Times …. and dates: Dec. 19 to Dec. 26, 2024

*Menorah Lightings are listed in a separate post.

Ongoing

Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton is back for its 7th season on various days from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! For schedule and tickets, visit www.holidaylightshow.com.

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 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 631-802-2160

Free admission to the LIM

From now through Dec. 22, the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook invites the community to enjoy free admission to the History Museum’s LIMarts Members’ exhibition, Milestones,  featuring art from over 100 local artists. Many of the featured pieces will be available for purchase — perfect for unique gifts for any art lover! The Gift Shop will also be open for all those last-minute gift needs with select items up to 50% off. The Carriage and Art Museums will be closed for the LIM’s annual winter break and will reopen on February 20, 2025, with a new exhibition in the Art Museum.  For more information, call 631-751-0066 or visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Vote for favorite holiday tree!

Cast your vote for your favorite decorated tree at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook for the holidays. This year over 45 beautifully decorated trees are showcased for you to choose from! Voting is free and ballots are available at all Stony Brook Village shops, so stop by, explore, and make your choice by Dec. 20. For more information, call 631-751-2244.

Thursday Dec. 19

Reduce Your Energy Bill

Drop by Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to speak with a PSEG representative to learn about REAP (Residential Energy Affordability Partnership), a free program for income-eligible customers, and how it can help you save energy and reduce your electric bills. No registration required. Open to all.631-928-1212

Live Nativity

Caroline Episcopal Church, 1 Dyke Road Setauket will present a live Nativity from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Witness the miracle of Christmas in the church’s historic carriage shed, with real barn animals (courtesy of Steppin’ Out Ponies), Christmas music, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate for all! Free. 631-941-4245

Nutcracker Holiday Show

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic, tonight and Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children. www.thejazzloft.org

Native American Drumming

All Souls Church Rectory, 5 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 p.m. 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 631-655-7798 for more information.

Stand-Up/Sit-Down at the CAC

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Stand-Up/Sit-Down live comedy series tonight with Chris Roach at 8 p.m. Following the comedy show, Roach will “Sit-Down” with host Steven Taub to share stories about his career. Tickets are $35, $25 members. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Friday Dec. 20

Nutcracker Holiday Show

See Dec. 19 listing.

Community Blood Drive

Give the gift of life this holiday season. St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, 48 Route 25A, Smithtown will hold a Community Blood Drive in the St. Vincent’s Conference Room on the lower level of the Medical Office Building from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. To register, call 631-469-0989.

Vanderbilt Candlelight Tour

Enjoy some holiday magic on an evening Candlelight Tour of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s decorated Spanish Revival waterfront mansion, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Renowned designer and author Tricia Foley has decorated eight mansion rooms. The Asharoken, Centerport, Dix Hills, Nathan Hale, and Three Village garden clubs have decorated an additional eight rooms. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors, $8 children, free for members. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

Holiday Trail of Lights

Step into the holiday spirit as the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown presents a dazzling Holiday Trail of Lights tonight, Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stroll through a beautifully illuminated pathway featuring festive Holiday Trees from the Society’s Tree Contest, sparkling lights, and whimsical decorations. Warm up with delicious food and drinks from local food trucks, enjoy live music and photos with Santa, and roast marshmallows over a cozy fire as you make memories with family and friends. Tickets are $10 per person, kids under the age of 3 are free. Tickets available on Eventbrite or at the Info Booth during the event. Rain dates are Dec. 23 and 24. For more information, call 631-265-6768.

Reboli Center Holiday Party

The Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St. Stony Brook invites the community to their Holiday Party from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy live music by Nicole Demarco, kids crafts, cocoa and cookies, an art exhibition and exquisite gifts. Free. 631-751-7707

Holiday Country Barn Dance

Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue, 2746 Sound Ave., Riverhead will hold a Holiday Country Barn Dance from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Join them in the beautifully decorated barn for a night of line dancing with guest instructor Ray Schwartz.. Wear your favorite holiday attire and BYO drinks & snacks. We will have door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. $15 per person, register online or pay cash at the door. All proceeds help to support the animals and programs at Spirit’s Promise. 631-875-0433, www.spiritspromise.com.

Saturday Dec. 21

Nutcracker Holiday Show

See Dec. 19 listing.

Holiday Trail of Lights

See Dec. 20 listing.

Santa on the Farm

Santa returns to Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville by popular demand. Meet the jolly fellow in the heated Woodland Hall today and Dec. 22 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon,  and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring your camera to take treasured family photos, visit with the animals, and enjoy holiday crafts. $35 per person. www.longislandgamefarm.com

Caumsett Hike

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Harbor for a History Hike from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Relax and socialize on this hilly, moderately paced 6-mile walk, as we make stops to discuss some spots of historic interest. Dress for the possibility of long grass. $4 per person. Call 631-423-1770 for reservations.

Selden Craft & Gift Fair

One of the area’s longest continuously running indoor craft fairs, the 43rd annual Selden Craft & Gift Fair will return to Newfield High School, 145 Marshall Drive, Selden today and Dec. 22 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. 631-846-1459

Superheroes of the Sky

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Superheroes of the Sky from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about a Bald Eagle, Turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. $10 adults, $5 children under the age of 12. www.sweetbriarnc.org

Ronkonkoma Holiday Market

Station Yards, 9 Hawkins Ave., Ronkonkoma hosts a Holiday Market around the Village Green from noon to 4 p.m. Shop from a curated selection of local vendors and artisans, offering unique gifts, handmade goods, and seasonal treats—perfect for holiday gifting and supporting our community’s small businesses. 

Art League of LI Reception

Join the Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills for the opening reception for its 68th annual juried Members’ Exhibition Part I from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The exhibition, hosted in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery and featuring an array of artwork from painting and ceramics to jewelry and fiber arts, will run through Jan. 25, 2025. 631-462-5400, www.artleaguli.com

Winter Wonderland

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, 829 Old Nichols Road, Islandia presents a Winter Wonderland fundraiser from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy a walk-through experience across 10 acres of lights, winter decorations and activities including winter-themed games, storybook readings, hot chocolate and treats, outdoor holiday movies, holiday music and caroling and much more. $20 per person, children under the age of 2 are free. 631-348-1389

Sunday Dec. 22

Santa on the Farm

See Dec. 21 listing.

Holiday Trail of Lights

See Dec. 20 listing.

Selden Craft & Gift Fair

See Dec. 21 listing.

Somehow Sorry in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a concert by Somehow Sorry (John McCarthy and Lorraine Lisa aka Rain)from 3 to 4 p.m.  The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org. 

Jazz Nativity

Join the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for a candlelight jazz nativity service featuring the Biblical Christmas story at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. with a 12 piece chamber Jazz orchestra featuring Metropolitan Opera soprano Susanna Phillips. Journey with the Three Wise Men as they travel to Bethlehem, join Mary and Joseph as they follow the Star and celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children. www.thejazzloft.org

Monday 23

Jazz Christmas Party

Grammy-winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis presents a Jazz Christmas Party at the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook at 7 p.m. backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children. www.thejazzloft.org

Tuesday Dec. 24

No events listed for this day.

Wednesday Dec. 25

No events listed for this day.

Thursday Dec. 26

Holiday Train Display

Town of Brookhaven’s Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road, Ridge will host a Holiday Train Display today through Dec 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 event. 631-924-1820

Dance

Nutcracker Ballet  

Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to Staller Center’s Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The cast will again be led by guest artist David Wright (Cavalier/Nutcracker) a leading dancer of the vaunted Dance Theater of Harlem, and Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning principal dancers Madeleine Martufi, Kaede Urso and Michaela Lettiere plus returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Eva Pyrros, Lara Caraiani and Diana Atoian. Tickets are $45 for adults and $38 for children under 12 and seniors aged 62+. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nutcrackerballet.com.

Film

‘The Godfather II’

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, The Godfather II will be screened at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. The Godfather trilogy continues the saga of the Corleone Family, serving as both a prologue and a sequel, extending over a period of 60 years and three generations. Chronicling both the rise of youthful Don Vito Corleone to Mafia chief in the early 1900s in the Little Italy section of New York City, as well as the career of Corleone’s son Michael from his patriarchal prime to his decline a year later. Tickets are $16, $10 members. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Step into a world of pure imagination this holiday season as the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from Nov. 14 to Dec. 29. Join young Charlie Bucket and four other lucky Golden Ticket winners as they embark on an unforgettable journey through Willy Wonka’s magical candy factory. With beloved songs from the 1971 film, this production promises to be a treat for the entire family. For tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Celebrate the season with the 40th annual production of A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 9 to Dec. 28. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the meaning of Christmas — past, present, and future. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents It’s A Wonderful Life from Dec. 7 to 29. Based on the story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, this beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, and $25 students. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

CALENDAR DEADLINE  is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Email your information about community events to [email protected]. Calendar listings are for not-for-profit organizations (nonsectarian, nonpartisan events) only, on a space-available basis. Please include a phone number that can be printed.