Dec. 18 weekly planner: Top 10 LI events
1. Winter Wonderland
WHEN | WHERE 6-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 6-10 p.m. Friday, 8 Bayville Ave., Bayville. Continues Dec. 26-31.
INFO 516-628-8697, bayvillewinterwonderland.com
ADMISSION $15
It's a little piece of the North Pole in Bayville. The seasonal amusement park is open with holiday twists that include a Santa's Workshop-themed fun house, an animated holiday light show, rides on a scaled- down train, visits with Santa and ice skating. While you're there, toast marshmallows over a fire outdoors or warm up indoors with a la carte diversions ranging from arcade games to rock climbing.
2. Bah humbug
Spend Christmas Eve in Port Jefferson with the most famous miser Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Jeffrey Sanzel, as he travels on a reluctant journey with the ghosts of his past, present and future, eventually learning the true meaning of Christmas. Reservations recommended.
WHEN | WHERE 3 p.m. Saturday, Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson
ADMISSION $21 ($16 ages 13-17, $14 ages 6-12)
INFO 631-928-9100, theatrethree.com
3. Bill O'Reilly
Political commentator Bill O'Reilly makes a stop in Carle Place to sign copies of his bestselling book, "Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever," which focuses on the fateful event that took place days after the Civil War ended in 1865.
WHEN | WHERE 7 p.m. Monday, Barnes & Noble, 91 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. Wrist bands will be given out at 9 a.m.
INFO 516-741-9850, bn.com
ADMISSION Free
4. Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Rock meets classical instruments and a high-energy light show when the Trans-Siberian Orchestra makes a stop at Nassau Coliseum Wednesday. It's led by founding band member and Long Island native Paul O'Neill.
WHEN | WHERE 4 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nassau Coliseum
INFO 516-794-9300, nassaucoliseum.com
ADMISSION $32.50-$70.50
5. Hanukkah
The first night of Hanukkah is Tuesday -- local communities are hosting a range of menorah lightings to celebrate the occasion. Among them: The Bach Jewish Center in Long Beach will light an outdoor menorah at 5:30 p.m. along with live music, Israeli hora dancing, and snacks such as homemade potato latkes and jelly doughnuts.
WHEN | WHERE 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Kennedy Plaza, Park Avenue and National Boulevard, Long Beach
INFO 516-897-2473, bachyouth.com
ADMISSION Free
6. Gavin DeGraw
The singer and musician headlines a concert at the Paramount in Huntington Monday night. He'll perform with special guests, including soul artist Mutlu, singer-songwriters Jared Lee and Rachel Platten.
WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. Monday, the Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
INFO 631-673-7300, paramountny.com
ADMISSION $35-$75
7. Christmas Day -- at the movies
It's a different sort of holiday tradition -- heading out to the movies on Dec. 25. Among the films opening nationwide: "War Horse," director Steven Spielberg's story about a boy and his horse set against the backdrop of Europe during World War I; "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock, and sci-fi thriller "The Darkest Hour," about five young people in Moscow attempting to survive an alien attack.
8. Kenny Rogers in Westbury
The Grammy-winning crooner is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his "Christmas and Hits Tour." He returns to Westbury Friday for what's become an annual show of classic hits and holiday favorites -- some with onstage accompaniment from Long Island choir groups.
WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. Friday, NYCB Theatre at Westbury, Brush Hollow Road, Westbury
INFO 800-745-3000, livenation.com
ADMISSION $39.50-$79.50
9. Hill Top
Make an escape from the holiday frenzy: Experienced hikers are invited to join a fast, hilly 4.3-mile trek along the Greenbelt Trail in Cold Spring Harbor. The route travels through the woods and includes scenic views of the harbor.
WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m. Thursday, meet at the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail Head, adjacent to the Cold Spring Harbor Library on Harbor Road. Snow or ice cancels.
INFO 516-249-5041
ADMISSION Free
10. Candlelight tour
It's the last chance to take a candlelit tour of the 19th century buildings at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, which are aglow and decorated for the holidays. While there, you'll encounter costumed re-enactors, a holiday brass quartet and old-time fiddler, plus a craft show with handmade items and holiday decorations.
WHEN | WHERE 4:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday, Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage
INFO 516-572-8401, www.nassaucountyny.gov
ADMISSION $10 ($7 ages 5-12)
