The holiday season is officially in full swing. They’ll light the tree in Rockefeller Center next week, but there’s no need to hop on the LIRR to ooh and ahh. Long Island Christmas tree lightings and Menorah lightings bring the festivities closer to home and many are complete with carolers, cookies, hot chocolate and even visits from Santa himself.
Northport
Northport’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Northport Village Park
On Long Island, Christmas really starts the day after Thanksgiving. This year, welcome in the holiday season with a night of caroling, hot chocolate and cookies. Even Santa and his reindeer will be making appearances at this tree lighting ceremony.
When & Where: Friday, Nov. 25, 4-8pm at Northport Village Park
More Information: Northport Chamber of Commerce, 631-754-3905
Huntington
Huntington’s 7th Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
This holiday celebration is an all-day affair. Start the day with a gingerbread house competition, a scavenger hunt and a street festival. At 6pm, join thousands of people in viewing Long Island’s largest electric light parade. Immediately following the parade, The North Shore Pops concert band will light the town Christmas tree.
When & Where: Saturday, Nov. 26 at Huntington Village
More Information: Town of Huntington, 631-351-3000
Southampton
Southampton Fire Truck Parade of Lights
This annual parade features floats and firetrucks wrapped in holiday lights and decorations. The route will wrap around Southampton Village, ending at Agawam Park for the annual tree lighting ceremony. Following the event, enjoy a “Holiday Party with Santa” at the Southampton Cultural Center.
When & Where: Saturday, Nov. 26, 4:30-6pm at the Southampton Cultural Center
More Information: Southampton Chamber of Commerce, 631-283-0402
Farmingdale
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the Christmas season with this family friendly tree lighting event. This annual ceremony promises to be a wonderful occasion for all ages.
When & Where: Saturday, Dec. 3, 4-6pm at 145 Prospect Street in Farmingdale
More Information: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 516-249-1220
Saint James
Christmas Tree Lighting at Deepwells
This Long Island tree lighting ceremony includes holiday music, pictures with Santa and an evening of festive fun.
When & Where: Saturday, Dec. 3, 4:30pm at Deepwells Farm Historic Park
More Information: St. James Chamber of Commerce, 631-584-8510
Westhampton Beach
Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting
This festive holiday event includes the lighting of both the town Christmas tree and the town menorah. The evening will feature complimentary cookies and chocolate, live holiday entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus.
When & Where: Saturday, Dec. 3, 6-8pm at the Village Green
More Information: The Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce, 631-288-3337
Stony Brook
The 37th Annual Holiday Festival
Now in its 37th year, the holiday festival will include live music, face painting, a model train exhibit, a petting zoo, and, of course, Santa, who will arrive by horse-drawn carriage. The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30pm.
When & Where: Sunday, Dec. 4, 1-5pm at Stony Brook Village Center
More Information: Stony Brook Village Center, 631-751-2244
Levittown
Levittown Chamber of Commerce Holiday Tree Lighting
Take in entertainment and performances by local schools, dance studios and community groups and watch the holiday Christmas tree sparkle and shine with a special visit from Santa Claus. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the season of giving by donating non-perishables and toiletries to the Levittown Chamber of Commerce.
When & Where: Monday, Dec. 5, 6-8pm at Veterans Memorial Park
More Information: Levittown Chamber of Commerce, 516-520-8000
Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay Holiday Market & Tree Lighting
Enjoy a weekend of holiday fun at this 3rd annual pop-up holiday market. There will be music, ice skating and sculpting, hot chocolate, shopping and entertainment. A tree lighting ceremony, complete with a visit from Santa, will be the highlight of the holiday market.
When & Where: Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5pm in the village center at the town Gazebo
More Information: Oyster Bay East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, 516-922-6464
Woodbury
Woodbury Jewish Center 2016 Chanukah Concert
Not quite a menorah lighting, but a seasonal celebration of worship, love and community. This event, organized by the Woodbury Jewish Center, is intended to guide members towards a Jewish identity with an evening of festivities and entertainment.
When & Where: Friday, Dec. 16, 6:30pm at the Woodbury Jewish Center
More Information: Woodbury Jewish Center, 516-496-9100
Merrick
Chabad Center Grand Menorah Lighting Hanukkah Celebration
Mark Hanukkah with the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, an organization dedicated to serving all members of the Jewish community with Ahavat Yisroel, an unconditional love and concern.
When & Where: Saturday, Dec. 24, 5:15pm at 2174 Hewlett Avenue
More Information: Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 516-833-3057
St. James
Menorah Lighting Jewish Hanukkah Holidays 2016
Celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah as the St. James Menorah is lit each evening at 5:30pm. This community event is family friendly and offers goodies and gifts for all.
When & Where: Saturday, Dec. 24—Sunday, Jan. 1 at Lake Avenue and Moriches Road
More Information: St. James Chamber of Commerce, 631-584-8510