Thursday, October 1, 2026
With the holiday season here, the Village of Island Park’s annual festivities will look a bit different this year but are open to the public with social distancing guidelines in place.
The lighting of the menorah ceremony will be led by Rabbi Paul Hoffman of the South Shore Jewish Center and is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Village Green on Long Beach Road. Masks are required to attend the celebration, which will be recorded and posted on the village’s website: villageofislandpark.com.
The village’s annual holiday tree lighting, to be held at the same location on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m., is one of its most popular events, typically attracting residents of all ages. Monsignor John Tutone of Sacred Heart Church will bless the crib and leads the event. Masks must be worn by all attendees.
The Village of Island Park and American Legion Post 1029 are sponsoring a holiday toy drive through Toys for Tots on Dec. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. A safe drive-thru drop-off will be at the Island Park Long Island Rail Road parking lot. Santa Claus will be in attendance.
“I think it’s very important we as a group continue our traditions and help those in need,” Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty said.
The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce was planning to kick off its holiday festivities on Dec. 4 with its annual Christmas tree lighting at the Schoolhouse Green on Foxhurst Road. However, it was canceled due to the storm that blew into town.
It’s unclear when the celebration will be rescheduled. When it does, it will be closed to the public due to Covid-19 restrictions. The same goes for the menorah lighting planned for Dec. 10. Chamber President Ed Scharfberg said images of both lightings will be posted on its Facebook page.
