Seasonal & Holidays
Bellone Announces Holiday Events at Suffolk Parks
House Tours, Light Show, Visits with Santa Are on the Agenda
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced a series of holiday events that will be hosted by the Suffolk County Department of Parks and Recreation this winter. Among the scheduled events are the annual Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show, which raises funds to support Girl Scouts initiatives, and the lighting of the iconic Big Duck in Flanders.
“Suffolk County parks are among our most cherished natural assets, and we are proud to continue our tradition of offering family-friendly activities year-round,” said County Executive Bellone. “We look forward to sharing the holiday joys with friends and loved ones this winter.”
“We welcome everyone to come out to our parks and enjoy the holidays,” said Philip A. Berdolt, commissioner of the Parks Department. “We have programs for kids and adults alike, making our parks accessible and entertaining for everyone.”
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Events featuring Santa Claus, holiday lights, poetry and history are among the ways Suffolk County residents and visitors can enjoy the holidays at county parks this year. Some events are free and others require advanced reservations.
Upcoming events include:
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Nov. 25, 4 p.m, Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport. This free, fun, family-friendly tree lighting features singers from the Northport Chorale and the Carriage House Players theater company, carol singing, an ornament workshop for children, hot chocolate and cookies, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
November 25 – December 23, every Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., St. James General Store, St. James: Families can enjoy visiting with Santa Claus, shopping, and viewing many museum pieces that highlight the rooms. Artifacts from the Victorian time period line the shelves, mingled with the large assortment of merchandise for sale. There are displays of ledgers and old photographs in museum cases. The store is on the National Register of Historic Places.
November 29, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Holiday Lighting of the Big Duck in Flanders: The event features a visit from Quackerjack, the Long Island Ducks baseball team mascot, duck carols led by students from the Riverhead Middle School Show Choir, refreshments and the ever-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus by fire truck.
December 1-30, 14th Annual Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show at Smith Point County Park: All proceeds of the drive-through show benefit children’s services. Cost: $20/car; $40 for mini bus/RV; $70 for coach & school buses. No cash; Only credit/debit cards will be accepted for payment. For more information, visit www.holidaylightshow.org, email [email protected], or call (631) 543-6622.
December 2-3 & December 9-10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Deepwells Holiday Boutique, Deepwells Farm Mansion, St. James: Thirty artisans create boutiques throughout the decorated 1845 Greek revival style farmhouse featuring hand-crafted gifts, stained glass, jewelry, handmade marionettes, dolls, painted Santas, pottery, floral arrangements, candles, organic soaps, Christmas ornaments, fiber arts, holiday items and more. Enjoy complementary hot cocoa and cookies in the beautifully decorated mansion and get a glimpse into the past while supporting The Deepwells Farm Historical Society.
December 2 & 3,noon to 4 p.m., Silver and Gold Christmas, Meadow Croft, Sayville. Victorian/Edwardian Christmas decorations, refreshments, raffle, music, special exhibit, pictures with old St. Nick.
December 3, Family Yuletide Day, Walt Whitman Birthplace, Huntington Station. Includes:Holiday Sing-Along starting at 1p.m., followed by a visit with Santa, cookie decoration, face painting, ornament crafts, oldtime games, tours. To register or for info: Carolyn at 631-427-5240, ext. 113 or [email protected]
December 3, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Scully Estate, Islip: Family poetry reading, Winter Glistenings Join the poetry community of Long Island reading poems about the season. Listen to the poets as they discuss why they have chosen their selected poems. Poetry about nature, traditions, and family will be presented. Many will have been written by the presenters themselves, as well as the work of Whitman, Bryant, Frost, Thoreau and many others. Join in the celebration with a poem you would like to read. The event is free.
December 9, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Long Island Maritime Museum, West Sayville: “ ’Tis the Season” celebrates the area’s Dutch heritage. Events include lantern tours, holiday ornament crafts, photos with Sinterklaas, hand bell ensemble, hot chocolate, etc. Collecting donations for Toys for Tots. Reservations required. Call 631-854-4974 for information.
December 9-10, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sagtikos Manor “Christmas is Coming” tours, Bay Shore: Tour the manor in Bay Shore to view depictions of preparations for the Christmas season throughout the ages. Experience the history and view decorated rooms, shop for seasonal themed items in the gift shop and purchase a seasonal green decoration hand made by "Friends of the Manor Garden". Tour times begin at 10:30 am and the last tour is at 2:30 pm Tours leave every 15 minutes. Call 631 321-6809 or email [email protected] for reservation information.
Dec.10, 1-5 p.m., Historical House Tours, Yaphank Historic District. Starts at Swezey-Avey House, 19 Mill Rd, Yaphank. Call 631-924-4803 for information.
For more information on events and activities in Suffolk County Parks, log on to www.suffolkcountyny.gov or www.facebook.com/stevebellone.
