Ringing in the holidays in Wantagh

The Wantagh High School Jazz Ensemble performed at the Chamber of Commerce’s holiday lighting ceremony last Sunday afternoon at Triangle Park.

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Rich Zaikowski, 3, was greeted by Santa at Wantagh Park.

Jack Healy/Herald

Brady Finn, 3, dropped off his letter to Santa at Wantagh Park on Dec. 5.

Jack Healy/Herald

Paula Reid and her daughters, Victoria, 3, and Sienna, 19 months, stopped by Santa in the Park last Saturday.

Jack Healy/Herald

Cub Scouts from Pack 691 at Maria Regina School, from left, Drew Houck, Daniel Houck, David Monaco and Nicholas Ahrens helped decorate the tree at Triangle Park.

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Jack Kearney, 4, met with Santa and Mrs. Clause at the Wantagh Chamber holiday lighting.

Eric Dunetz/Herald

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The holiday season has officially arrived in Wantagh. Last weekend was full of events to get local residents ready for Hanukkah and Christmas.

It began last Saturday afternoon with Santa’s arrival at Wantagh Park. Nassau County and the Wantagh Bay Yacht Club hosted the appropriately named Santa in the Park. He arrived by fire truck before greeting families and taking requests from children.

Kids were also able to leave a letter to Santa, to be delivered to the North Pole, in a bright red mailbox. The box will remain outside the park’s administration building until Dec. 15.

On Sunday afternoon, the Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual tree and menorah lighting at Triangle Park. A large crowd gathered to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, hear music from Wantagh High School musicians, enjoy holiday treats and hot chocolate, and see the lights on the tree and menorah turned on.

Guests also saw a performance from children at Spotlight Dance Studio, where students practiced for two months to get ready for their big show.