Bellmore: Christmas Tree Lighting/Holiday Extravaganza, The Bellmore Village Merchants Association presents its holiday celebration on Friday, Dec. 2, at the Veterans Memorial on Bedford Avenue. Old-fashioned festivities include roasted chestnuts, Christmas carolers, and horse-and-buggy rides. Trolley-car rides start at 6 p.m., with tree lighting and a visit by Santa Claus takes place at 7 p.m. For information, contact (516) 785-5842.Lynbrook: Lynbrook's Christmas tree lighting festivities begin with horse drawn sleigh rides, on Atlantic Ave., Friday, Dec. 2, from 5-8 p.m.; also visit Santa's House and enjoy entertainment. The actual tree lighting is at 8 p.m., in parking field behind Atlantic Ave. walkthough. In case of inclement weather, Santa Claus and entertainment will be at Greis Park.Malverne: This year's Lighting of Malverne celebration is scheduled for Saturday, December 3. Along with the stunning illumination of Hempstead Avenue, the tradition continues with: Gingerbread Cookie Workshop, Breakfeast with Santa, Holiday Parade with Santa and the Elves, Hayrides, Horse and Buggy rides, Children's Holiday Movie Matinee, Bowling with Santa.Merrick: The Merrick Chamber of Commerce hosts a visit from Santa Claus, Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Merrick train station gazebo. The Curé of Ars and Calhoun High School choirs perform. Hot chocolate and doughnuts are served. A Christmas Tree/Menorah Lighting ceremony follows in Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. Rabbi Charles Klein of the Merrick Jewish Centre and the Rev. Charles Mangano of Cure of Ars Roman Catholic Church officiate. Coffee and doughnuts are served. Lawrence: A Festive Afternoon at Rock Hall, Sunday, Dec. 4, 4-6 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season, in the style of the 18th century, with colonial music and sweets. Reservations required. Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence. For further information, contact, (516) 239-1157.
Seasonal Happenings
Old Westbury Gardens Holiday Celebration: December is a magical time at Old Westbury Gardens, which is decked out in its holiday splendor, Saturday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 18
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Westbury House Tours, Dec. 3-4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a guided tour of Westbury House, which is all dressed up for the holiday season and visit with Santa. Children can enjoy creating crafts to decorate Santa's tree. The tree and decorations, by the way, is donated to an emergency children's shelter operated by the Interfaith Nutrition Network.
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First Night And Tree Lighting, Dec. 3, 7-9 p.m. Be among the first to view Westbury House in its holiday finery. The Bethel Caroling Chorale performs at 7:15 and 8:30 p.m., with tree lighting ceremony at 8:15 p.m. and refreshments. $10, $5 children; $5 members.
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Holiday Concert, Dec. 4, 1-2 p.m. The Long Island Conservatory performs works by varied Italian, German, French and Russian composers, along with popular Christmas carols.
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Nanny Night, Sunday, Dec. 4, 5-7:30 p.m. Children can enjoy an enchanting evening of special holiday music and activities, supervised by Old Westbury Gardens volunteers dressed as Edwardian nannies. The event includes a special appearance Eglevesky Ballet dancers performing excerpts from The Nutcracker. Parents are invited to tour Westbury House, then meet up with their children for light refreshments. $12 adults, $8 children; $10 members, $6 children. Reservations required.
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Tea & Tour, Monday through Thursday, Dec. 5-8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit festive Westbury House. Enjoy a tea on the West Porch, followed by a guided tour. $12, $10 members. Reservations are required.Old Westbury Gardens is located at 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. (516) 333-0048 or www.oldwestburygardens.org.Festival Of Trees Events: These holiday events benefit United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County.
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Breakfast With Santa, Sunday, Dec. 4, 9:30-11 a.m. Continental breakfast features holiday singing and dancing, face painting, entertainment and, of course, a visit from Santa himself. $20 per person. Reservations required.
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A Knight To Remember: Sponsored by the Council of Cerebral Palsy Auxiliaries, 4:30-7:30 p.m. for young men (5-12) and the women (mothers, grandmothers, aunts) in their lives. The evening features dinner, laser tag, music and entertainment. $65 adult, $50 child. Reservations required. The events take place at the Long Island Marriott, Uniondale. For further information, contact (516) 378-2000 ext. 230.
