Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Now that we've polished off that turkey and
all the trimmings, we can turn our attention to visions of
sugarplums and the many other seasonal delights that are now making
their way into the area.
For those that want more than leftover turkey
and a trip to the mall as the holiday season begins, here's a
roundup of seasonal goings-on.
The Nutcracker by Leggz Ltd. Dance
The Rockville Centre-based troupe present its
traditional full length production, accompanied by the South Shore
Symphony Orchestra. This is the only full-length version on Long
Island with a live 70 piece orchestra. The performance features
dancers from the Kirov Ballet, New York Theatre Ballet, The
Joffrey, and Bolshoi Ballet, along with young dancers, and future
stars, from the metropolitan area.
See the holiday classic Friday through Sunday,
Dec. 1-3, at South Side High School, in Rockville Centre. For
tickets and more information, call (516) 766-7171.
Ballet Long Island's The Nutcracker
Ballet Long Island presents both abridged and
full versions of its acclaimed production, Tuesday through Sunday,
Dec. 12-18. Ballet Long Island's abbreviated production is a great
way to introduce children to this special ballet. It features
beautiful costumes, lovely scenery, special effects, and, of
course, Tchaikovsky's beloved score.
Performances are held at Islip Town Hall West,
401 Main St., in Islip. For tickets and further information,
contact
(631) 737-1964.
Still More Nutcracker
Other versions of The Nutcracker can be seen
from New York Dance Theatre, Huntington Ballet and Eglevsky Ballet.
New York Dance Theatre's production, is performed in the tradition
of George Balanchine, with guest artists from New York City Ballet
and the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, among others. The six performance
schedule runs Friday through Sunday, Dec. 15-17, at Hofstra
University's John Cranford Adams Playhouse, in Hempstead. For
further information and tickets, contact
(631) 462-0964.
The Huntington Ballet Theatre’s annual
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production of The Nutcracker also features
professional artists. They perform side by side with HBT's young
dancers. This year's performances are held Saturday and Sunday, Nov.
25-26, at Jeanne Rimsky Theatre, at Landmark on Main Street, in Port
Washingto. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (631)
271-4626.
Long Island's professional dance company, The
Eglevsky Ballet, concludes the Nutcracker season with its annual
spectacular production, choreographed by the company's artistic
director, Ali Pourfarrokh. Its four performances take place Friday
and Saturday, Dec. 22-23 and Dec. 26, at Tilles Center. For
information and tickets, contact (516) 299-3100 or
www.tillescenter.org.
Jones Beach Holiday Light
Spectacular
This annual, drive-through animated light
display enchants visitors every holiday season at Jones Beach's
West End. Over one million lights dazzle visitors in a wide array
of displays.
This year's display brings back all of the
radiance, as well as a newly added walk-through Winter Wonderland.
Located inside the Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre, families can
stretch their legs on the ice skating rink, visit live reindeer,
view trees from around the world, or navigate the holiday maze.
Weekends include special dog sled exhibitions.
The Holiday Light Spectacular is open Friday,
Nov. 24, through Monday, Jan. 1. For further information, or
to buy tickets, call the holiday hotline at (516) 221-1000 or
www.holidaylightspectacular.com.
Old Westbury Gardens' Holiday
Celebration
Old Westbury Gardens concludes its season with
its special holiday celebration, an annual event that always
delights visitors. Celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas with a
visit to Westbury House, which is all decked out to welcome guests
with tours, entertainment and refreshments.
This year's holiday celebration features the
period rooms exquisitely decorated with wreaths, mantelpiece
drapes, topiaries, plants and other horticultural arrangements all
inspired by the favorite holiday song. Antique clothes and toys are
also on display. In addition, local music groups will perform in
the Red Ballroom.
The festivities include:
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n Children's Holiday Crafts. Create ornaments to decorate Santa's
tree. After the Holiday Celebration, the decorated tree will be given
to an emergency shelter for children operated by the Interfaith
Nutrition Network. Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
n Westbury House First Night & Tree Lighting. Tour
Westbury House, visit with Santa, and more. The Bethel Caroling
Chorale presents concerts at 7:15 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 2, 7-9 p.m.
n Nanny Night. Wesbury House volunteers, dressed as
Edwardian nannies, entertain children ages 3-9. Children are guided
by the jolly “nannies” through varied activities, while
parents tour Westbury House. Reservations are required and it is
advisable to reserve early, as this popular event always fills up
quickly. Sunday, Dec. 3, 5-7:30 p.m.
n Tea & Tour. Enjoy a guided tour of Westbury
House, followed by tea and light refreshments. Reservations are
required. Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 5-7 and 12-14, 11 a.m., 1
and 3 p.m.
n Holiday Tea. Experience the time-honored English
tradition of afternoon tea. It includes a presentation on English
teatime customs, tea with scones, finger sandwiches and desserts,
with guided tour of Westbury House. Saturday, Dec. 9, 6-8 p.m.
For further information, contact (516)
333-0048 or www.oldwestburygardens.org. Old Westbury Gardens is
located at 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury.
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