Congratulations to Susan McGreevyof Port Jefferson Station who was recently awarded a Blue Ribbon by Just A Pinch Recipes for her Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple recipe.
To land the award, McGreevy served up a full-flavored dish that was both tasty and easy to prepare. “Not too many people like Brussels sprouts, but I happen to love them. I have made a believer out of them with this recipe. I always make it for Thanksgiving and other special dinners,” she said.
The recipe was tested by the Just A Pinch Test Kitchen who released the following testing notes: “If someone says they don’t like Brussels sprouts, have them try this recipe. Frying the bacon and then baking them in the bacon renderings adds a nice smoky flavor to the sprouts. After they bake, the outside layer gets crispy, and the inside is soft. Adding the apples gives a hint of sweetness, while vinegar balances out the flavors with some acidity. Topping them with crumbled bacon is a perfect finale for the side dish.” Find her recipe here.
McGreevy is one of millions of other home cooks from across the country and worldwide sharing their recipes on www.justapinch.com. Founded in 2010, the site allows users to post their own “family tested and approved” recipes and try recipes submitted by others, use a menu calendar and grocery list, create custom cookbooks, print hundreds of grocery coupons, enter recipe contests and join discussion groups.
Located at the corner of Hollow Road and Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, this merry display is the Wilder Family’s gift to the community this holiday season, from their gnome to yours.
Potato pancakes are traditionally served during Chanukah celebrations. This dish is often referred to as “latkes,” a Yiddish word that loosely translates to “little oily thing.” Potato pancakes are not exclusive to Jewish celebrations and cuisine. Germans have their own variation called “kartoffelpuffer” that can be served with sour cream, applesauce or smoked salmon. The Irish have “boxty,” which may be made with a combination of shredded potato and mashed potato before being fried. Many potato pancake recipes are quite similar. They involve only a few ingredients and fry up in a flash. Some chefs recommend draining the shredded potato prior to cooking so that the pancakes will fry up crispy and not be soggy or break apart.
Enjoy this recipe for Latkes, courtesy of AllRecipes.com
Latkes
YIELD: Serves 12
INGREDIENTS:
3 large potatoes, peeled and shredded
1 small onion, shredded
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or as needed
1/2 cup vegetable oil
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place the potatoes and onion into a bowl, and stir in eggs, salt and flour as needed to make the mixture hold together. With wet hands, scoop up about 1/3 cup of the mixture per patty, and form into flat round or oval shapes.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, and gently place the patties into the hot oil. Fry until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp, 5 to 8 minutes, then flip with a spatula and fry the other side until golden.
3. Line a colander or strainer with 2 paper towels, and drain the cooked latkes in the colander. Serve hot.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa! The entire staff at TBR News Media wishes our readers a wonderful holiday! Please note the office will be closed Dec. 23 to Jan. 3, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences
Residents at Gurwin Jewish~Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community in Commack recently celebrated the cooking traditions of Hanukkah with an interactive latke cooking demonstration.
“Our Assisted Living residents always enjoy our live cooking demonstrations, especially during the holidays,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “It is a wonderful time for residents to reminisce about their own holiday memories and traditions and share them with each other and our staff.”
Gurwin Chef Salvatore Zingalis conducted the demonstration live in a temporary teaching kitchen in the residence’s dining room. Residents shared stories of their own latke recipes as they watched the chef go through his recipe step-by-step and were able to enjoy a sampling of what was prepared.
Latkes are traditionally served with either applesauce or sour cream, depending on whether the meal is meat or dairy; both were available for residents to enjoy.
“As a Jewish family, we love getting together for the holidays, the bigger the crowd, the better,” saidCarol Sussman, a resident at the assisted living community, thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration and complimented the chef on his technique. “I used to cook latkes for Hanukkah, but now my daughter has taken over that job. I taught her everything I know!”
It’s been a while since I wrote, and I know you have a lot of last-minute requests at this time of year, so I’ll keep this short.
Kids around the world look to you as a role model for kindness and generosity. That must feel pretty good.
They also marvel at your round belly, claiming that it shakes when you laugh like a bowl full of jelly. Then, they literally feed that belly by setting out cookies and other sweets for you on Christmas Eve.
I have nothing against your round belly, but I’m concerned about the message it sends. We’re currently facing an epidemic of overweight kids and an ever-increasing number of children with type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, the percentage of children in the U.S. between ages 10 and 19 with type 2 diabetes nearly doubled from 2001 to 2017. You, Santa, with your influence, can help reverse this trend.
Obesity has a much higher risk of shortening a person’s life span, not to mention affecting their quality of life. The most dangerous type of obesity is visceral adipose tissue, which means central belly fat. An easy way to tell if someone is too rotund is if their waistline, measured from the navel, is 40 inches or more for a man and 35 inches or more for a woman. Risks for pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer and heart disease increase dramatically with this increased fat.
Santa, here is your opportunity to lead by example (and, maybe by summer, to fit into those skinny jeans you hide in the back of your closet).
Think of the personal advantages of being trimmer. Your joints won’t ache with the winter cold, and you will have more energy. Plus, studies show that, with a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains, you can reverse clogged arteries and avoid strokes, heart attacks and peripheral vascular disease. With a simple change, like eating a handful of raw nuts a day, you can reduce your heart disease risk significantly.
Losing weight will also change your center of gravity, which will make it easier for you to keep your balance on those steep, icy rooftops.
Exercise will help as well. Maybe this Christmas Eve, you could walk or jog alongside the sleigh for the first continent or so. As you continue to exercise during the “offseason,” you’ll start to tighten your abs and slowly see fat disappear from your midsection.
This might make it easier to steal a base or two during the North Pole Athletic League’s Softball season. The elves don’t even bother holding you on base anymore, do they?
Of course, the cookies don’t help. You might let slip that the modern Santa enjoys fruits, especially berries, and veggies, with an emphasis on cruciferous veggies like broccoli florets dipped in humus, which have substantial antioxidant qualities and can help reverse disease. And, of course, skip putting candy in the stockings. No one needs more sugar, and I’m sure that, over the long night, it’s hard to resist sneaking a few pieces, yourself.
As for your loyal fans, you could place active games under the tree. You and your elves could create an app with workout videos for those of us who need them, and we could follow along as you showed us “12 Days of Workouts with Santa and Friends.” Who knows, you might become the next Shaun T!
You could gift athletic equipment, such as baseball gloves, footballs and basketballs, instead of video games. Or wearable devices that track step counts and bike routes. Or stuff gift certificates for dance lessons into people’s stockings.
As you become more active, you’ll find that you have more energy all year round, not just on Christmas Eve. If you start soon, Santa, maybe by next year, you’ll be able to park the sleigh farther away and skip from chimney to chimney.
The benefits of a healthier Santa will ripple across the world. Your reindeer won’t have to work so hard. You might fit extra presents in your sleigh. And Santa, you will be sending kids and adults the world over the right message about taking control of their health through nutrition and exercise. That’s the best gift you could give!
Wishing you good health in the coming year,
David
P.S. If you have a little extra room in your sleigh, I could use a new pair of batting gloves. I hear the Yankees need help, and I’ve been practicing, just in case.
Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com.
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.
At this year’s holiday gatherings, you can put together a showstopping menu from the beginning of the party to the final bite with mouthwatering recipes that bring guests back for more. Start with some savory appetizers, enjoy an elegant main course with an award-winning side dish, and top it off with a sweet cocktail and delectable dessert.
Holiday Mini Meatball Skewers
Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans
Holiday Mini Meatball Skewers
Makes 12 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ground beef
1 cup fresh zucchini, grated
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 small yellow onion, diced 1/2 inch
2 red bell peppers, diced 1/2 inch
2 green bell peppers, diced 1/2 inch
12 skewers (6 inches)
1 can (16 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 F. In medium bowl, lightly mix ground beef, zucchini, egg, salt and pepper until thoroughly combined. Shape into 24 1-inch meatballs. Alternately thread meatballs, onions, red peppers and green peppers onto skewers. Place skewers on shallow-rimmed baking sheet. Bake 22-25 minutes, or until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of meatball registers 160 F.
To make cranberry barbecue sauce: In medium saucepan, combine cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce; simmer 5 minutes, or until flavors blend. Drizzle sauce over skewers or serve as dipping sauce.
Classic Beef Wellington
Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans
Classic Beef Wellington
Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 chateaubriand tenderloin roast
8 ounces mushrooms
1 large shallot
2 tablespoons dry red wine
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
flour
1 sheet puff pastry
DIRECTIONS:
In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 teaspoon oil until hot. Combine salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Press evenly onto all surfaces of roast. Place roast in skillet; brown evenly. Remove roast from skillet. Heat oven to 425 F. In food processor, pulse mushrooms and shallot about 10 times until finely chopped. Do not overprocess. Place same skillet used for roast over medium-high heat and heat remaining oil until hot. Add mushrooms and shallot; cook 4-6 minutes until tender and all liquid is evaporated, stirring often. Add wine; cook 2-3 minutes until all liquid is evaporated. Stir in mustard, thyme and remaining pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes. Remove from skillet to medium bowl; cool.
Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place in oven. On lightly floured cutting board, unfold pastry dough. Roll pastry out to 12-by-9-inch rectangle; lay dough with shortest edge toward you. Spread mushroom mixture onto pastry dough, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges. Place roast in center of mushrooms. Fold pastry dough neatly around roast, stretching dough if necessary. Cut off excess pastry dough; press to seal overlapping edges.
Remove baking sheet from oven and dust lightly with flour. Place pastry-wrapped roast, seam-side down, on baking sheet. Cut four (2-inch) vents in top of pastry. Bake 35-50 minutes, or until golden brown and instant-read thermometer inserted into center of roast registers 135 F for medium-rare or 150 F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board. Let stand 10 minutes. Temperature will rise about 10 F to reach 145 F for medium-rare or 160F for medium. Carve into slices and serve.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple
Recipe courtesy of Susan McGreevy of Port Jefferson Station, who was recently awarded a blue ribbon for this side dish by Just a Pinch Recipes
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple
Makes 8 servings
“Not too many people like Brussels sprouts, but I happen to love them. I have made a believer out of them with this recipe. I always make it for special dinners.”
Recipe courtesy of the Beverage Team at Mirabelle Restaurant in Stony Brook
Espresso Martini
Makes 1 serving
INGREDIENTS:
1.5oz Titos Vodka
1.5 oz Black Coffee Liqueur
1 oz Fresh Espresso
1 oz Vanilla Simple Syrup
3 espresso coffee beans for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
Shake over ice and strain into martini glass.
Guy Reuge’s Ginger AlmondTart Mirabelle
Recipe courtesy of Chef Guy Reuge
Guy Reuge’s Ginger Almond Tart Mirabelle
Makes 8 servings
“This pie is part of the early history of Mirabelle. I created the recipe for our dessert list when the restaurant opened in 1983. The recipe has been printed many times, and still today my customers ask for it…so I keep it on the menu. Personally, I love it with a cup of great coffee; it just goes well together.”
Pâte sablée (pastry dough)
INGREDIENTS:
4 ounces confectioners’ sugar
8 ½ ounces all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
4 ½ ounces butter, chopped into small cubes
1 egg
DIRECTIONS:
In a the bowl of an electric mixer (such as a Kitchenaid) fitted with the paddle combine the confectioners’ sugar, flour, salt, butter, and egg. Form the dough into a ball and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Roll out the dough 1/8-inch thick to fit a 10-inch tart shell mold. Fit the dough into the tart mold and freeze it for 1 hour before baking. Bake the tart shell in a preheated 325 F. oven for 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and reserve it.
Ginger Almond Filling
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound light brown sugar
1 cup blanched sliced almonds
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon grated fresh gingerroot
6 ounces unsalted butter
4 large egg yolks
confectioners’ sugar for dusting the top of the tart
unsweetened whipped cream
DIRECTIONS:
In a saucepan combine the brown sugar, almonds, cream, grated gingerroot, and butter, cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it is liquefied but not too hot. Rapidly stir in the egg yolks. Pour the mixture into the reserved tart shell and bake it in a preheated 240 F. oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it is semi-firm and the top looks shiny. Remove the tart and let it cool for at least 3 hours before unmolding. Sprinkle the tart with the confectioners’ sugar and slice it into 8 pieces. Serve each slice with the unsweetened whipped cream.
The Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show at Smith Point County Park runs through Dec. 30.
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.
Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show
Smith Point County Park, 1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley will host the 19th annual Girl Scout Holiday Light Show daily from Nov. 26 to Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24 and 25) from 5 to 9 p.m. The drive-thru event features more than a mile of illuminated holiday-themed displays. This year, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County have added 5 exhibits that were conceptualized by local, award-winning Girl Scouts. $25 per car. Tickets can be purchased at the gate with a credit card or visit www.gssclightshow.com.
Thursday Dec. 22
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, 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.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
Splish Splash Water Park, 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton hosts its 5th annual Riverhead Holiday Light Show through Dec. 31. The 25-minute drive-thru event features hundreds of dazzling, never-before-seen holiday themed displays, and music sync’d to lights. Hours are tonight from 5 to 10 p.m., Dec. 23 and 24 from 5 to 11 p.m., and Dec. 25 to 31 from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 per car. For more information, visit www.holidaylightshow.com or call 727-3600.
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.
Jazz Christmas Party
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas Party from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Grammy nominated vocalist Nicole Zuraitis appears backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org or call 751-1895.
Friday Dec. 23
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
See Dec. 22 listing.
Happy Holidays Concert
The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, and Museum 97 Main St., Stony Brook presents its 1st annual Happy Holidays Afternoon Concert at 12:30 p.m. featuring performances by Rorie Kelly and Pete Mancini & The Hillside Airmen. (Gene Casey has canceled) The event is free with paid admission to the museum. For more information and for future events, visit www.limusichalloffame.org/museum/ or call 689-5888.
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. 24 and 25 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.
Saturday Dec. 24
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
See Dec. 22 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 23 listing.
Sunday Dec. 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
See Dec. 22 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 23 listing.
Monday 26
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
See Dec. 22 listing.
Tuesday 27
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
See Dec. 22 listing.
Wednesday 28
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
See Dec. 22 listing.
Thursday 29
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
See Dec. 22 listing.
Whale Boat Chats
The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor kicks off itsnew monthly “Whale Boat Chats” surrounding the star of the museum’s permanent collection, the 19th century whaleboat Daisy, at noon and again at 1 p.m. These educator-led gallery talks around the whaleboat will share the story of whaling on Long Island and in Cold Spring Harbor specifically. Visitors will learn that people have been hunting whales here on Long Island for thousands of years. Free with admission to the museum of $6 adults, $5 children and seniors. Call 367-3418.
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.
‘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.
‘Mostly True Things’
The Performing Arts Studio, 224 East Main St., Port Jefferson presents (Mostly) True Things on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Jude Treder-Wolff, the show features 4 true stories but 3 of them include subtle little lies. In the second act, the audience questions the storytellers, then votes for the person they think told it straight. Winners get a tote bag, and the whole truth about each story is shared before the end of the evening. Tickets are $15 online at Eventbrite or $20 at the door (cash only). Visit www.mostlytruethings.com.
* All numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.
Holiday Discovery Days are back at Sweetbriar Nature Center from Dec. 26 to 30.
PROGRAMS
Holiday Open Play
Join the Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson for a Holiday Open Play on Dec. 23 and from Dec. 26 to 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. Celebrate STEM, Space, and Math with hands-on activities, crafts, and more with admission fee. Call 331-3277 or visit www.longislandexplorium.org.
Winter Solstice Workshops
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 80 Little Neck Road, Centerport will offer two Winter Solstice Celebration workshops for children in grades K-4 including Dec. 27 (Solstice Lantern & Planetarium Show) and Dec. 28 (Bulb Botany and Winter Blooms) from 10 a.m. to noon. Fee is $20 per child per workshop. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Holiday Break at the Hatchery
Enjoy your holiday break with a visit to the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor to make crafts on on Dec. 26 (Make a Mosaic); Dec. 28 (Pinecone Ornaments); and Dec. 30 (Homemade Playdough) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All activities will be held outdoors and are free with museum admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. Call 516-692-6768 for more information.
Toys, Toys, Toys!
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor presents a drop-in program, Toys, Toys, Toys!, on Dec. 27 and 30 from noon to 3 p.m. Thinking about toys this season? Find out what kids were playing with in nineteenth-century America — and nothing needed charging! Play with a range of historic toys, then create and decorate some old-fashioned toys to take home with you. Cost is admission fee plus $10. Call 367-3418.
Holiday Discovery Days
Holiday Discovery Days are back at Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown from Dec. 26 to 30. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators will help open up the wonders of the natural world for children ages 6 to 11 through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more with a different theme each day.$85/day or $375/week. For further details and to register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. Call 979-6344 for more info.
FILM
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas on Dec. 25 at noon. The animated film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world” and turns his attention to Christmas. Rated PG. Tickets are $12 adults, $5 children at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
THEATER
‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents the holiday musical Barnaby Saves Christmas through Dec. 30. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As our littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. Tickets are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown kicks off the holiday season with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. from Nov. 19 to Jan. 22 including Dec. 26 to Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. All seats are $25. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Frosty’
A perennial favorite, Frosty returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. from Nov. 26 to Dec. 24 and daily from Dec. 26 to 31. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
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