. 12 and 12:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 19.
The Lighting of Malverne 2015
Enjoy bowling, breakfast and a movie with Santa, a holiday gala, a parade of elves, as well as the Menorah and tree lighting. There will also be hayrides, horse and buggy rides, a live ice sculpture demonstration and a living Nativity. Full listing of events at malvernevillage.org Various prices. Days, hours vary. Through Dec. 16
2015 Annual Holiday Model Train Display
Interactive fun for the whole family! Explore 240 square feet of history inspired by local landmarks. Town of Babylon History Museum, Old Town Hall, 47 W. Main St., Babylon. townofbabylon.com Free. Days, hours vary. Through Jan. 3.
Menorah Lighting
Join city officials and Rabbi Goodman of Bach Temple of Long Beach for music, coffee, doughnuts, Hanukah Gelt and hot potato latkes as they kick off the Festival of Lights! The main lighting will be at 5 p.m. on Dec. 6, but make sure you come back every day as another light is added. Kennedy Plaza, Long Beach. longbeachny.gov Free. 3:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 5 p.m. Dec. 13.
Mrs. Claus Saves the Day!
Ever wonder what Mrs. Claus was up to on that foggy Christmas Eve when Rudolph became famous? This play tells the classic story from Mrs. Claus’ point of view. Bayway Arts Center, 265 E. Main St., East Islip. broadhollow.org $11. 2 p.m. Dec. 12, 19, 26 and Jan. 2, 12 p.m. Dec. 13 and 27.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
The Peanuts gang, on stage, like you’ve never seen them before! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $20-$25. 7 p.m. Dec. 11.
Tree Lighting
Lit up will be the magnificent 35-foot Japanese Umbrella Pine, which is located on the south side of the Camellia Greenhouse. Afterward, see view the spectacular poinsettia display, hear the madrigal singers perform, visit Coe Hall decked with holly and meet Santa at the Hay Barn! Visit Periwinkles Café in the Visitor Center and enjoy egg nog, hot chocolate and cider, gingerbread men and other assorted holiday sweets. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Route 25A, Oyster Bay. plantingfields.org Free. 6 p.m. Dec. 11.
Glenn Miller Orchestra: In the Holiday Mood
Hear all your favorite holiday songs in the band’s unique style. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.com $25-$65. 8 p.m. Dec. 11.
Holiday Concert
Celebrate the spirit of the holidays with the FTC Concert Pops Orchestra and Wind Ensemble Five Towns College Performing Arts Center, Five Towns College, 305 North Service Rd., Dix Hills. ftc.edu/ftcpac $10. 2 p.m. Dec. 13
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet
World-renowned ballet stars of the Leggz Ballet Company team up with the South Shore Symphony Orchestra to bring this classical ballet to life. This is one of the few productions on Long Island that features a full orchestra so don’t miss it! The Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Center. madisontheatreny.org $25-$39. 7:30 p.m. 5 p.m. Dec. 11, 4 p.m. Dec. 12, 4 p.m. Dec. 13.
Not Quite Christmas Cabaret
Cocktails, dinner, desert and performances by Broadway actors Catherine Walker, Jeff Kready and Catherine Porter. Castle Gould, 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point. thesandspointpreserve.com $100-$110. 7 p.m. Dec. 12.
13th Annual Reenactment of the Flying Santa
Relive the days when Santa would visit the Fire Island Lighthouse keepers and their families by flying by in small plane. Fire Island Lighthouse, just east of Robert Moses State Park Field 5, Fire Island. fireislandlighthouse.com Free. 11:30 a.m. Dec. 12.
Skate with Santa
Children are invited to go ice skating with Santa, have their pictures taken in front of the tree and decorate cookies. Free hot chocolate. Christopher Morley Park, 500 Searingtown Road in Roslyn-North Hills. nassaucountyny.gov/parks $22 adults, $15 kids, $4 veterans, seniors and first responders. Discounts with Leisure Pass. $5 skate rental. Days, hours vary. Beginning Dec. 12.
Elf on the Shelf Craft Event
Countdown to Christmas begins! Children will create their own goody jar containing a secret message left by the Elf himself. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com $20 per child. 12 p.m. Dec. 12.
3rd Annual West End Electric Light Parade
Come see antique cars, fire truck, floats and bicycles wrapped in lights for this festive holiday parade! There will be antique fire truck rides, trolley rides and hot cocoa. Yum. Ohio Avenue and Beech Street, Long Beach. longbeachny.gov Free. 6 p.m. Dec. 12.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Join the mayor, Santa, his elves, and the fire department as they light the tree. Islandia Village Hall, 1100 Old Nichols Rd., Islandia. newvillageofislandia.com Dusk, Dec. 12.
The Nutcracker Suite with Full Orchestra
The Atlantic Wind Symphony teams up with the Ovations Dance Repertory Company to bring you this famous ballet like you’ve never seen it before! Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.com $15-$30. 8 p.m. 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 13.
Chanukah on Ice
Don’t miss the sculpting and lighting of the largest Ice Menorah in New York! Skate to Chanukah music then enjoy pizza, latkes and chocolate gelt. Long Beach Ice Arena, 150 W. Bay Drive, Long Beach. longbeachny.gov $16 per person or $80 per family (includes skates and dinner). 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13.
4th Annual Candlelight Carol Sing
This wonderful evening of Christmas songs quickly became a family tradition, featuring the timeless carol “Silent Night” sung in the candlelit church. Arrive at 7 p.m. sharp to enjoy warm cider and hot chocolate around the fire while a brass quintet plays. Saint William the Abbot Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Seaford. facebook.com/events Free. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16.
The Nutcracker
New York Dance Theatre, under the direction of Frank Ohman, will present what’s billed as the largest Nutcracker on Long Island with added music, scenes and dances—the only one performed in the tradition of New York City Ballet’s legendary George Balanchine. John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hofstra University, 1000 Fulton Ave., Hempstead. ohmanballet.org $25-$50. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 18, 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20.
Long Island Traveling Road Show Christmas Concert
Two of Long Island’s favorite acoustic musicians, Rich Broillet and Bob Otto, introduce their new Christmas single and play all your holiday favorites. Mills Pond House Gallery, 199 Mills Pond Rd., St. James. stacarts.org Donation to Smithtown Township Arts Council. 1 p.m. Dec. 20.
Celebrate Winter Solstice
Squeeze in as much fun as possible on the shortest day of the year! Arts and crafts, storytelling and a wintery walk in the woods. Nassau Museum of Art, One Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. nassaumuseum.org $10 per family. 1 p.m. Dec. 20.
A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas
Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum continues this annual event, bringing excellent holiday entertainment to all. This year’s holiday jazz extravaganza will feature Gerald Albright, Norman Brown and female vocalist, Shelea. The Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Center. madisontheatreny.org $45-$75. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 26.
-Compiled by Desiree D’iorio
