Candlelight event at Village Restoration

One of Long Island's most popular holiday traditions will return this month as Old Bethpage Village Restoration once again hosts its Candlelight Evenings celebration.

This year's program will be presented the weekends of Dec. 9 and 11 and Dec. 16 and 18 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Opening ceremonies on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. will include the lighting of the Christmas tree as well as holiday musical performances.

"We invite all to take some time from their busy holiday schedules to step back in time for a 19th century holiday experience," said Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano. "We encourage visitors to bring their own safe lighting devices, though no open-flame candles or propane devices."

Candlelight Evenings is set inside the museum village's historic homes, which are decorated with flickering candles and 19th century holiday decorations.

The program will feature a brass quartet, fiddlers, local musicians, dancers and readings of holiday children's stories. This year's event will also include a holiday crafts fair at the Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall.

Entrance fees are $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 5 to 12, seniors and volunteer firefighters. Children under 5 are free.

The museum village will be closed during its regular daytime hours on Candlelight Evenings dates and will close for the winter at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 18, reopening March 31, 2012.

Above:,Roy Brem, a costumed volunteer, at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration general store in 2009.