Whether it’s been a banner year or a tough one, having some fun to celebrate the new year is never a bad idea. If you’re looking for a unique way to spend New Year’s Eve, then consider grabbing your friends or family and heading over to one of several lighthearted comedy events in the area.
Theatre Three in Port Jefferson is hosting two comedy performances for their New Year’s Laughin’ Eve celebration: an early bird show at 6 p.m. and a prime time show at 8 p.m.
Now in its 14th year, the event is hosted by Paul Anthony of the Long Island Comedy Festival. “This night of comedy is something that people look forward to every year,” said Douglas Quattrock, artistic associate and director of development for Theatre Three. “We always make an effort to mix up the comedians that we feature so it’s always fresh for our audiences.”
This year’s national headliners include Rich Walker, Eric Tartaglione, and John Ziegler.
Beer, wine, soda and snacks will be available for purchase and are welcome in the theater during the show. Early bird tickets are $55 per person, while tickets to the prime show are $65 per person available for purchase at www.theatrethree.com or by calling 631-928-9100.
Over on the South Shore, the Argyle Theatre in Babylon Village will also team up with the Long Island Comedy Festival to offer two comedy shows at6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Featuring Bryan McKenna, Maria Walsh and a headline performance by Chris Roach, the Argyle shows promise to heat things up while having fun. Purchase tickets for $50 to $60 per person by visiting www.argyletheatre.com or call 631-230-3500.
Later that night, the Smithtown Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is hosting their own night of comedy in partnership with Governor’s Comedy Clubs starting at 10 p.m. Comedy has been a mainstay at SPAC on New Year’s Eve for more than 10 years now, with 2022 marking the end of a two-year hiatus during the pandemic.
“Everyone is just excited to get together and be entertained again, and we’re thrilled to provide the opportunity for some laughter,” said SPAC managing director Kelly Mucciolo. “We began working with Governor’s this past summer and it’s been a lot of fun for all of us.”
Headlining the SPAC show is Chris Monty of CBS’ “Kevin Can Wait,” along with featured act Tony Landolfi, guest performer Debbie D’Amore and emcee Mary Capone.
Tickets are $70 for SPAC members and $75 for general admission. The show includeshors d’oeuvres, an open bar of beer and wine, and a champagne toast at midnight. To purchase tickets visit www.smithtownpac.org.
To kick off the new year, Huntington’s Cinema Arts Centre will begin screening an assortment of hit films from the 1980s and 90s. This selection of films will include something for everyone, including beloved family friendly classics, offbeat comedies, action adventures, and obscure cult classics.
At a time when cinema attendance is down across the country, the Cinema Arts Centre wants to remind people why coming to the movies is so special — by playing audience favorites that are rarely seen in theaters.
The Cinema will host screenings of films that include The Addams Family (1991), The Mummy (1999) starring Brendan Fraser, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), The Goonies (1985) Happy Gilmore (1996), the Coen Brothers’ Raising Arizona (1987) Slumber Party Massacre II (1987), Darren Aronofsky’s Pi (1998), Little Giants (1994) starring Rick Moranis, The NeverEnding Story (1984), and Roald Dahl’s Matilda (1996), The Witches (1990), & James and the Giant Peach (1996).
This selection of films represents some of the favorite guilty pleasures of staff and supporters of the Cinema Arts Centre, and films that audiences feel a great sense of nostalgia for. Many of these films were programed after being suggested by local film lovers. The Cinema encourages the Huntington community to reach out to share films that they want to see. Suggestions should be sent to [email protected].
Upcoming Programs:
The Addams Family (1991)
Sunday, January 1st at 12:00 PM
$12 Public | $7 Members | $5 Kids
Tickets: https://bit.ly/AddamsFamilyCAC
When a man (Christopher Lloyd) claiming to be Fester, the missing brother of Gomez Addams (Raul Julia), arrives at the Addams’ home, the family is thrilled. However, Morticia (Anjelica Huston) begins to suspect the man is a fraud, since he cannot recall details of Fester’s life. With the help of lawyer Tully Alford (Dan Hedaya), Fester manages to get the Addams clan evicted from their home. Gomez realizes the two men are conspiring to swindle the Addams fortune and that he must challenge Fester. (US, 1991, 99min., English, PG-13 | Dir. Barry Sonnenfeld)
The Mummy (1999)
Friday, January 6th at 9:30 PM
$15 Public | $10 Members
Tickets: https://bit.ly/TheMummyCAC
Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz star in the cult classic that set the standard for the action-adventure genre, 1999’s The Mummy. Adapted from Karl Freund’s 1932 film of the same name, the story follows adventurer Rick O’Connell (Fraser), who discovers the hidden ruins of Hamunaptra. Returning with an archaeological expedition, the mummy of High Priest Imhotep wakes after 3,000 years and begins to wreak havoc as he searches for the reincarnation of his long-lost love. (US, 1999, 125min., English, PG-13 | Dir. Stephen Sommers)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Sunday, January 8th at 12:00 PM
$12 Public | $7 Members | $5 Kids
Tickets: https://bit.ly/TMNTcac
In New York, mysterious radioactive ooze has mutated four sewer turtles into talking, upright-walking, crime-fighting ninjas. The intrepid heroes – Michelangelo (Robbie Rist), Donatello (Corey Feldman), Raphael (Josh Pais) and Leonardo (Brian Tochi) – are trained in the Ninjutsu arts by their rat sensei, Splinter. When a villainous rogue ninja, who is a former pupil of Splinter, arrives and spreads lawlessness throughout the city, it’s up to the plucky turtles to stop him. (Hong Kong/US, 1990, 93min., English, PG | Dir. Steve Barron)
Happy Gilmore (1996)
Cult Café
Saturday, January 14th at 10:00 PM
$7 Public | $5 Members
Tickets: https://bit.ly/HappyGilmoreCAC
All Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) has ever wanted is to be a professional hockey player. But he soon discovers he may actually have a talent for playing an entirely different sport: golf. When his grandmother (Frances Bay) learns she is about to lose her home, Happy joins a golf tournament to try and win enough money to buy it for her. With his powerful driving skills and foulmouthed attitude, Happy becomes an unlikely golf hero – much to the chagrin of the well-mannered golf professionals. (USA, 1996, 92 min, PG-13| Dir. Dennis Dugan)
Slumber Party Massacre 2 (1987)
With post-Film discussion with Costume Designer Jolene Marie Richardson and Fashion Historian Marcus Slabine
Thursday, January 19th at 7:30 PM
$17 Public | $12 Members
Tickets: https://bit.ly/SlumberParty2CAC An all-female hard rock band rents a condo for a much-needed vacation. Their tranquility is cut short by a heavy metal dream-demon and his murder weapon of choice: the drill-tar.Written and directed by Deborah Brock (Rock ’N’ Roll High School Forever), Slumber Party Massacre II combines the most successful elements of Satisfaction, A Nightmare On Elm Street 3 and Beverly Hills, 90210 to create one of the most outrageous trash-slashers. Although the sequel contains none of Slumber Party Massacre’s subversiveness, it does have a wise-cracking killer who materializes from a dream and takes time out for breakdancing. This is how life should be. (US, 1987, 77min., English, R | Dir. Deborah Brock)
Pi (1998)
Friday, January 20th at 9:30 PM
$15 Public | $10 Members
Tickets: https://bit.ly/PIcac Numbers whiz Max Cohen (Sean Gullette) is stunted by psychological delusions of paranoia and debilitating headaches. He lives in a messy Chinatown apartment, where he tinkers with equations and his homemade, super-advanced computer. One day, however, Cohen encounters a mysterious number. Soon after reporting his discovery to his mentor (Mark Margolis) and to a religious friend (Ben Shenkman), he finds himself the target of ill-intentioned Wall Street agents bent on using the number for profit. (US, 1998, 84min., English, R | Dir. Darren Aronofsky)
Raising Arizona (1987)
Friday, January 27th at 9:30 PM
$15 Public | $10 Members
Tickets: https://bit.ly/RaisingArizonaCAC An ex-con (Nicolas Cage) and an ex-cop (Holly Hunter) meet, marry and long for a child of their own. When it is discovered that Hi is unable to have children they decide to snatch a baby. They try to keep their crime a secret, while friends, co-workers and a bounty hunter look to use the child for their own purposes. (US, 1987, 94min., English, PG-13 | Dir. Joel Coen)
Spike Lee’s Malcolm X (1992)
Cult Café
Saturday, February 11th at 10:00 PM
$7 Public | $5 Members
Tickets: https://bit.ly/MalcolmXcac
A tribute to the controversial black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation. He hit bottom during his imprisonment in the ’50s, he became a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of self-determination and racial pride. (USA, 1992, 201 min, PG-13| Dir. Spike Lee)
The Goonies (1985)
Sunday, February 12th at 12:00 PM
$12 Public | $7 Members | $5 Kids
Tickets: https://bit.ly/GooniesCAC
From the imagination of Steven Spielberg, The Goonies plunges a band of small heroes into a swashbuckling, surprise-around-every-corner quest beyond their wildest dreams! Following a mysterious treasure map into a spectacular underground realm of twisting passages, outrageous booby traps and a long-lost pirate ship full of golden doubloons, the kids race to stay one step ahead of a family of bumbling bad guys… and a mild-mannered monster with a face only a mother could love. A family adventure classic from start to buccaneering finish, The Goonies is a cinematic treasure trove of breathtaking action, dazzling effects and shiver-yer-timbers thrills! (US, 1985, 114min., English, PG | Dir. Richard Donner)
Boyz N The Hood (1991)
Cult Café
Saturday, February 18th at 10:00 PM
$7 Public | $5 Members
Tickets: https://bit.ly/BoyzntheHoodCAC
Tre (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is sent to live with his father, Furious Styles (Larry Fishburne), in tough South Central Los Angeles. Although his hard-nosed father instills proper values and respect in him, and his devout girlfriend Brandi (Nia Long) teaches him about faith, Tre’s friends Doughboy (Ice Cube) and Ricky (Morris Chestnut) don’t have the same kind of support and are drawn into the neighborhood’s booming drug and gang culture, with increasingly tragic results. (USA, 1991, 112 min, R | Dir. John Singleton)
Little Giants (1994)
Sunday, February 19th at 12:00 PM
$12 Public | $7 Members | $5 Kids
Tickets: https://bit.ly/LittleGiantsCAC
Ever since childhood, nerdy Danny O’Shea (Rick Moranis) has felt inferior to his brother, Kevin (Ed O’Neill), a former college football star. Danny runs a gas station, while Kevin coaches the local youth football team. When Kevin’s team rejects Danny’s daughter, Becky (Shawna Waldron), because she’s a girl, Becky convinces her dad to start a rival team, though the city can support only one. To prove himself against his brother, Danny begins coaching his team of misfits for a playoff game. (US, 1994, 107min., English, PG | Dir. Duwayne Dunham)
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Sunday, February 26th at 12:00 PM
$12 Public | $7 Members | $5 Kids
Tickets: https://bit.ly/NeverEndingStoryCAC
On his way to school, Bastian (Barret Oliver) ducks into a bookstore to avoid bullies. Sneaking away with a book called “The Neverending Story,” Bastian begins reading it in the school attic. The novel is about Fantasia, a fantasy land threatened by “The Nothing,” a darkness that destroys everything it touches. The kingdom needs the help of a human child to survive. When Bastian reads a description of himself in the book, he begins to wonder if Fantasia is real and needs him to survive. (West Germany/US, 1984, 102min., English, PG | Dir. Wolfgang Petersen)
Matilda (1996)
Sunday, March 5th at 12:00 PM
$12 Public | $7 Members | $5 Kids
Tickets: https://bit.ly/MatildaCAC
This film adaptation of a Roald Dahl work tells the story of Matilda Wormwood (Mara Wilson), a gifted girl forced to put up with a crude, distant father (Danny DeVito) and mother (Rhea Perlman). Worse, Agatha Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), the evil principal at Matilda’s school, is a terrifyingly strict bully. However, when Matilda realizes she has the power of telekinesis, she begins to defend her friends from Trunchbull’s wrath and fight back against her unkind parents. (US, 1996, 102min., English, PG | Dir. Danny DeVito)
The Witches (1990)
Sunday, March 12th at 12:00 PM
$12 Public | $7 Members | $5 Kids
Tickets: https://bit.ly/TheWitchesCAC
While staying at a hotel in England with his grandmother, Helga (Mai Zetterling), young Luke (Jasen Fisher) inadvertently spies on a convention of witches. The Grand High Witch (Anjelica Huston) reveals a plan to turn all children into mice through a magical formula. When they find that Luke has overheard, the witches test the formula on him. Now, with the help of Helga and the hotel manager, Mr. Stringer (Rowan Atkinson), Luke the mouse must fight back against the witches. Based on the book by Roald Dahl. (UK/US, 1990, 91min., English, PG | Nicolas Roeg)
James And the Giant Peach (1996)
Sunday, March 26th at 12:00 PM
$12 Public | $7 Members | $5 Kids
Tickets: https://bit.ly/GiantPeachCAC
Featuring stop-motion animation and live action, this inventive adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s tale follows the adventures of James (Paul Terry), an orphaned young British boy. Forced to live with his cruel aunts (Joanna Lumley, Miriam Margolyes), James finds a way out of his bleak existence when he discovers an enormous enchanted peach. After rolling into the sea inside the buoyant fruit, James, accompanied by a crew of friendly talking insects, sets sail for New York City. (UK/US, 1996, 79min., English, PG | Dir. Henry Selick)
The Cinema Arts Centre, is located at 423 Park Ave, Huntington. For more information, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org
Looking for a fun holiday activity with the kids? Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road in Ridge, presents its annual Holiday Train display on Dec. 17 and 18 and Dec. 26 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in an “I Spy” game and try to find all the hidden items in the display. Free. Call 631-924-1820 for more info.
A scene from ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ Photo from Fathom Events
Frank Capra’s heart-warming masterpiece It’s A Wonderful Life celebrates its 75th anniversary this week and in commemoration, Turner Classic Movies, Paramount Pictures and Fathom Events are bringing the classic holiday film to over 1,000 select theaters nationwide on Sunday, Dec. 18and Wednesday, Dec. 21.
The story follows George Bailey (James Stewart) who sets aside his dreams of world travel to run his father’s small community bank and to protect the people of Bedford Falls from greedy businessman Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). When a costly mistake pushes George to the brink of despair, a visit from a kindly stranger (Henry Travers) shows George how the life of one good man can change the world forever.
Locally the film will be screened at Island Cinema De Lux in Holtsville on Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.; AMC Stony Brook 17 on Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.; Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas on Dec. 18 at 3:30 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.; and Regal UA Farmingdale at noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on both days. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.
REVISITING HISTORY
The Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor hosts two walking tours this weekend.
Ongoing
Festival of Trees
Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2023 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Call 473-4778.
Thursday Dec. 15
Garden of Lights
The spirit of the season has returned to Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook with the Garden of Lights, a community-built walk-through light show for all ages tonight and Dec. 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Call 588-5024.
Book signing in East Northport
Barnes and Noble, 4000 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport hosts a book signing with Hilary Topper, three-time author, business owner, and now endurance athlete, at 7 p.m. Topper will discuss her latest book, From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete — A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete followed by a Q&A and book signing. Call 462-0208.
Friday Dec. 16
Garden of Lights
See Dec. 15 listing.
Holiday Light Spectacular
Brookhaven Town’s Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show, continues tonight and Dec. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m and Dec. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville. Walk through the winter wonderland of lighted, festive displays, before stopping to take a photos with Santa in his workshop. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.brookhavenny.gov. All proceeds benefit the Holtsville Ecology Site. Call 451-5330.
Winter Lantern Festival
The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown celebrates the holiday season with Suffolk County’s FIRST immersive Winter Lantern Festival tonight, Dec. 17 and 18 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 8, 2023. The walk-through holiday light show will feature lanterns and displays in the shape of flowers, mushrooms, farm animals, dinosaurs and many more, all handmade by artisans with decades of dedication to their craft. Tickets are $22 per person, $12 ages 3 to 12. To order, visit https://www.showclix.com/tickets/suffolk-winter-lantern-festival. Call 265-6768.
Third Friday at the Reboli Center
Join the Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St.. Stony Brook for an artist reception for its newest exhibit, Celebrate the Season, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments and music. Call 751-7707.
Holiday concert
St. John the Baptist Church, 1488 North Country Road, Wading River hosts a holiday concert by the North Shore Community Band at 7:30 p.m. Join them for musical comfort and joy. Selections will include your Christmas and Hanukkah favorites. Admission is free and enjoyment is guaranteed. Visit www.nscbli.org.
Saturday Dec. 17
Holiday Light Spectacular
See Dec. 16 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 16 listing.
Selden Craft & Gift Fair
One of the country’s longest continuously running indoor craft fairs, the 39th annual Selden Craft & Gift Fair heads to Newfield High School, 145 Marshall Drive, Selden today and Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 200 exhibitors offer hand picked gift items including photography, textiles, soy candles, crafted jewelry, floral, organic soaps, country crafts and more. Free admission. Call 846-1459.
Holiday Walking Tours
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents Holiday Walking Tours today and Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Dec. 30 at 4:30 p.m. These educator-led tours through historic Cold Spring Harbor village will explore Victorian seasonal traditions in the 19th century. Participants will learn about how local homes and businesses celebrated holidays in December. Hot chocolate will be served inside the museum’s workshop at the start of the tour while participants arrive. The tour starts on the pavement outside of the museum. Tickets are $15 per person. Register at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418.
Leg Lamp Lighting– just added!
Harbor House West Shore , 8 West Shore Road, Huntington invites the community to a leg lamp lighting featuring the iconic leg lamp from A Christmas Story at 5 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to bring a non perishable food item which will be donated to the local pantry. Call 470-4955.
Jazz Nativity Holiday Show
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will premiere a new holiday show called Jazz Nativity at 7 p.m. This candlelight nativity service will feature the Biblical Christmas story with a jazz tentet and Metropolitan Opera soprano Susanna Phillips. This performance, based on Wynton Marsalis’ arrangements of Christmas jazz classics, will include an impressive lineup of jazz artists teamed up with guest narrators. Tickets are $35, $30 seniors; $25 students, $20 for children at www.thejazzloft.org.
St. James Winter Walk
St. James Community Association invites the community to take part in a Holiday Winter Walk along Lake Avenue from Moriches Road to Woodlawn Ave. from 3 to 9 p.m. Enjoy Chorus Line performances, Santa at Celebrate Park, carriage rides,music by the Sts Philip and James Choir and Smithtown School District and more.
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its third annual holiday event, Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season, tonight, Dec. 18 and Dec. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Thousands of warm-white lights will create holiday magic inside and outside the Mansion and illuminate trees, wreaths, garlands, guest rooms, walkways, and the Vanderbilt Library. The event will include Candlelight Tours of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion, visits with Santa and friends in his workshop, a children’s scavenger hunt, and a 15-minute Holiday Laser show in the Reichert Planetarium. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children ages 12 and under at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Spotlight Dance Show
Fred Astaire Dance Studios will hold their annual Spotlight Dance Show at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown at 6 p.m. Titled “Peace Around the Earth,” the show will deliver the importance of many global topics such as justice, racism, human rights, religion, fairness, equality, respect, freedom and peace. A huge part of the show is dedicated to the bravery of The People of Ukraine during the current Russian invasion. Tickets are $50 adults, $25 children with all proceeds to be donated to support the People of Ukraine in need due to the Russian invasion. To purchase, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Tricycle Holiday Show
First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson hosts a special holiday concert by the Tricycle Trio — Andie, Andrew and Cole Fortier — at 7:30 p.m. Join them for a night of music, love, family and friends.Presented by the Greater Port Jeff-North Brookhaven Arts Council. Tickets are $25, $10 students in advance only at www.gpjac.org.
Chamber Music Concert
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents a chamber concert at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a live performance by a string quartet under the stars of the Reichert Planetarium. Talented musicians from Long Island Chamber Music will play a selection of pieces composed by Bach, Ravel, Sibelius, and more. Beautiful panoramic views of the stars projected onto the 60-foot planetarium dome will complement the music. Tickets are $30 per person at www.vanderbiltmuseumm.org.
Sunday Dec. 18
Holiday Light Spectacular
See Dec. 16 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 16 listing.
Selden Craft & Gift Fair
See Dec. 17 listing.
Holiday Walking Tours
See Dec. 17 listing.
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
See Dec. 17 listing.
Huntington Winter Farmers Market
The John J. Flanagan Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts the Huntington Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March with over 40 vendors plus guest vendors. Visit www.longislandfarmersmarkets.com.
Winter FUNderland at the NHS
The holidays are here and the Northport Historical Museum, 215 Main St. Northport has been transformed into a Winter FUNderland starting at 1 p.m. with holiday craft stations by the Society’s Education Committee, gingerbread house crafting with SweetArts, hot cocoa and cookies provided by The Northport Chamber of Commerce, reading of the Night Before Christmas by Northport Mayor Donna Koch, photos with Santa and more! For all ages. $5 per person. Register at www.northporthistorical.org.
Northport Walking Tour
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for its final Parading Down Main Street walking tour of the year at 1:30 p.m. Tour guide Dan Sheehan makes the past come alive during this lively and informative walking tour of Northport’s historic Main Street business district. $7 per person. Register at www.northporthistorical.org.
Stanton Street Trio in concert – just added!
Stanton Street Trio
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook welcomes the Stanton Street Trio (Stanton Anderson Band acoustic) in concert at 3 p.m. An offshoot of the legendary Stanton Anderson Band, members Larry Luby, Tom Pecoraro & Mark Fowler will be performing acoustic versions of SAB originals spanning almost 50 years.The performance is free with admission to the museum. Call 689-5888.
Greenlawn Christmas Tree Lighting
The First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn invites the community to a Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Sing at 5 p.m. After the tree lighting, come inside and enjoy Christmas carols, cookies, hot chocolate, coffee and some surprises! Call 261-2150.
Monday Dec. 19
Chanukah Comedy Night
The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills hosts a Comedy Night at 7 p.m. Join them to celebrate Chanukah with comedian Gary Vider (of AGT fame). Enjoy an evening out with friends including Menorah lighting, appetizers, donuts and a latke bar. $25 per person. RSVP at www.thechaicenter.com. Call 351-8672 for more info.
Tuesday Dec. 20
Travel Presentation Club – just added!
The Travel Presentation Club will meet at the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket at 7 p.m. Jason Platt will make a presentation on the Galápagos Islands. All are welcome. Please contact [email protected] for further information.
Wednesday Dec. 21
The Menorah and the Mentalist
Chabad of Mid Suffolk, 318 Veterans Highway, Commack will host an adult Chanukah Socialtitled The Menorah & the Mentalist, at 7 p.m. with a live performance by Israeli Master Mentalist Eran Biderman, Menorah Lighting 4th candle, appetizers, drinks, sushi and fine wines. $36 per person. To register, visit www.chabadmidsuffolk.com/RSVP.
Hard Luck Café Concert
Long Island-based singer-songwriters Pete Mancini, Nico Padden, Rorie Kelly, and Delaney Hafener of The Belle Curves will share the bill and swap songs during the monthly Hard Luck Café series co-presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington, in the Cinema’s Sky Room from 7 to 10 p.m. An open mic precedes the concert.Tickets are $20 at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Thursday Dec. 22
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
See Dec. 17 listing.
Live Nativity
One night only! Caroline Church of Brookhaven, One Dyke Road, Setauket will host a live nativity with animals at the Carriage Shed from 5 to 8 p.m.with hot beverages and Christmas carols. Free. All ages welcome. Call 941-4245 or visit www.carolinechurch.net.
Native American Drumming
All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host an evening of Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 to 8:45 p.m Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Call 655-7798.
Film
‘A Christmas Carol’
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Movie at the Museum special screening of the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, (1951) starring Alastair Sim on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Refreshments and light fare will be served. Ages 21 and over only. $8 per person. Registration required by visiting www.northporthistorical.org.
‘Meet Me in St. Louis’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Best of the Big Screen series with a screening of Meet Me in St. Louis on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary star Judy Garland. Beginning in the summer of 1903 and ending in the following spring, the film chronicles a very busy year in the lives of the Smith family amidst the excitement leading up to the 1904 World’s Fair. Tickets are $15. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Theater
‘A Christmas Carol’
“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for its 38th annual production of A Christmas Carol in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit.from Nov. 12 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Nutcracker’
A perennial favorite, Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for five performances from Dec. 17 to 19.The cast will be led by guest artist, Max Lippman (Cavalier) and Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning principal dancers Maya Butkevich, Vivian Ye and Madeleine Martufi plus returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Diana Atoian and Eva Pyrros. Ticketsrange from $34 to $40. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
‘A Christmas Story’
The John W. Engeman Theater presents A Christmas Story, The Musical from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. Based on the beloved movie, A Christmas Story, The Musical is the perfect holiday gift for the entire family! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Northport Nutcracker Ballet’
Northport Middle School, 11 Middleville Road Northport hosts the Posey Dance Company’s production of the Northport Nutcracker Ballet on Dec 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. For ticket information, call 757-2700 or visit www.poseyschoolofdance.com.
All phone number are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.
During the 26th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson village, TBR News Media had a chance to catch up with some of those in attendance. During a series of one-on-one encounters throughout the event, we asked the attendees what this local tradition meant to them.
— Photos by Raymond Janis
Nancy Klimpel, Ronkonkoma
“The Port Jeff [Dickens] Festival, to me, means the beginning of the holiday season. It helps to bring people together, allows them to mix and mingle with different kinds of things and cultural opportunities, to see anything from a radio show to a small production, to a choir or some kind of orchestral choice. It really brings the joy of the season to others.”
George Overin, Bohemia
“When you walk down the street, the people you see are very heavy during the holiday season. It may seem really heavy for some people, but when they look up and see these two idiots in smoke and soot and everything else, going ‘Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ya,’ they smile. You know what? For that second, the world is lifted off their shoulders. For us, that’s what this is all about: Giving a little bit of joy in the darkest time of the year for some people. There are some joys you can’t buy anywhere, and that’s what it means to me.”
Joseph McGowan, Middle Island
“Oh my goodness, where do I start? To bring joy to the local community, to put a smile on someone’s face, to make a little baby’s eyes light up, to see an elderly person — who probably lost a loved one at a recent time — to put a smile on their face, to bring joy and happiness to the whole community, and to bring the true spirit of Christmas into the hearts of everyone in the neighborhood and throughout the area.”
Bob Ogden,Setauket
“I’m going to micro in and break it down a little bit tighter, just to be selfish about the troop, the groups, and the street plays. Since September, I have liked to see these little guys’ and girls’ development. Walking in in September and saying, ‘Here’s a script. I want you to memorize it and act it by December,’ and to see their growth and how they gain confidence as they learn their lines, that’s what I like to see.”
“Jacob Marley,”Port Jefferson
“It’s an opportunity to introduce people to the wonderful storytelling of Charles Dickens. If you haven’t read ‘A Christmas Carol,’ you should or listen to the audiobook. It’s funny, it’s incisive and relevant to today. The message of Christmas being a time of giving — as opposed to a time of just getting things — I just love that feeling of the spirit of being generous.”
Russ Green,Sound Beach
“’A Christmas Carol,’ specifically, is a story of hope and redemption on many levels. The Dickens Fest as a whole, to me, means, more than anything, a time of coming together as a community, which is especially lacking in this day and age.”
Hundreds of community members gathered on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the intersection of Broadway and Prince Road in Rocky Point for the hamlet’s 38th annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.
The Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce held the event in honor of the late Linda Albo, the originator of this local annual tradition who passed away in the spring. Gary Pollakusky, president and executive director of RPSBCC, summarized Albo’s example of community advancement.
“She was an avid community advocate and cared deeply about the community in a way that made a difference,” he said. Albo’s impact would be felt once again through the success of this year’s tree lighting.
The program commenced with a presentation of the colors by Boy Scout Troop 244. Girl Scout Troop 604 then led a singalong, performing “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
After a 10-second countdown, the Christmas tree was lit as attendees rejoiced in a collective cheer.
Musicians from Rocky Point High School’s brass choir and jazz band delivered wind performances. Soloist Katie Romano, also from RPHS, sang a moving rendition of “Silent Night.”
At the commencement of these performances, the audience was greeted with one final surprise.
Excited children lined sidewalks and parking lot entrances in feverish anticipation of their hero, Santa Claus.
Like a shining knight upon horseback, Saint Nick entered atop a fire rescue vehicle from the Rocky Point Fire Department, the sirens blaring and lights flashing. On the main stage, he greeted the many children in attendance, asking them what they would like for Christmas. Their smiling faces and innocent laughter would fill the evening air with joy and cheer.
Public officials also joined the festivities. New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead) expressed her gratitude for those involved in coordinating the event and for the gradual return to normal after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Kids are seeing Santa for the first time in their lives because of COVID when Santa wasn’t really around,” she said. “It’s so nice to see all of the smiles on their faces and families coming together.”
Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) called it an honor to be part of such an event and witness the community coming together again.
“You see people from every age, every religion, every walk of life come here and celebrate,” she said. “Rocky Point is one of the most involved communities in my district and the most populated, so when you have so many great community events, it’s wonderful.”
Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) also took part in the fun. She said events like this remind her of what a joy it is to live in this proud hamlet.
“I have been involved in this tree lighting for as long as I’ve lived in Rocky Point,” she said. “Now 38 years later, it’s just great to do it in memory and honor of Linda Albo. We do it every single year, and we hope that she’s proud of the work we all did.”
From left, Jeffrey Sanzel, Andy Markowitz, Vivian Koutrakos and Douglas Quattrock at Theatre Three on Dec. 2.
Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
By Heidi Sutton
As the curtain came down at last Friday’s performance of A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson, Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel stepped out of his role as Ebenezer Scrooge to be honored for his 1500th performance as the miserly curmudgeon.
Addressing a packed house, the President of Theatre Three’s board of directors Andy Markowitz said, “Tonight is a very special night. We figured it out and [Sanzel] has played this role to close to a half a million people.”
Turning to Sanzel, Markowitz said, “Even though it’s the 1500th performance, and you’ve said this to me before, it might be the first performance to someone in the audience and that is why you always keep it fresh and you always bring your A-game. Throughout your performances you have shown how kindness and love to someone can change the world and change people’s lives forever.”
Markowitz, Managing Director Vivian Koutrakos, and Artistic Associate and fellow actor Douglas Quattrock then presented Sanzel with a special anniversary pin, a photo collage of the cast to commemorate the night and last, but not least, anew cane for Mr. Scrooge to help him get to the next 1500 performances.
“On behalf of the cast and everyone here tonight, we want to thank you for taking us on this journey with you,” said Quattrock, who portrays Bob Cratchit in the play.
“To all the people who have been a part of this production, both onstage, backstage and in the audience for over 30 years, and I want to mention two people who are not with us but are always with us, Brent Erlanson and Ellen Michelmore, thank you all very much,” said Sanzel.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents A Christmas Carol through Dec. 30. For tickets, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
The Village of Port Jefferson reignited a time-honored tradition last weekend during its 26th annual Charles Dickens Festival.
Hundreds of community members, visitors, business groups and local organizations participated in the festivities from Friday, Dec. 2, to Sunday, Dec. 4.
The show went on despite hard rains and gusting winds throughout the morning and early afternoon Saturday. Mayor Margot Garant, decked out in traditional Dickensian garb, commented on the turnout in the face of these conditions.
“To me, it just shows how important this festival is to not just this community but kids coming from St. James and beyond who are coming to see Santa,” she said. “It’s just magic, and rain or shine we’re going to be doing Dickens.”
Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden concurred with this positive outlook, regarding the festival as another means for community-building. “It’s heartwarming to see everybody still supporting this festival,” she said.
Trustee Stan Loucks commented on the uniqueness of the opportunities afforded through the festival and the steady growth of the events over its nearly three decades in existence.
“It’s grown every single year, and it’s just the most festive time of the year,” he said, adding, “I love the whole atmosphere, the village center. It’s a very special place, and I look forward to this every year.”
The program across all three days was loaded with special events featuring the various elements that formulate this distinct village’s character. The heart of Port Jeff was on full display, from its downtown business sector to its local history, public institutions and more.
At the Bayles Boat Shop, local shipbuilders showcased their ongoing work to construct a 25-foot whaleboat honoring the village’s Revolutionary War heritage.
John Janicek, treasurer of the boat shop’s nonprofit arm, the Long Island Seaport and Eco Center, detailed how the whaleboat ties together various threads of Port Jeff’s historical roots.
“It not only ties in the historical aspect that Caleb Brewster performed here during the Revolutionary War and [the role] Port Jefferson played, but it also ties in our shipbuilding aspect, too,” Janicek said. “We’re getting a lot of support from the village on this. They see this as something the whole village can get their arms around and embrace, similar to the Dickens Festival.”
Over at the Drowned Meadow Cottage on the corner of West Broadway and Barnum, local historians greeted visitors with guided tours detailing Port Jefferson’s strategic position during the Revolutionary War. They shared stories of local patriots whose involvement in the Culper Spy Ring helped advance the cause of American independence.
Village historian Chris Ryon discussed how the Dickens Festival offers a platform to promote local history to residents and visitors alike.
“We take the people from Dickens and tell them how Port Jefferson was involved in the Culper Spy Ring,” he said. “It’s another group of people that we can bring in.”
Mark Sternberg, Culper Spy Ring historian at the Drowned Meadow Cottage, offered a unique take on Dickens. He remarked upon the intersection of the Dickensian and Revolutionary periods and how people today can relive tradition and rehear the lore of the past.
He said, referring to the American spies, “A lot of these people survived into the 1800s, and the stories of the American Revolution were told during the 1800s. For us to tell stories about the American Revolution as part of the Dickens Festival, it’s what they would have done.”
The historian added, “It’s keeping with the tradition of telling a story about the founding of our nation, even in later periods. Now Charles Dickens may not have talked about it because he was British, but here in America during the Victorian era, we would have.”
Along with stories of the past, the village exhibited the musical talents of local students. At the Port Jefferson Free Library, the Edna Louise Spear Elementary School chamber orchestra delivered moving string performances, filling the library with festive tunes.
Their music teacher, Christian Neubert, summarized this Dickens custom. “For a number of years now, we’ve been coming to perform here at the library during the Dickens Festival,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to get our students out for a performance and to get the community involved with our music program.”
Jessica Schmettan, superintendent of schools for Port Jefferson School District, was among the dozens of audience members at the library. She expressed pride in seeing the students perform before their fellow community members.
“It’s just amazing that our students can be performing in the village in which they live,” she said, adding that the festival “gives them a different avenue to perform in, not just the auditorium or the classroom but in front of a real audience.”
At Suffolk Lodge No. 60 on Main Street, the oldest Masonic lodge on Long Island, brothers treated guests to magic shows and a dance festival. Downstairs, they served freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate.
Chris Connolly, master of the lodge, said the lodge dates back to the late 18th century. He expressed delight at seeing this historic organization maintain an active community presence through Dickens.
“Being a part of the community is a big part of who we are and helping others,” Connolly said.
Jason Intardonato, senior deacon of Suffolk Lodge No. 60, discussed Dickens as a means of strengthening local connections and a time for selflessness.
“The Dickens Festival provides us with an extraordinary opportunity to interact with our neighbors here and with the community in Port Jefferson and to allow them into our space, entertain them for a while during the holidays, and give back,” he said.
Farther along Main, Jeffrey Sanzel’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at Theatre Three is an active reminder of the historical background to the Dickens Festival.
The festival also provided a platform for some to communicate their message on a larger stage. For the second month in a row, protesters from the farmworkers union Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW gathered outside the Pindar wine shop in yet another call of action to negotiate a contract. The dispute is part of more than a year of negotiations between the union and Pindar Vineyards, the wine store’s parent company.
John Durso, president of Local 338, joined the picketers on Main Street during the festival. “We knew that today was the Dickens Festival,” he said. “We knew that there would be a lot more people around, so we decided to … bring attention to the fact that these workers, like everybody else, are entitled to the same dignity and respect that all workers should have.”
Coordinating the annual festival is a monumental task for the village and the various stakeholders involved in its planning. Kevin Wood, the village’s director of economic development, parking administrator and communications committee head, thanked the sponsors who supported the festival and commented on the event’s success despite the inclement weather conditions.
“Because this has been [going on for] 26 years, people understand that this is one of the most unique events on Long Island, so they’re going to fight the rain to be here,” Wood said. “To support the production and the infrastructure, there are so many volunteers but there are also so many people staffing to make it work.”
Snaden concluded by offering how the Dickens Festival advances some of the village’s highest aims. She said the community uncovers its sense of place through an event such as this.
“It really goes to the sense of community that we all have,” she said. “All the work that goes into this festival and how everybody comes together, it’s a beautiful thing to see.”
Sons of Serendip head to the Staller Center on Dec. 11.
Ongoing
Festival of Trees
Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2023 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Call 473-4778.
Garden of Lights
The spirit of the season has returned to Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook with the Garden of Lights, a community-built walk-through light show for all ages on Dec.8-10 and 12-16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Call 588-5024.
Thursday Dec. 8
Port Jefferson Station Tree Lighting
Rescheduled from Dec. 3, join the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce for a Community Tree Lighting at the Chamber Car, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from 6 to 8 p.m. with performances by School of Rock and BackStage Dance Studio. Hot chocolate will be served. Call 821-1313.
SCCC Selden Winter Concert
Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Department of Music, 533 College Road, Selden presents a Winter Concert in the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building at 7 p.m. featuring orchestra, guitar ensemble, the Suffolk Singers and college choir. Free. No tickets required. Call 451-4110.
Friday Dec. 9
Holiday Light Spectacular
Brookhaven Town’s Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show, kicks off tonight at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Walk through the winter wonderland of lighted, festive displays, before stopping to take a photos with Santa in his workshop. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.brookhavenny.gov. All proceeds benefit the Holtsville Ecology Site. The show continues Fridays and Saturdays 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Dec. 18. Call 451-5330.
Winter Lantern Festival
The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown celebrates the holiday season with Suffolk County’s FIRST immersive Winter Lantern Festival tonight, Dec. 10 and 11 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 8, 2023. The walk-through holiday light show will feature lanterns and displays in the shape of flowers, mushrooms, farm animals, dinosaurs and many more, all handmade by artisans with decades of dedication to their craft. Tickets are $22 per person, $12 ages 3 to 12. To order, visit https://www.showclix.com/tickets/suffolk-winter-lantern-festival. Call 265-6768.
Drive-Thru Live Nativity
Stony Brook Christian Assembly, 400 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket hosts a Drive-Thru Live Nativity tonight and Dec. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. See the Christmas story come to life with costumed characters and the use of multi-media. Free. Call 689-1127.
Grounds and Sounds concert
Grounds and Sounds Cafe, UUFSB, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket will host a concert featuring Annie and the Cool Hand band at 8 p.m. Preceded by an open mic at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 available in advance or at the door. Call 631-751-0297 or visit www.groundsandsounds.org.
An Evening of Opera
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport hosts an evening of opera with Opera Night Long Island starting at 7:30 p.m. with Darlene Bennet, Paricia Gallagher, Henry Horstman and more. Refreshments will be served. $10 donation, students free. Visit www.operanight.org.
Saturday Dec. 10
Holiday Light Spectacular
See Dec. 9 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 9 listing.
Drive-Thru Live Nativity
See Dec. 9 listing.
Club and Vendor Fair
Comsewogue High School, 565 N Bicycle Path, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Club and Vendor Fair in the cafeteria from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with various high school sports and academic and specialty clubs with over 75 vendors featuring crafts,holiday gifts, food, and a visit from Santa. For more information, call 428-2530 or 974-5668.
Northport Winter Craft Fair
Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport hosts the 26th annual Winter Northport Craft Fair today and Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Long Island’s largest indoor craft fair showcases over 200 exhibitors featuring original art, photography, one of a kind crafted jewelry, woodcraft, textiles, apparel, personalized ornaments, organic specialties as olive oils, soaps, bath & body butters, jellies, chocolates and bakery delicacies, teas and local honey,and much more. Free admission. Call 846-1459.
Festival of Trees and Lights
The Father’s Club of Sachem North High School, 212 Smith Road, Lake Ronkonkoma presents its annual Festival of Trees and Lights today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festive event will feature craft vendors, basket raffles, live entertainment and a visit from Santa. $2 admission, free for ages 6 and younger. Call 848-4855.
Three Village Winter Market
The Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket hosts the 1st annual Three Village Outdoor Winter Market today and Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop from an array of artisans, crafters, delicious treat makers and so much more as you kick off your holiday shopping. Free admission. Call 751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.
Jazz Loft Holiday Concert
The Jazz Loft will be at the Smith Haven Mall Center Court Santa Set in Lake Grove with a free performance of holiday favorites from 2 to 4 pm. Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, Steve Salerno and Dean Johnson will be providing some jazzy holiday classics for shoppers. The performance is part of the Jazz Loft outreach mission to bring music out into the community. Call 751-1895.
Santa Parade
The Hauppauge Fire Department Engine Company 3, 122 Ledgewood Drive, Hauppauge will host its 38th annual Santa Parade at 4:30 p.m. Children may visit Santa at the firehouse from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Call 265-2499.
Holiday Walking Tours
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents Holiday Walking Tours today and Dec. 11, 17 and 18 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Dec. 30 at 4:30 p.m. These educator-led tours through historic Cold Spring Harbor village will explore Victorian seasonal traditions in the 19th century. Participants will learn about how local homes and businesses celebrated holidays in December. Hot chocolate will be served inside the museum’s workshop at the start of the tour while participants arrive. The tour starts on the pavement outside of the museum. Tickets are $15 per person. Register at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418.
Holiday Flute Concert
The Long Island Flute Club presents its annual Holiday Concert at the United Methodist Church of Lake Ronkonkoma, 792 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove at 3 p.m. The ensemble, directed by Lauren Osnato will play a variety of festive classics such as “The Nutcracker Suite” and “Let it Snow” to “Sleigh Ride” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” Free.
St. James Holiday Night Market
Join the Community Association of Greater St. James for a Holiday Night Market Wonderland at 230 2nd Ave., St. James from3 to 9 p.m. with vendors, live music, character photos, baked treats, hot chocolate and more!
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its third annual holiday event, Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season, tonight and Dec. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. Thousands of warm-white lights will create holiday magic inside and outside the Mansion and illuminate trees, wreaths, garlands, guest rooms, walkways, and the Vanderbilt Library. The event will include Candlelight Tours of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion, visits with Santa and friends in his workshop, a children’s scavenger hunt, and a 15-minute Holiday Laser show in the Reichert Planetarium. The event continues Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 18, and on Dec. 22. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children ages 12 and under at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Holiday Night Market
Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook presents a Holiday Night Market from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Shop for unique items sold by local vendors, enjoy fun family activities and experience the library’s walk-through light show, Garden of Lights. Call 588-5024.
SCCC Selden Winter Concert
Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Department of Music, 533 College Road, Selden presents a Winter Concert in the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building at 7 p.m. featuring Contemporary Music Ensemble, Jazz Ensembleand Symphonic Band. Free. No tickets required. Call 451-4110.
Miller Place Tree Lighting
The Miller Place Fire Department and Aliano Real Estate will host the 14th annual Polar Express and Tree Lighting in the Aliano Shopping Center, 691 Route 25A, Miller Place at 7 p.m. with complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, soup and pizza; entertainment by Miller Place School and Dance Pointe Performing Arts Center students; and a special visit from Santa! Call 744-5000.
Holiday Choral Concert
The Long Island Symphonic Choral Association (LISCA) presents An Evening of Sacred Music at the St. James R.C. Church, 429 Route 25A, Setauket at 8 p.m. Conducted by Eric Steward and Richard Foley, the program will include works by Bach, Mozart, Monteverdi and more. Tickets are $25, $20 seniors, students free at www.lisca.org or at the door. For more information, call 751-3952.
LIGMC Holiday Concert
The Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus presents “A Visit from St. Nick and a Rockin’ Holiday” — a wide-spanning musical revue of yuletide favorites and a fabulous glitter-flecked musical retelling of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas — tonight at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket at 8 p.m. and Dec. 11 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect St., Huntington at 7 p.m.. $25 tickets available at www.ligmc.org/concerts and at the door.
Sunday Dec. 11
Holiday Light Spectacular
See Dec. 9 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 9 listing.
Northport Winter Craft Fair
See Dec. 10 listing.
Festival of Trees and Lights
See Dec. 10 listing.
Three Village Winter Market
See Dec. 10 listing.
Holiday Walking Tours
See Dec. 10 listing.
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
See Dec. 10 listing.
LIGMC Holiday Concert
See Dec. 10 listing.
Northport Polar Plunge
The Town of Huntington and Special Olympics New York will hold a Polar Plunge at Frank P. Petrone Crab Meadow Beach, Waterside Ave., Northport with registration at 10 a.m. and plunge at 11:30 a.m. Visit www.polarplungeny.org.
Sunday at the Society
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Sunday at the Society Holiday Edition at 1 p.m. Brad Kolodny, president and founder of the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island, will discuss his new book, The Jews of Long Island. Refreshments and light fare will be served. Free. Register at www.northporthistorical.org.
Rock ‘N’ Raptors fundraiser
Tickets are now on sale for Sweetbriar Nature Center’s Rock ‘N’ Raptors fundraiser at the Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket from 2 to 6 p.m. featuring live music by 70’s Rock Parade, Streetfighter and Petty Rumours, raptor presentations, raffles, games, food, and more. All the funds from this event and raffles will benefit Sweetbriar’s mission. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show. Held rain or shine. Tickets are $25 per adult(children under age 12 are free) at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Silver Chords Holiday Concert
The Huntington Moose Lodge, 631 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn hosts a classic holiday concert by the Silver Chords Chorus titled Joy at 2 p.m. Featuring traditional and new favorites including “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,”“Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas” and more with raffle baskets. Free admission. Call 235-3593.
Sons of Serendip head to SBU
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook welcomes the Sons of Serendip for a family show at 4 p.m. and a holiday show at 7 p.m. in the Recital Hall. Winning the hearts of fans and judges alike as finalists on America’s Got Talent, Sons of Serendip transfixing stage presence returns to the Staller Center in a festive evening of warmth and cheer. For tickets, visit www.stallercenter.com or call 632-2787.
Miller Place Holiday Festival
The Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society will hold its annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival at the Daniel Hawkins House, 111 North Country Road, Miller Place at 5 p.m. All are welcome. Call 476-5742.
Three Village Electric Parade
Presented by the Stony Brook Rotary Club, the Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returns to Setauket tonight at 5 p.m. Celebrating its 26th year, the parade will take place along Main Street/ Route 25A and feature festive holiday floats to kick off the season. The Setauket Firehouse will host pre-parade festivities at 4 p.m. Visit www.3Vholidayparade.com for more info.
Monday Dec. 12
Movie Trivia Night at the CAC
Do you know a lot about movies? Movie Trivia Night is back in-person in the Sky Room Café at Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington tonight at 8 p.m. Hosted by Dan French, contestants are asked 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to play solo as well. Tickets are $10. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Tuesday Dec. 13
No events listed for this day.
Wednesday Dec. 14
Winter Secrets Walking Tour
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization presents a walking tour through Stony Brook Village at 10:30 a.m. Participants will hear about Stony Brook residents, artifacts and the holiday spirit. Stories include gilded age socialite Alida Emmet’s holiday parties, the year Dorothy Melville saved the holidays, arctic fever and the Polaris whaleboat, finding joy during the holiday season (and beyond) during the Great Depression, and more! Rain date is Dec. 15. $15 per person. To reserve your spot, call 751-2244.
Author Panel
The Port Jefferson Free Library, 100 Thompson St., Port Jefferson hosts an Author Panel featuring Sarah Beth Durst, Catherine Asaro and Kelley Skovron at 7 p.m. Moderated by Salvatore J. Filosa, Head of Technical Services and Marketing & Outreach Librarian, these award-winning authors will talk about their newly published novels, writing process, behind the scenes info, and more. Open to call. Call 473-0022 to register.
Thursday Dec. 15
Book signing East Northport
Barnes and Noble, 4000 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport hosts a book signing with Hilary Topper, three-time author, business owner, and now endurance athlete, at 7 p.m. Topper will discuss her latest book, From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete – A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete followed by a Q&A and book signing. Call 462-0208.
Film
‘A Christmas Carol’
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Movie at the Museum special screening of the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, (1951) starring Alastair Sim on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Refreshments and light fare will be served. Ages 21 and over only. $8 per person. Registration required by visiting www.northporthistorical.org.
Theater
Jeffrey Sanzel reprises his role as Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Theatre Three
‘A Christmas Carol’
“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for its 38th annual production of A Christmas Carol in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit.from Nov. 12 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘A Christmas Story’
The John W. Engeman Theater presents A Christmas Story, The Musical from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. Based on the beloved movie, A Christmas Story, The Musical is the perfect holiday gift for the entire family! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Nutcracker’
A perennial favorite, Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for five performances from Dec. 17 to 19. The cast will be led by Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning Principal Dancer Maya Butkevich and 1st Soloists Vivian Ye, Madeleine Martufi, Nina Zhang and Kaede Urso. Ticketsrange from $34 to $40. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
‘A Christmas Carol’
The Minstrel Players will present their annual holiday production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, at Trinity Episcopal Church’s Houghton Hall, 130 Main St., Northport on Dec. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order, email [email protected] or text 516-361-7232.
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