Old-fashioned holiday traditions on Long Island

The holiday countdown continues this weekend with events that focus on the festive pleasures of an earlier era. The region is filled to the brim with seasonal cheer, so take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and partake of some of these cherished traditions that all ages will enjoy.

Old Bethpage Village
The season shines brightly at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, which welcomes everyone to “Candlelight Evenings,” its annual 19th century holiday celebration. The much-loved festivities, which began last weekend and continue from Friday through Sunday, Dec. 16-18, are an opportunity to experience the village’s old-fashioned delights one last time before restored site closes for the winter – at the conclusion of the weekend program.
A visit to the historic village has become an annual ritual for many during the holiday season. Candlelight Evenings offers a “Hallmark Card” setting as flickering candles illuminate the village’s historic homes, which are grandly decorated – 19th century-style – for the season.
The village is decked out in its holiday finery, with varied activities to enchant guests, all set within the confines of a rural valley setting. Hear popular 19th century music and enjoy Magic Lantern Shows, held each night in the Visitor Center auditorium. The Magic Lantern, a predecessor of the slide projector, entertained Victorian Americans with hand colored glass slides of famous persons, places and events, which often included humorous “moving” slides. Music varies nightly, including a brass quartet and fiddlers playing popular seasonal tunes, along with traditional American dancers, performing throughout the village. Everyone is welcome to join in the reels, quadrilles and contra dances.
“This remains a wonderful family tradition here on Long Island that continues to provide a unique holiday experience,” said OBVR Site Director Jim McKenna.