By Karen Bloom
Whether its a local tree/menorah lighting ceremony or a weekend-long celebration, such Port Jefferson's Charles Dickens Festival, there is a wide range of festive events to delight all ages, for those who want to stay close to home as well as for folks in the mood to take to the road.Beginning this weekend, there's plenty to do keep that holiday spirit going all month long. Here's a roundup of some of the best.
Community Fellowship
Baldwin: Saturday, Dec. 6, 4-6 p.m. - Holiday Festival, See Santa, entertainment, refreshments, and more, at Baldwin LIRR parking lot, Sunrise Hwy. and Grand Ave. Friday, Dec. 19. 3:30 p.m. - Menorah Lighting, at same location. Also, Lunch with Santa, Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. $11.95 adults, $9.95 children. Wander Inn, 2880 Grand Ave. (516) 223-5925.East Rockaway: Monday, Dec. 22, 6 p.m. - Menorah Lighting, at Village Hall grounds, 376 Atlantic Ave.Five Towns: Friday, Dec. 19 through Friday, Dec. 26 - Menorah Lighting by community leaders and dignitaries, every evening, at Cedarhurst Park, Cedarhurst and Summit Ave. Also, Chanukah Wonderland/Family Fun Day, Sunday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Chabad Center, 74 Maple Ave., Cedarhurst. (516) 295-2478 or www.ChabadFiveTowns.com. Lynbrook: Sunday, Dec. 21, 5:15 p.m. - Menorah Lighting and Festival, Five Corners; Holiday Refreshments follow at Congregation Beth David, 188 Vincent Ave. (516) 599-9464.Malverne: Friday, Dec. 5 - Gingerbread Cookie Workshops at Village Hall, 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. (sold out). Saturday, Dec. 6 - Breakfast with Santa, 9 and 11 a.m. (sold out); Children's Holiday Movie Matinee; Holiday Crafts, at Village Hall, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (sold out), Evening Festivities, beginning 5 p.m. including Snowmobile on Church St., Dever Wind Ensemble, Elf Parade, Blessing of the Creche, Live Nativity, Carolers, at Church of the Intercessor. Rockville Centre: Thursday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. - Tree Lighting, at Village Green, Maple Ave.; special appearance by Santa; Christmas at the Captains (following lighting) with refreshments, carols, Victorian decorations, Phillips House, 28 Hempstead Ave. Saturday, Dec. 12 - Breakfast with Santa, at the Recreation Center, Oceanside Rd. Monday, Dec. 15, 4-5:15 p.m. - Children's Chanukah Party, at the Recreation Center, Oceanside Rd. Valley Stream: Saturday, Dec. 13, 5 p.m. - Tree Lighting, at A.J. Hendrickson Park Administration Building. Meet Santa, refreshments, and more. (516) 825-8570. Also, Gingerbread House Contest/Bake Sale, Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, 143 Hendrickson Ave. (516) 825-0324.West Hempstead: Sunday, Dec. 14, 2-4 p.m. - Holiday Celebration, at Hall's Pond Park; Entertainment and more. (516) 733-0879.
Seasonal Happenings
EAB Tree Lighting: Saturday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m. - The annual celebration takes place at EAB Plaza, Uniondale.Old Westbury Gardens Holiday Celebration: Saturday, Dec. 6 through Monday, Dec. 15 - Special holiday programming includes tours of Old Westbury House, entertainment, workshops, and more. Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. (516) 333-0048 or www.oldwestburygardens.org.
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Dried Flower Workshop, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn to make holiday decorations. $40 non-members; $35 members.
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First Night And Tree Lighting, Dec. 6, 7-9 p.m. $15 non-members; $10 members.
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Westbury House Tours, Dec. 9-11, at one hour intervals. $14 non-members; $12 members.
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Holiday High Tea, Dec. 9, 4 p.m. Tea will be served on the West Porch, along with demonstration of English tea time customs. Tour of Westbury House follows, with "insider's view" of mansion's holiday decorations. $45 non-members; $40 members.
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Horticultural Workshops, Dec. 12-13, Dec. 15. Sessions cover "Caring for Orchids" and "Holiday Magic For Your Home." 8th Annual Charles Dickens Festival: Friday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 7. Travel back in time to the charming village of Port Jefferson for a weekend of Dickensian fun. For further information contact www.portjefferson.com.
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Craft Fair - Christmas Craft Fair/11th Annual Cookie Walk, First Methodist Church, Main St.
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Dickens Alley Market Place - Enjoy the sights and sounds of a Victorian marketplace.
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Victorian Tea - High tea is served by candlelight, with entertainment, at First Presbyterian Church.
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Victorian Brunch with Santa - Authentic Dicken's recipes served at a sumptuous meal, with visit by Santa, at Danford's Inn on the Sound. Call (631) 928-5200 ext. 170 for reservations.
