Holiday Season Fun Finder

Looking for something fun to do this holiday season? Why not check out some of these events? Some events are subject to change. Some events may have passed.

Nov. 25 - Dec. 23
2016 Polar Express - The Trolley Ride
Time: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Riverhead, NY
Info: Live the magic of the classic Polar Express story with the Northfork Trolley Company! Depart from The All Star in Riverhead and travel north, interacting with a character from the movie and listening to Liam Neeson’s reading of The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. When you arrive at our North Pole, you will disembark the trolley and visit with Santa; where he and the elves will entertain you and your family. Call (631) 369-3031 for more info.

Nov. 25-Nov. 27
First Annual Dream Come True Farm - Santa’s Holiday Festival
Time: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day
Where: 147 Eastport-Manor Road
Manorville, NY 11949
Info: Event features photos with Santa, karaoke, a DJ, games, raffles, a light parade on Nov. 26, an ugly sweater contest on Nov. 27 and much more! Call (516) 978-0261 (ask for Ed) for more details.

Nov. 25-Nov. 27
Long Island Festival of Trees
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Friday/Saturday); 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Cradle of Aviation Museum
1 Davis Ave.
Garden City, NY 11530
Info: $15 adults/$10 Children. Admission includes entry to the Festival and Cradle of Aviation Museum and the Junior Jet Club. Call (516) 378-2000 ext. 648 for more info.

Nov. 26
Pet Photos With Santa
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Community Pet Shop
347 New York Ave.
Huntington, NY 11743
Info: Free photo with minimum $10 donation to benefit Little Shelter Animal Rescue. Call (631) 421-0088 for more information and reservations.

Nov. 26
Connetquot River Boat Parade and Fireworks
Time: Boat Parade - 5:30 p.m./Fireworks 7 p.m. (Rain Date Nov. 27)
Where:Conneqout River
Oakdale, NY 11769
Info: Viewing locations include Snapper Inn, View, Oakdale Yacht, Nicoll's Point Marina, Vanderbit's Wharf, Great River Town Ramp, Timber Point

Nov. 26
Town of Huntington Holiday Parade
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Huntington Village, NY
Info: The parade kicks off at the Big H Shopping Center on New York Avenue and will continue north to Main Street and then west on Main Street to West Neck Road. The North Shore Pops have been invited back to rock out in front of the holiday tree, located at 10 Wall St., immediately after the parade.

Nov. 26 & Nov. 27/Dec. 10 & Dec. 11
TMB Model Train Club Open House
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: TMB Model Train Club
120 Schmitt Blvd.
Farmingdale, NY 11735
Info: Admission is free. Call (516) 660-8099 for more information.

POSTPONED: Nov. 30 
NEW DATE: Dec. 1
The Big Duck Lighting
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: The Big Duck
Route 24
Flanders, NY 11901
Info: The event features Christmas carols, snacks and a visit from Santa.

Dec. 1-30
Girl Scouts’ Holiday Light Show
Time: Monday-Thursday - 5 p.m to 9 p.m./Friday-Sunday - 5 p.m. to 10 p.m./Dec. 18 - 23 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where:Smith Point County Park
Shirley, NY
Info: $20 per car admission; $40 Mini Bus or RV | $70 School or Coach Bus; Credit Only at the Gate

Dec. 2
Long Beach Tree Lighting
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Plaza
1 West Chester St.
Long Beach, NY 11561
Info: The event features stories, arts and crafts, treats and more.

Dec. 2 - Dec. 4
Leggz Ltd. Ballet Company: The Nutcracker
Time: Dec. 2 - 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 3 - 5 p.m.; Dec. 4 - 4 p.m.
Where: Madison Theatre at Molloy College
1000 Hempstead Ave.
Rockville Centre, NY 11571
Info: Ticket prices vary. Call (516) 323-4444 for more information.

Dec. 2
Floral Park Tree Lighting & Christmas Festival
Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park
Outside Our Lady of Victory Church at 2 Floral Parkway
Info: Event features holiday carols, vendors and treats.

Dec. 2 - Dec. 4
Holiday Train Display - St. James Model Railroad Club
Time: Dec. 2 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Mills Pond House
660 Route 25A
St. James , NY 11780
Info: Donation for admission; $2 adults; 50 cents for children.

Dec. 2
Brookhaven Town Holiday Tree Lighting
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Holtsville Ecology Site
249 Buckley Road
Holtsville, NY
Info: Preview the holiday lights show; features treats and characters.

Dec. 3
Islip Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Parade kicks off at Ocean Avenue; Ends at Town Hall
Info: The tree lighting begins after the parade ends at Town Hall.

Dec. 3-4, Dec. 9-11, Dec. 16-18
Brookhaven Town Holiday Spectacular
Time: Fridays/Saturdays - 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Holtsville Ecology Site
249 Buckley Road
Holtsville, NY
Info: $5 admission; features an indoor-walk through light show.

Dec. 3
Santacon RUN & ROLL for the Kids
Time: 8 a.m.
Where: Eisenhower Park
Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, NY 11554
Info: $25 pre-register; $30 day of event. Refreshments and awards after the event. Call (631) 278-6385 for more info.

Dec. 3 & 4 and Dec. 9 & 10
Live Drive Through Nativity
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Stony Brook Christian Assembly
400 Nicholls Road
Setauket, NY 11733

Dec. 3 & 4
Charles Dickens Festival
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Village of Port Jefferson
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Info: Free event. The Village of Port Jefferson will magically transform into the Dickensian era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier and the beloved chimney sweeps.

Dec. 3
4th Annual Cutchogue Holiday House Tour 2016
Time: 11 a.m to 4 p.m.
Where: The Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast
1855 Depot Lane
Cutchogue, NY 11935
Info: $75 admission. Six stops, including 4 Bed and Breakfasts, the historic New Suffolk School House, and the Cutchogue New Suffolk Historical Council, are all decked out for the holidays. Local vineyards will be paired with guest chefs at each of the bed and breakfasts. Call (631) 735-9024 for more information.

Dec. 3
The Lighting of Malverne
Time: Event times vary; Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Fountain Area
Malverne, NY
Info: The day-long event features a Santa visit, tree lighting, crafts, music and more!

Dec. 3
Wooden Wonderland
Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Suffolk County Historical Society
300 W Main St.
Riverhead, New York 11901
Info: Free event features a carvers’ holiday show and sale. Call (631) 727-2881 for more info.

Dec. 3
Freeport Boat Parade
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Nautical Mile
Freeport, NY
Info: Boats beging by EB Elliot’s Restaurant travel down Randal Bay and back again. Call (516) 223-8840 for more info.

Dec. 4
Ugly Sweater Beer & Yoga
Time:Check-in at 9 a.m.; Yoga Class: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.; Snacks, Beer: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (feel free to stay after!)
Where:Great South Bay Brewery
25 Drexel Drive
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Info: Early bird admission $15; General admission $20. The worst dressed charity event of the year will feature a one hour yoga class taught by Kimberly S of Little Yoga House followed by craft beers. All proceeds go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.

Dec. 4
Holiday Festival in Stony Brook Village
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Stony Brook Village Center
Main St. on the Harbor
Stony Brook, NY 11790
Info: Event features a promenade of trees, Santa, a tree lighting, a petting zoo and more. Free admission.

Dec. 5-Jan. 8, 2017
Holiday Poinsettia & Cyclamen Display in the Main Greenhouse
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
1395 Planting Fields Road
Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Info: Located in the main greenhouse. Admission is free

Dec. 9
Tree Lighting and Visit With Santa
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; lighting at 6 p.m.
Where: Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
1395 Planting Fields Road
Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Info: Free admission; free parking; free activities. Visit from Santa in the Hay Barn at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10
Christmas in Cutchogue
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Cutchogue Fire Department
260 New Suffolk Road
Cutchogue, NY 11935
Info: Event features a magic show, games and a visit from Santa.

Dec. 10
Dutch Christmas
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Long Island Maritime Museum
West Sayville, NY
Info: Reservations required for event; $3 admission; lantern tours at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Sinterklauss arrives at 6 p.m. For more information call (631) 854-4974

Dec. 10
Re-enactment of the Flying Santa
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Fire Island Lighthouse
East of Robert Moses State Park, parking field 5
Fire Island, NY 11770
Info: Free event. Santa arrives at the Lighthouse around noon. Arrive early.

Dec. 10 & Dec. 11
Santa at the Riverhead Railroad Museum
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 416 Griffing Ave.
Riverhead, NY
Info: Free admission. Santa arrives by train at noon. Refreshments and gifts for good children. Gift shop will be open.

Dec. 10
Long Beach Electric Light Parade
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: West Beech Street
Long Beach, NY
Info: Enjoy free hot chocolate along the parade route. Parking available at Long Beach Catholic with shuttle bus starting at 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 11
Three Village Electric Holiday Parade
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Emma Clark Library, proceeds down Main Street to the Brookhaven Kiwanis Park
Info: Pre-register to get a float in the parade.

Dec. 13
Friends of the IDF and Temple Beth Sholom Pre-Hanukkah Celebration
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Temple Beth Sholom
401 Roslyn Road
Roslyn Heights, NY
Info: Members of the Long Island Jewish community will gather for a Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) pre-holiday concert celebration featuring a performance of popular and traditional Israeli music by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Musical Ensemble.Tickets begin at $25 for adults and $10 for children. Funds raised will go toward FIDF well-being and educational programs for IDF soldiers.

Dec. 14 & Dec. 18
Long Island Gay Men's Chorus presents Happily Ever After - An Orlando Fairy Tale
Time: 12/14 at 8 p.m.; 12/18 at 3 p.m.
Where: The Cathedral of The Incarnation (12/14)
50 Cathedral Ave.
Garden City, NY 11530
YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts (12/18)
37 W Main St.
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Info: The holiday concert will be a very special dedication to all those who lost their lives in the tragedy at Pulse this past June. This mix of seasonal, pop and traditional choral selections, will be interwoven with an uplifting fairy tale story, that will be a celebration of love, family and hope. Tickets are $25.

Dec. 15-18
Candlelight Evenings
Time: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Old Bethpage Village Restoration
1303 Round Swamp Road
Old Bethpage, NY 11804
Info: 19th century entertainment in historic buildings lit only by candlelight, as they would be on holiday evenings during the 1800s. Features holiday songs, period storytelling, hot apple cider and fiddle music.

Dec. 15-Jan. 1, 2017
The Gateway’s Holiday Spectacular On Ice at Patchogue Theatre
Time: Showtimes Vary
Where: Patchogue Theatre
71 E Main St.
Patchogue, NY 11772
Info:  Prices vary. Patchogue's Theatre stage becomes an amazing ice rink where figure skaters, dancers, and singers perform spirited show-stopping routines perfect for the holiday season.

Dec. 16-19
Seiskaya Ballet Nutcracker Performances
Time:12/16 at 7 p.m.; 12/17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; 12/18 at 1 p.m. and 6p.m.; 12/19 at 7 p.m.
Where:Staller Center For The Arts
100 Nicolls Road
Stony Brook, NY 11794
Info: Adults $40; Children & Seniors - $34; Groups of 20 or more - $30 per ticket

Dec. 17
Long Beach Landmarks 2016 Holiday Candlelight House Tour
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Plaza
1 West Chester Street
Long Beach, NY 11561
Info: Enjoy a ride on the trolley through the Red Brick Street District to visit beautifully decorated homes. There will be entertainment and refreshments at a historical home. $25 admission.

Dec. 17 & 18
The Nutcracker presented by Frank Ohman's New York Dance Theatre
Time: 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. both days
Where: John Cranford Adams Playhouse
Hofstra University
Hempstead Turnpike
Hempstead, NY 11554
Info: Regular: $42; Seniors 65+: $32; Children 12 & under: $32

Dec. 18
Hands On Hanukkah
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Smith Haven Mall & Walt Whitman Shops
Info: Contact Beth@JewishWithoutWalls.org for more information

Nov. 25-Indefinite
Gingerbread University
Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m (Closed Tuesdays)
Where: 3225 Sound Ave.
Riverhead, NY 11901
Info: Decorate gingerbread houses and specialty cookies at Gingerbread University, a 4,000-square-foot red barn in Baiting Hollow. Call (631) 727-7309 for more details.