By Natalie Colprisco
With Thanksgiving in the rear view, Long Island joins the rest of the Christmas-celebrating world in the return of the season to be jolly. What follows is our annual guide to the dozens of tree lightings, Christmas parades and other related holiday events over the next month.
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.-9 p.m Mon-Sat., 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday Nov 10-Dec. 31
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 $35 Adults, $28 Seniors, $20 Children under 12. Days, times vary. Nov. 19-Dec. 30.
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa Reading and Author Book Signing
Santa Claus will kick off things at 3 p.m., as he reads the holiday classic The Book of Kringle – Legend of the North Pole. At 4 p.m., the author, Derek Velez Partridge, hosts a book-signing. At 7 p.m., the tree lighting will commence, followed by family-friendly activities. Santa Reading: Waterfront Gazebo, Main Street, Northport. Book Signing: True Blue Vintage, 67 Main St, Northport. Tree Lighting: Village Park, Main St, Northport. villageofnorthport.com 3-3:30 p.m., 4-6 p.m., & 7 p.m. Nov. 25.
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. 11 a.m. Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 3, 10, 24, 28, 29 and 30.
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. Nov.25-Jan. 1.
2016 Connetquot River Boat Parade and Fireworks
Viewing locations include the Snapper Inn, Oakdale Yacht, Nicoll’s Point Marina, Vanderbit’s Wharf, Great River Town Ramp and Timber Point. Fireworks follow the parade. connetquotboatparade.com Connetquot River, Oakdale. Free. 5:30 p.m. Nov. 26.
Annual Tree Trimming Event
Kick off the holiday season by helping to decorate the traditional lighthouse tree. Free hot chocolate and cookies. Fire Island Lighthouse, east of Robert Moses State Park Field 5. nps.gov. Free. 10 a.m. Nov. 26.
It’s a Wonderful Village
Four Saturdays of holiday merriment! There’ll be horse and buggy rides every weekend. The “parade of lights” steps off the day after Thanksgiving and ends with a tree lighting. Expect plenty of visits from Santa. Full list of events here: southamptonchamber.com Free. 12:30-5 p.m. Nov. 26, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 4, 12:30-4 p.m. Dec. 10 and 12:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 17.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Five talented actors will perform the dozens of characters as well as produce sound effects, in a live radio broadcast of It’s A Wonderful Life. Step back in time to the 1940s and become the live studio audience. All the magic of Bedford Falls will come to life right in front of your eyes. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.com. $18-35. 3 p.m. Nov. 26.
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 Norman Brown, Keiko Matsui and special guests Kevin Whalum, John Stoddart, and Shelea. The Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Center. madisontheatreny.org $45-$75. 4, 8 p.m. Nov. 26.
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. Nov. 26-Dec. 31.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang are here to remind us all about what’s most important during the Yuletide season. This faithful stage adaption of the cartoon classic is performed on stage by an adult cast. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.com. $12-$20. 1, 4 p.m. Nov. 27.
Holiday Spectacular
Dean Karahalis & the Concert Pops will perform with special guest “Sal the Voice” Valentinetti for a 90-minute holiday concert. Additionally, the Five Towns College Chamber Singers and the Glen Cove Select Choir will perform. David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, Hofstra University, Hempstead Tpke., Hempstead. nassaucountyny.gov. Free. 5 p.m. Nov. 27.
The Brian Setzer Christmas Rocks! Tour
Guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, and 3-time Grammy award-winner Brian Setzer, is accompanied by his 18-piece orchestra as they perform the 13th annual “Christmas Rocks!” tour. The tour will contain selections from his four Christmas albums. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $29.50-$148.59. 8 p.m. Nov 27.
The Lighting of Malverne 2016
Enjoy bowling, breakfast with Santa, a cookie workshop, a holiday ornament workshop, 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. Dec. 1-26.
Holiday Light Show
This brilliantly illuminating drive-through holiday light display moved this year to a new location by the sea. Funding goes to support the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. Smith Point County Park, William Floyd Pwy., Shirley. $20 per car, $40 per minibus or RV, $70 coach or school bus. (credit card only, no cash) holidaylightshow.org 5 p.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 5-10 p.m. weekends, 5-11 p.m. Dec. 18-23.
Annual Manhasset Christmas Tree Lighting
The program will feature a performance from the Manhasset High School Brass Choir, the lighting of the tree and an appearance by Santa. Attendees will be treated to live music from DJ Kev D, a photo booth station and hot chocolate. Mary Jane Davies Green, Plandome Road across from Town Hall, Manhasset. Free. 4 p.m. Dec. 2.
Kennedy Plaza Tree Lighting
Come celebrate the annual Christmas tree lighting as the Kennedy Plaza Norway Spruce illuminates with hundreds of multi-colored lights. The tree will also feature ornaments imprinted with the names of people who have gone above and beyond. Also enjoy outdoor ice-skating for $2. Kennedy Plaza, 1 West Chester St, Long Beach. longbeachny.gov. Free. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2.
20th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join us in a sing-a-long of traditional holiday carols while awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. Upon his arrival, Santa will light the tree for the 2016 holiday season. Hot beverages will be served after Santa lights the tree. Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com Free. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Upon his arrival, Santa will light the tree for the 2016 holiday season. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. All activities will take place outside so please dress accordingly. In the spirit of the season, we will be collecting winter coats and non-perishable food items for families in need. Orient Beach State Park, Sound Avenue East, Orient. www.nysparks.com Free. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2.
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Join town officials and Santa Claus for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. There will be gifts for children, costumed characters, music and refreshments. Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway Lindenhurst. townofbabylon.com Free. 7 p.m. Dec 2.
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 $30-$39. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 5 p.m. Dec. 3, 4 p.m. Dec. 4.
Annual Holiday Train Display
This 32nd annual holiday train display features a model train layout highlighting railroading from the age of steam to present day. Mills Pond House, St. James. stacarts.org. Admission by donation to St. James Model Railroad Club Adults $2, Children 50 cents. 6 p.m. Dec. 2, 11 a.m. Dec. 3, 11 a.m. Dec. 4.
Charles Dickens Festival
The Adventures of Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield, A Christmas Carol—the list of literary classics authored by genius wordsmith Charles Dickens goes on and on. Come celebrate these masterpieces and their imaginative creator with many of his most famous characters, including Scrooge, Father Christmas and even the chimney sweeps, as they roam the Dickensian streets of a transformed Port Jefferson and revel in holiday delight! Among many other festivities will be parades, cookie walks, plenty of delicious food, an a cappella performance by harmony groups and choirs, ice skating, magic shows, and performances of Nutcracker! This year’s Dickens spectacular will also feature Theater Three’s 33rd Annual production of A Christmas Carol! Wow. No Bah Humbug here! Open to the public. Most events are Free. Friday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check out portjeff.com/dickens-festival for map and full schedule. Dec. 2, 3 & 4.
Santa in the Park
See Santa arrive in a Fire Truck, and speak with Santa about your holiday wish list. Toys, candy, cookies, and hot chocolate will be distributed by Santa’s elves. Wantagh Park Administration Building, 1 King Rd., Wantagh. nassaucountyny.gov Free. 1 p.m. Dec 3.
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Along with the lighting of the tree, there will be a host of traditional holiday music courtesy of the local school chorus, ice sculpting demonstration, and a spectacular fireworks display. Also, a visit from Santa arriving on the Long Island Sleigh Express! Belmont Lake State Park, Exit 38, Southern State Parkway, West Babylon. www.nysparks.com Free. 4:15 p.m. Dec. 3.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the Season with Santa Claus as he lights the Hatchery’s Christmas Tree. Hot chocolate, tea, and cookies for all. Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor. cshfishhatchery.org. $6 Adults, $4 Children and Seniors. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3.
Not Quite Christmas Cabaret
Cocktails, dinner, desert and performances by Broadway actors Lauren Worsham, Mykal Kilgore, and Sally Wilfert. Castle Gould, 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point. thesandspointpreserve.com $125. 7 p.m. Dec. 3.
Jingle Bell Bottom Ball
The third annual disco-themed holiday show lights up the opening nights of this festive season. Groove out to performances from Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, The Trammps, France Joli, Bonnie Pointer, Odyssey, Carl Carlton, Lime, MacHine, Disco Unlimited and Melba Moore. All guaranteed to score a little holiday cheer! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$69.50. 8 p.m. Dec. 3.
Eileen Ivers “An Nollaig” An Irish Christmas
Experience An Nollaig, “An Irish Christmas,” the way you should: surrounded by friends and loved ones, enjoying great traditional Irish songs, and of course, doing the jig! Jiggity jig jig-jig! YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $40, $45. 8 p.m. Dec. 3.
Nautical Mile Holiday Boat Parade
Approximately a dozen boats will compete to light up the Nautical Mile and spread holiday cheer by competing in a luminous hour-long procession down Woodcleft Canal, past Sea Breeze Park to Randal Bay, and then back. The glittering flotilla is a proud annual tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season in Freeport, as residents go all out to deck the decks of their boats. Spectators and onlookers will have a chance to vote on this year’s favorite holiday ship. Woodcleft Avenue and Front Street, Freeport. Free. 8 p.m. Dec. 3.
Max & Ruby in the Nutcracker Suite
Beloved bunnies Max and Ruby from the bestselling children’s books by Rosemary Wells are whisked off into a Christmas fantasy land accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. With original choreography by professional ballerina Patti Caplette (who has danced in over 100 Nutcracker performances), and dancing, singing, and delicious treats, Max and Ruby’s antics bring a new feel to the classic Christmas performance. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $39.50-$59.50. 12:30, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4.
How The Big Duck Saved Christmas
The story of how the East End’s own Big Duck saved Christmas from a group of French fry-loving Canadian Elves! Told by Santa with original background illustrations drawn by Frosty The Snowman’s original animator DON DUGA! Photos with Santa! Tell the jolly ole fella you want to send a massive Greek smorgasbord to the Press crew! Yeah! Suffolk Theater, 18 East Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $10-$15. 1 p.m. Dec. 4.
Christmas Gala Cocktail Reception
A wonderful night of hors d’oeuvres, dinner, music, raffles, and holiday fun. Brookwood Hall Ballroom, 50 Irish Lane, East Islip. isliparts.org. $50. 6 p.m. Dec. 8.
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
This 12th annual tree lighting will feature a spectacular poinsettia display, caroling by the Barber Shop Quartet, and The House of the Red Hart Singers. Ioin the carolers on the south side of the Camelia Greenhouse where the magnificent 35-foot Japanese Umbrella Pine will be lit by Santa. Also visit Coe Hall decked with holly and meet Santa at the Hay Barn! Visit Periwinkles Café in the Visitor Center and enjoy eggnog, 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. 9.
Irish Christmas in America
Produced by Slingo fiddler Oisin Mac Diarmada, this Irish Christmas in America show features top Irish music, song and dance, and engaging performances. In addition, photographic images will provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions of Ireland. Come take a glimpse into the spirit of Christmas, as the finest Irish artists bring you a fun-filled start to the holiday season. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.com. $27-$57. 8 p.m. Dec. 9.
Northport Chorale’s Holiday Concert
Selections performed with the Northport Community Band. Northport High School, Laurel Hill Road, Northport. northportchorale.org Free. 8 p.m. Dec. 9.
14th 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. 10.
Hearthside Cheer at the Rogers Mansion
Celebrate the pleasures of the holiday season at the Captain Albert Rogers Mansion at Hearthside Cheer. The Greek Revival Mansion will be decorated with garlands of fresh winter greens and filled with bountiful hors d’oeuvres, sumptuous sweets, and a bar. Gather around a baby grand piano and sing along to traditional and contemporary holiday songs at this festive annual event. Rogers Mansion, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton. southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org $50-$60. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10.
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. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10.
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. 10.
Christmas Village and Winter Wonderland
Visitors can enjoy arts and crafts, shopping, holiday music, a fire pit and s’mores, bounce castles, horse and buggy rides, and ice and wood carvings. Milburn Lake, Milburn Avenue, Baldwin. Free. 12-5 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18.
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. 1 p.m. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Dec 10, 1 p.m. Dec 11, 6 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. 11.
Holiday Spectacular on Ice
Set to beloved classic and contemporary holiday songs, and starring your favorite figure skaters, singers and dancers, this family-friendly musical celebration is literally the coolest show for all ages this season. Featuring stunning costumes, astonishing performance artistry, and dazzling production numbers, this heartfelt musical experience is the perfect gift and is sure to put you in the season’s spirit. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.org $29.50-$89. Times vary, Dec. 15-Jan. 1.
A Celtic Tenor Christmas
From the other side of the pond come The Celtic Tenors, who are set to perform tunes from their first holiday album, The Celtic Tenors Christmas’. During the performance The Celtic Tenors will create some holiday cheer by singing traditional Christmas songs, such as ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’ and ‘We Three Kings.’ Adelphi University PAC 1 South Ave, Garden City. aupac.adelphi.edu. $40-$45. 8 p.m. Dec. 16.
One Tree Holiday
Fans of CW’s former hit show, One Tree Hill, will have much to appreciate this holiday season amid the nostalgia spawned by the series’ nine-season run. The evening will include love songs mixed with fan favorites from the show’s popular soundtrack. And of course, there will be holiday music. Kate Voegele & Tyler Hilton. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $25-$30. 8 p.m. Dec. 17.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Gather up the family and make some lasting holiday memories with the Peanuts gang and their tiny Christmas tree. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $20-$25. 3 p.m. Dec. 18.
Holiday Cabaret
Catch performances by some of Long Island’s theater staples. Free admission is awarded to anyone who brings a new and unwrapped toy for donation to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Those without a toy for donation can purchase a ticket for $15 online or at the door, with 50-percent off ticket and concession. Half of proceeds will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Cultural Arts Playhouse, 170 Michael Dr., Syosset. $15. 7 p.m. Dec. 18.
Celebrate the Holidays with David Glukh Enterprises
David Glukh Enterprises presents an afternoon of Klezmer, Jazz and Holiday Classics performed on his signature piccolo trumpet accompanied by piano. Light refreshments and snacks will be served. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. www.landmarkonmainstreet.org Free. 2 p.m. Dec. 21.
