Kids

By Rita J. Egan

Thousands felt the holiday joy throughout Stony Brook Village Center on Dec. 8 as the Ward Melville Heritage Organization presented its 45th Annual Holiday Festival.

The free event featured a visit from Santa Claus, who arrived on an antique fire truck, followed by the jolly elf sitting for a few hours listening to children’s gift wishes and taking photos. The Legends & Spies Puppet Procession kicked off at 2:15 p.m., as handlers held puppets of local heroes, such as Culper Spy Ring members Major Benjamin Tallmadge and Caleb Brewster, prominent shipbuilder Jonas Smith and philanthropists Ward and Dorothy Melville. The Ward Melville High School Marching Band led the procession.

The day also included performances from The School of Rock ‘n Roll Choir, the St. James Junior Choir, Roseland Dance Studio and the Celestial Singers Holiday Carolers. WALK 97.5 FM provided music and Steppin’ Out Ponies hosted a petting zoo in the inner courtyard.

The festivities ended with a performance by the Bethel AME Choir and a tree-lighting ceremony on the Village Green.

JUST CHILLIN' Celebrate the holidays with Jenny and Frosty at the Engeman Theater!

Book Talk and Signing Event

Next Chapter Bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington welcomes author Barbara Lynn Greif for a Book Talk and Signing event for her new children’s book “SwimBee” on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. 631-482-5008

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Dec 13 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Kids Night Out

Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson presents Kids’ Night Out on Dec. 13 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Parents can go out on a date while your kids have a fun-filled evening playing active games, crafts and more. Pizza will be served. Fee is $25 residents, $35 non-residents. To register, call 631-802-2160.

Holiday Shopping Hustle & STEM Rumble – just added!

While parents explore Port Jefferson’s locally owned shops—many staying open late—for those last-minute gifts on Dec. 13, the Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson will host Festive STEM Fun for kids in grades 1 to 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. They’ll enjoy holiday-themed science activities, creative experiments, and guided exploration led by experienced educators while enjoying hot chocolate and popcorn. $30 per child. To register, visit www.longislandexplorium.org. 631-331-3277

Gingerbread Barn Decorating

Join the Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Road, Yaphank for some holiday fun on Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. . Decorate a gingerbread barn, sip on some cider, take a wagon ride and enjoy all the farm has to offer in December. $30 per house, up to 2 people per house. Ages 4+. Adults required to stay. Register at www.eventcreate.com/e/gingerbreadbarn/ For more information, call 631-852-4600

Seashell Ornaments

From clams to sea snails to nautilus squid, explore the wonderful world of shelled animals at a Seashell Ornament workshop at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on Dec. 14 at noon or 2 p.m. Find out how to identify shells local to Long Island, and decorate a decoupaged shell ornament to hang up at home during this festive time of year. $10 per person plus museum admission. 631-367-3418

Second Saturdays in the Studio

Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays in the Studio and Gallery on Dec. 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Families are invited to join educators in the studio and participate in a hands-on activity or art project inspired by exhibitions on view. No registration is required. All supplies provided. Children under 16 must have an adult with them. The event is free with admission. 631-751-0066

Marshmallows, Cocoa and Crafts

Children ages 4 to 9 are invited to join Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket for a Marshmallows, Cocoa and Crafts workshop on Dec. 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Creating your very own cocoa cup, make a snowy time marshmallow craft, take a tour of the farm, and enjoy seasonal stories by the warm fire. $40 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Jewelry Making for Kids

Drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to make beaded bracelets or necklaces with library teen volunteers. Perfect for ages 3 to 12 years. Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

Holiday Party for Wildlife

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for a Sunday Funday Holiday Party for Wildlife on Dec. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with live music, animal presentations, photo ops with special wildlife guests and fun holiday crafts. Bring a small gift for wildlife (wish list is on their website). $15 per child, $5 per adult. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Kids Make History Cove

Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport will hold the grand opening of its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15 from noon to 2 p.m. Families are invited to explore this engaging space filled with hands-on activities that bring history to life. Kids can dress up in Victorian-era clothing, try out vintage tech like a rotary phone and a typewriter, and play with old-fashioned toys. Santa will be stopping by to make a special appearance and take photos with visitors. And make sure to find all the elves that are hiding in the gallery to go home with a prize! Free. 631-757-985

Menorah Candleboxes

Drop by the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor to make a Menorah Candlebox on Dec. 15 at noon or 2 p.m. Travel back to a time when whales lit up the world. See whale oil lamps and spermaceti candles from the museum’s collection and explore the importance of oil through the ages. Get creative designing a special decoupage box to store your candles with style. $10 per person plus museum admission. 631-367-3418

Storytime Under the Stars

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its  Storytime Under the Stars series on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. A live narrator at the front of the theater will bring selected picture books to life, with pages projected onto the Planetarium dome so families can enjoy the illustrations and follow along. Between stories, an astronomy educator will explore seasonal constellations visible from here on Long Island. All children are invited to wear their comfiest pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Admission is $8 per person, $6 members. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Welcome Winter Greens

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Welcome Winter Greens, on Dec. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Register at www.eventbrite.com.

FILM

‘The Polar Express’

Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce presents All Aboard the Polar Express! at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22 at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. $20 per person includes a screening of The Polar Express, popcorn, water, a cookie and hot cocoa. To reserve your ticket, visit www.pjstchamber.com. 631-821-1313

‘Elf’

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Elf on Dec. 15 at noon. Raised as an elf, Buddy grows into an adult three times larger than the biggest elf and realizes that he will never truly fit in at the North Pole and goes looking for his true place in the world in New York City. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. To order in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

Celebrate the holidays with Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 23 to Dec. 28. 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. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Frosty’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport celebrates the return of Frosty from Nov. 23 to Dec. 29. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from 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 and get Frosty to the North Pole. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Frozen Jr’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, the show is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

Kids can paint this adorable moose on Dec. 14. Photo courtesy of Atelier at Flowerfield

The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James presents an in-studio, one day kids workshop on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. Get ready for the holidays with Miss Linda as she teaches you how to paint this adorable holiday “Merry Kiss-Moose” painting step by step.

$55 per child includes an 11″ by 14″ canvas and all art supplies.

To register, visit theatelieratflowerfield.org or click here. For more information, please call 631-250-9009.

The team builders club at Setauket Elementary School recently kicked off the season of giving. Third and fourth graders worked together to construct gingerbread villages, surrounded by trees, sleds and characters made entirely of tasty treats. The creations were donated to the Long Island State Veterans Home in the Three Village community for residents and their families to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Huntington Village turned into a winter wonderland once again as Wall Street was transformed into a display of lights, ornaments, a massive Christmas tree and — of course — a visit from Santa Claus.

The annual event runs from Nov. 30 to Jan. 2 and features numerous events almost daily. From live music, to dancers, to ice carvers and holiday markets, this extravaganza has something for the whole family.

Huntington Hospital/Northwell Health has been the premier sponsor of the festival for four consecutive years. “We take immense pride in sponsoring the Huntington Holiday Spectacular, a celebration that brings our community together in the spirit of joy and togetherness,” said Dr. Nick Fitterman, executive director of Huntington Hospital, in an interview with Living Huntington. “Supporting events like these is at the heart of our commitment to our community.”

The celebration kicked off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday with a tree-lighting ceremony hosted by Impractical Jokers star Joe Gatto. This was followed by the Huntington Holiday Parade. 

Time with Santa is intertwined with the falling of fake snow, as the hourly light show adds ambiance to the already twinkling 82-foot-tall Holiday Tree of Hope Christmas tree.

For more information on daily events, including a Dec. 15 toy drive, visit www.huntingtonholidayspectacular.com, where you can also sign up to volunteer. 

By Bill Landon

The Mount Sinai 13th annual Turkey Trot kicked off Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8:30 a.m. under brilliant sunshine and a cold steady breeze, with a fun run for kids followed by the 5k run a half hour later at Mt. Sinai High School.

Proceeds of the fundraising event went to Holiday Magic which is a nonprofit organization that dedicates itself to making the holidays special for less fortunate children and their families.

Timing and scoring was courtesy of Strong Island Running Club. Results of the 5K event can be viewed online at runsignup.com/race/results.

By Julianne Mosher

To prepare for the Christmas season, Santa Claus made his way down Main St. in Port Jefferson to ring in some holiday cheer.

On Sunday, Dec. 1, dancers from nearby schools dressed in their favorite holiday gear while they twirled, spun and danced to some favorite Christmas songs like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and marched from the Port Jefferson Rail Road up to the Village Center, for the annual Port Jefferson Santa Parade.

Brought in by a horse-drawn carriage at the end of the show, Santa was accompanied by local businesses, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Mayor Lauren Sheprow, who also marched down Main St. Special guests included Disney princesses, Donald Duck and Goofy, who pranced through the streets, waving to all the good little boys and girls, who eagerly anticipated the man in red.

The parade also included characters from the upcoming Dickens Festival, which is scheduled for next weekend, Dec. 7-8.

The Town of Smithtown held their Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 3rd at Town Hall. Master of Ceremonies, John Zollo kicked off the evening by announcing the arrival of Santa Claus, courtesy of the Smithtown Fire Department, straight from the North Pole around 5:15  p.m.

Santa Claus, with help from volunteer Elves and our Smithtown Fire Marshall, Nick Kefalos interacted with little residents, taking photos and collecting big hugs for the duration of the event. Live performances from Great Hollow Select Chorus, Hauppauge HS Kickline, RJO Intermediate Chorus, Smithtown West Varsity Whisperettes, Accompsett Middle School Select Chorus, Sara Jean Dance Company, and Smithtown West Jazz Choir, entertained the crowd throughout the night. The magic of the holiday season closed the evening out, when the Town Administration and our youngest residents flipped the switch to light tree, just as snow flurries fell from the sky.

“This event gets better every year. People couldn’t believe that it started to snow! They kept asking if we got a snow machine… It was truly magical. I’d like to thank everyone who made this event possible; especially our talented team at the Recreation Department, our Parks, Buildings and Grounds crew, who didn’t stop working through the bitter cold weather for two days, our amazing Department of Public Safety, GTV film crew and of course our Chief Fire Marshall and the Smithtown Fire Department for getting Santa here safe!” said Town of Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

“Also, a special thanks to the incredible school districts, dance companies, talented teachers, students and parents who made this event so much fun for everyone. Thank you to our Girl Scout Troops, and the Smithtown Youth Bureau volunteers for always making our events so community friendly! Finally, thanks to our vendors who participated this year, especially Smithtown Landing Caterers who donated the cookies and hot chocolate for the evening. We are so blessed and thankful to live in a town that comes together in such a wonderful way! Every year this ceremony gets bigger and better. It was the perfect kickoff to a wonderful holiday season,” added Supervisor Wehrheim.

The community based event is organized by the Department of Recreation, with support from the Parks Department and the Department of Public Safety. Volunteers included Girl Scout Troops 292, 1823, and 628 as well as a number of Local High School student volunteers who were enlisted thanks to the Smithtown Youth Bureau. The tree is decorated each year by the Department of Traffic Safety. Town Hall is transformed into a winter wonderland, quite literally, with decorations, designed and constructed by the Parks Department. Live event staging and pro audio services are provided by Taylor Productions.

Live performances that entertained a packed house included Great Hollow Select Chorus, Hauppauge HS Kickline, RJO Intermediate Chorus, Smithtown West Varsity Whisperettes, Accompsett Middle School Select Chorus, Sara Jean Dance Company, and Smithtown West Jazz Choir.  Each group performed seasonal favorites for a crowd of approximately 300 people.

Youth volunteers served Cookies and Hot Chocolate, donated courtesy of Smithtown Landing Caterers. Balloon Sculpting was provided for kids of all ages by Animations. The Big Black Food Truck and Pretzel Factory featured delicious snacks and light fare. New this year, Zag’s Photo Booth was set up for guests to pose for digital and print photos. Bins were loaded to the brim for the Smithtown Food Pantry and Toys for Tots. Residents may still drop off Toys for Tots at Town Hall now through December 13th. Residents who wish to make a donation to the Smithtown Food Pantry may do so in person at their location: 90 Edgewater Avenue in the hamlet of Smithtown.

TOYS FOR TOTS DROP SITE:

Did you know, you can donate new toys to the US Marines Toys for Tots drop off site, located inside Town Hall (at the main entrance.) The collection will be picked up by the Marine Corps on December 13th, 2024. Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 9AM – 5PM.

UPSIDE DOWN GIFT CARD TREE:

Residents looking for a unique way to give back during the holidays may stop by the Smithtown Senior Center (420 Middle Country Rd, Smithtown) during regular business hours and pick an ornament from the upside down tree. Each ornament lists a gift card which will be donated to Angles of Kings Park to assist local families and children in need. Gift Cards must be donated by Tuesday, December 10th. The Smithtown Senior Center is open Monday through Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. For more information please call: (631) 360-7616

Upcoming Events: 

The Town of Smithtown Recreation & Senior Citizens Departments will host an independent holiday shopping experience for kids. On Saturday, December 7th, from 10AM to 1PM, children (grades K-5) can shop with a chaperone, and enjoy giving gifts to family & friends, without spoiling the surprise. Extra little shoppers may shop with parents and older siblings after 12:30PM. The Tender Years Treasury event showcases handmade gifts, all modestly priced at $5 and under. The independent kids shopping experience is held at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center.

Menorah Lighting Ceremony: The Town of Smithtown will hold its Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony on December 26th from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Town Hall. The community based event, is hosted by Supervisor Wehrheim and the Town Board, featuring Rabbi Mendel Teldon of Chabad Mid Suffolk, music, Latkes, Donuts and gelt drop. Additional details to follow.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Catch a screening of 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' at the Cinema Arts Centre on Dec. 8.
PROGRAMS

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Dec 6 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Children’s Holiday Party

Celebrate St. James will hold its annual Children’s Holiday Party at the St. James Community Cultural Center, 176 Second St., St. James on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Enjoy story time, decorate cookies, take part in a sing-along, snap a picture with Santa and take home a special goodie bag to remember the day. Tickets are $20 (child & adult). $10 each additional child or adult. To register, call 631-984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Tender Years Treasury

The Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center, 420 Middle Country Road. Smithtown will host its annual Tender Years Treasury on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children in Grades K-5 can shop for handmade gifts, all modestly priced at $5 and under, with a chaperone. Extra little shoppers may shop with parents and older siblings after 12:30 p.m. The event also features cookie decorating, face painting, and a gift wrapping station. Free admission. 631-360-7644

Santa’s Workshop

Join the Miller Place-Mt Sinai Historical Society for Santa’s Workshop at the William Miller House, 75 North Country Road, Miller Place on Dec. 7 and 8 from noon to 6 p.m. Children can do some holiday shopping (prices start at $1) and take a photo with Santa and Phantom Panther (fee). 

My Grown Up and Me

Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntington  & PJ Library present My Grown Up & Me, a program for ages 18 months to 4 years, on Dec. 8 from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Children and a parent or caregiver will enjoy a craft, snacks and storytime. $20 per child. For more info or to RSVP, email: [email protected]. 631-425-5835

Meet Mailman Mark

Children are invited to bring their pre-written letters for Santa to the old Miller Place Post Office at 75 North Country Road, Miller Place on Dec. 8 where Mailman Mark will bundle the letters for the North Pole from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Each child will receive a letter from Santa delivered to their home before Christmas. Tickets are $12 each at www.mpmshistorical.org.

Book Talk and Signing Event

Next Chapter Bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington welcomes author Barbara Lynn Greif for a Book Talk and Signing event for her new children’s book “SwimBee” on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. 631-482-5008

FILM

‘The Polar Express’

Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce presents All Aboard the Polar Express! at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. $20 per person includes a screening of The Polar Express, popcorn, water, a cookie and hot cocoa. To reserve your ticket, visit www.pjstchamber.com. 631-821-1313

‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’

Cinema Art Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol on Dec. 8 at noon. Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. To order in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

Celebrate the holidays with Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 23 to Dec. 28. 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. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Frosty’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport celebrates the return of Frosty from Nov. 23 to Dec. 29. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from 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 and get Frosty to the North Pole. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office
On November 30, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (third from left), New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (left) and Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (right) were guests at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for new Eagle Scout, Carrie Davis (second from left) from Troop 2019.  She is the second young lady in the troop to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
For her Eagle Scout project, Carrie built bee houses at Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai (next to her brother Larry’s Eagle Scout project) to support local pollinators, contribute to the health of the environment and enhance the community’s natural resources. Carrie also earned 20 additional merit badges while excelling in both school and sports—a testament to her determination, leadership, and character.
“I commend Carrie for the work that she has done to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Her leadership qualities, hard work and dedication to the community set a great example for her peers to follow. I look forward to all the great things that she will accomplish in the future,” said Councilwoman Bonner.