Big Duck lighting set for Thursday night

The Big Duck in Flanders was built in 1931 as a tribute to Long Island duck farming. The formidable fowl earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places and tourists flock to see it year round. Inside the stucco, wood and wire duck is a museum and gift shop. (July 5, 2010) Credit: Photo by Colleen Harrington
Bad weather forced the cancellation of the holiday tree lighting at the Big Duck in Flanders on Dec. 1, but folks will get another chance to flick the switch on the season Thursday night.
The Big Duck Holiday Lighting Ceremony is back on.
The weather Thursday night should be cold but no rain is forecast.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy will host the event on Flanders Road beginning at 7 p.m. with the help of the Flanders Fire Department, a local middle-school choir and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
The powerful storm earlier this month forced the cancellation of several other Christmas and Hannukah celebrations on Long Island.
"Inclement weather should not prevent us from celebrating this uniquely Long Island holiday tradition," Levy said in a statement. "We look forward to the 'official' lighting of the Big Duck in the company of our family, friends and a special guest from up North."

Memorial Day 2026: NewsdayTV honors those we've lost A brave young patriot receives a burial 83 years after being lost in war. Volunteers restore a Revolutionary War cemetery. A Gold Star mom makes it her mission to honor her son's sacrifice. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie shares three stories in honor of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day 2026: NewsdayTV honors those we've lost A brave young patriot receives a burial 83 years after being lost in war. Volunteers restore a Revolutionary War cemetery. A Gold Star mom makes it her mission to honor her son's sacrifice. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie shares three stories in honor of Memorial Day.



