Best of Long Island holiday season events
A reinactment of the story, "The Polar Express," a tale of a little boy who travels to the North Pole aboard a magical steam engine, enter the North Fork Trolley Company's, Polar Express Trolley Ride. Credit: Randee Daddona
As the holidays approach, Long Island’s many museums, historic sites and communities will host parades, festivals, tree lightings and more. Here are some places to catch the merriment.
Watch from the shoreline as illuminated boats make their way down the Patchogue River, 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 as part of the Christmas Holiday Parade of Boats. Spy them from the Davis Park and Watch Hill ferry terminals. Can't wait for Sunday? Check out the boats and vote for your favorite at a preview night, 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Off Key Tikki on Baker Place in Patchogue. Winners get a trophy and bragging rights.
INFO 631-804-0595,
patchogueboatparade.org
ADMISSION Free for spectators; $35 entry fee for boats Credit: Daniel Brennan
PATCHOGUE VILLAGE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE
Nov. 18, 6 p.m. Santa proves he’s seaworthy, as well as sleigh-worthy, when he arrives at the end of a flotilla of more than two dozen boats draped in holiday lights at the Patchogue River waterfront.
WHERE Best views are from Sandspit Park/Davis Park Ferry Terminal, Brightwood Street; and Fire Island National Seashore, Watch Hill Ferry Terminal, West Avenue
INFO 631-804-0595, Patchogue.com, free
The Art League of Long Islands 55th Holiday Fine Art & Craft Fair presents an eclectic variety of one-of-a-kind art and craft work created by 80 artists at their art center in Dix Hills. Credit: The Art League of Long Island
POLAR EXPRESS / NORTH FORK TROLLEY RIDE
Weekends and select weekdays from Nov. 23 to Dec. 23. Families can take a trolley ride to the “North Pole,” inspired by the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg (and a 2004 movie starring Tom Hanks). For children 2 and older.
WHERE 253 Edwards Ave., Calverton
INFO 631-369-3031, $55 a person, tickets available at northforktrolley.com
East Main Street is lined with community decorated Christmas trees during the Annual Port Jefferson Village Charles Dickens Festival. Credit: John Griffin
ART LEAGUE OF LONG ISLAND HOLIDAY FINE ART & CRAFT FAIR
Dec. 1-2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Art League of Long Island hosts its 55th annual juried art and craft fair, featuring work from 70 exhibitors, perfect for gift shopping. The event will also have live art demos, a hands-on art activity, live music and a food truck.
WHERE 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills
INFO 631-462-5400, http://artleagueli.net, free
VANDERBILT MANSION’S FESTIVE HOLIDAY DINNERS
Dec. 1, seatings at 6 and 8 p.m. Enjoy an elegant meal in the Gold Coast mansion, which will be decked out in holiday finery. Includes a guided tour of the Vanderbilt Museum.
WHERE 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport
INFO 631-854-5579, vanderbiltmuseum.org, $135 a person, $125 for members, reservations required.
Waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus during the annual Holiday Bonfire hosted by the Riverhead Business Improvement District at the Peconic Riverfront Park. Credit: Daniel Brennan
22ND ANNUAL CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL
Dec. 1-2. Port Jefferson’s annual salute to the prolific English author includes trolley and carriage rides, costumed characters from “A Christmas Carol,” Victorian entertainment, magic shows and a giant puppet parade.
INFO 631-473-4724, 631-473-1414, portjeff.com; most events are free
HOLIDAY TALES AT THE HEARTH
Dec. 2, 1 p.m. Hempstead House will host a celebration of holiday traditions from around the world, with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus stories told by special guest readers.
WHERE Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point
INFO sandspointpreserveconservancy.org, 516-571-7901, $10 per car for members, $20 per car for nonmembers
During the first night of Candlelight Evenings at Old Bethpage Village, contra dancing takes place in a 19th century barn, Old Bethpage. Credit: Bruce Gilbert
RIVERHEAD’S BONFIRE AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Santa rides to the Peconic riverfront bonfire in a horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy hot cocoa, candy canes and holiday music.
WHERE Behind the East End Arts Building, 133 E. Main St., Riverhead
INFO 631-591-0722, riverheadbid.com, free
OLD BETHPAGE, CANDLELIGHT EVENINGS
Dec. 21-23, 27-29, 5-9:30 p.m., last ticket sale at 8 p.m. 19th century entertainment in historic buildings lit only by candlelight, as they would be on holiday evenings during the 1800s, holiday songs, period storytelling, hot apple cider and fiddle music.
WHERE Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Road
INFO 516-572-8401, obvrnassau.com
HOLIDAY LIGHTING HIGHLIGHTS
Bundle up and enjoy these special outdoor lightings.
LIGHTING THE MONTAUK POINT LIGHTHOUSE, Nov. 24, 4 p.m. The Montauk Historical Society adorns the lighthouse for the holidays. Includes holiday music, caroling and an appearance by Santa.
NORTHPORT’S “A CHRISTMAS STORY” LEG LAMP LIGHTING CEREMONY, Nov. 24, 6 p.m. The town makes a special event out of a famous scene from everyone’s favorite Christmas movie. Carl’s Candies, villageofnorthport.com, free.
OLD WESTBURY GARDENS
Dec. 1, 6:30-9 p.m. The event will feature a performance by members of the Bethel Concert Choir, a visit by Santa Claus and light refreshments. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury, oldwestburygardens.org, 516-333-0048, $15, $13 for members, $8 for children 7-17, free for children 6 and younger and for member children. Advance registration is required.
BELMONT LAKE STATE PARK,
Dec. 1, 4:15 p.m. Ice sculptures, roving carolers, post-tree lighting fireworks. 625 Belmont Ave., West Babylon, 631-667-5055, nysparks.com, free.
PLANTING FIELDS, Dec. 7, 6 p.m. Highlights of the arboretum’s annual ceremony are the holiday decorations inside Coe Hall and the poinsettia display in the main greenhouse. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay, 516-922-9200, plantingfields.org.
