The region is bustling with activity as we head into the biggest week of the holiday season. There's much to do, for those who feel like venturing out, right here on Long Island. And of course, this is a great time to enjoy Manhattan, which is always at its glittering best this time of year.Here are some suggestions for holiday fun with the family:
Old Bethpage Village
Old Bethpage Village Restoration concludes its holiday season celebration through the week, with "Candlelight Evenings, Sunday, through Thursday, Dec. 26-30. Visitors have the special opportunity to experience holiday traditions of years past, in the setting of flickering candlelight. The village is decked out in its holiday best, with varied activities to enchant visitors both young and old.Stories of Christmases past are retold each night, along with a bonfire and refreshments. The Village dancers entertain with traditional American dances. Everyone is welcome to join in and learn how to dance in the 19th century style - with reels, quadrilles and contra dances. Popular music of the period is featured nightly, along with Magic Lantern Shows.The Village continues to be closed during the day for this event; open 5-9:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to bring their own candle lanterns or flashlights to guide their way. Old Bethpage Village Restoration is on Round Swamp Rd., Old Westbury. For information, contact (516) 572-8400 or www.oldbethpage.org.
Long Island Children's Museum
LICM celebrates the cultural themes and celebrations that unite our communities during this holiday period.There are special programs throughout the week.
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Arctic Games Workshop, Sunday, Dec. 26, 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.; also Wednesday, Dec. 29, 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.Test strength, agility, balance, and coordination in an "Arctic Olympics," a program presented in conjunction with the museum's new exhibit "Siqiniq: Under the Same Sun." Children ages 6 and up can experience games played by children in the northern Canadian Inuit village, and create an animal replica.
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Theater Performance: "Oy Vey Klezmer Presents Winter Fun, Sunday, Dec. 26, 1 and 3 p.m.The entire family will enjoy the wit and talent of Klezmer musicians Sruli and Lisa, who present a holiday celebration of music and dance. They interpret musical styles of the Old World.
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Theater Performance: Mexican Wedding, Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2 p.m.; Armenian Wedding, Thursday, Dec. 30, 2 p.m.Familes are invited to be guests at two traditional weddings - one representing Mexican culture, the other Armenian. Cross cultural boundaries to explore traditions of communities that continue to be practiced today. The two weddings are authentic reenactments of actual ceremonies, recreated by local families, with live music, folk dances, and authentic foods .
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From Fiction To Future: A Self-Portrait in Space, Thursday, Dec. 30, 2 p.m.Boldly leap into the future, as you get ready for the new year! Make predictions about future and consider the unique roles you might have in creating change. See how other writers and artists have imagined the future and learn about the amazing career of Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African-American women in space, who turned science fiction into science fact.Pre-registration is required for some programs. The Long Island Children's Museum is at 11 Davis Ave., Garden City (off Charles Lindbergh Blvd.). For information and reservations, call (516) 224-5844.
Science Museum Of Long Island
The Science Museum conducts hands-on programs for children of all ages. The museum has a full schedule of special holiday recess workshops, Monday through Thursday, Dec. 27-30. They are offered for three age groups: Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2 and Grades 3-5. A special Nursery drop-off program is also available. Topics for kindergarteners include "Crazy Chemistry," All A Glow," "Gumdrop Construction," and "Science of Toys." Grades 1-2 can take part in "Boat Building," "Jewelry From The Earth," "Gross-Out Science," and "Mirror Magic." Grades 3-5 can learn about "Rockin Roller Coaster," "Breaking The Code," "Carnival Science," and "Inventions." Nursery-age children can participate in "Rainbow of Colors," "Merry Go Round," "A Shock Or Two," "Slimy Science," and "Raging Reptiles." Also, there is a special New Year's Eve day workshop, "Snackable Science," Friday, Dec. 31, for grades K-2 and 3-5. Participants can make some tasty treats, discover the science involved with cooking, then snack away!Pre-registration is required. The museum is located at Leeds Pond Preserve, 1526 N. Plandome Rd., Plandome. For further information, call (516) 627-9400 or 222.smli.org.
Holiday Theater
Special holiday performances include:
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Frosty The Snowman. The holiday story is turned into a musical, at BroadHollow Theatre, BayWay Arts Center, 265 E. Main St., East Islip. For show times and tickets, call (631) 581-5119.
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Jack Frost. The classic winter tale is performed by Plaza Theatrical Productions, Monday, Dec. 27, 1 p.m. Presented by the Town of Hempstead Dept. of Parks and Recreation. Levittown Hall, Levittown Pkwy., Hicksville. (516) 292-9000 ext. 382.
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Holiday Extravaganza. See puppets, magic and balloon sculpture, performed by Small World Puppets, Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1 p.m. Echo Park, West Hempstead.
(516) 292-9000 ext. 382.
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Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, is presented by CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale. For further information, contact 631) 218-2810.
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Long Island Cultural Arts Studios presents "Annie," now through Friday, Dec. 31. The theater is at 48 Atlantic Ave., Lynbrook. For show times and reservations, contact (516) 599-1982.
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The Velveteen Rabbit is performed by the Arena Players, at the Second Stage Theater, 294 Rte. 109, East Farmingdale, and the Vanderbilt Museum's Carriage House Theatre, 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport. For information/reservations, contact (516) 293-0674.
