'Tis The SeasonIt's holiday time and there's plenty to do]]

Friends Of The Arts presents a "Winterlight Festival," at Planting Fields Arboretum, which is all dressed up for the holidays. On Friday, visitors can savor the seasonal atmosphere of the decorated greenhouse, which features a special poinsettia display. An operatic trio serenades guests; dessert and coffee are served. This is an adults-only evening.Two more events follow. Thursday, Dec. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m., patrons of all ages can enjoy live jazz and holiday treats as they stroll through the greenhouse. Finally, Wednesday, Dec. 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m., visitors can hear a vocal ensemble, and enjoy more holiday goodies. Planting Fields Arboretum is located in Oyster Bay. For further information, contact (516) 922-0061 or www.FOTApresents.org.

Old Westbury Gardens is chock full of holiday cheer, which brings the Gardens' 2004 season to end, this weekend. Saturday begins with a "Holiday Magic" workshop, starting at 10 a.m. Participants can create a floral holiday decoration, using fresh and dried materials, guided by Gardens' horticulturalists. The workshop fee includes refreshments and instruction sheets. For the kids, on Saturday, singer/songwriter Patricia Shih, gives two performances of her family show, "Big Ideas," at 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. This holiday version is a lively, interactive, multicultural program with songs that reflect the spirit of caring and sharing. The following day, Sunday, Long Island's Kende Trio performs at 1:30 p.m. The Kende sisters present a concert of classical favorites, that has become a holiday tradition. Later in the afternoon, visitors are invited to tea, at 5-7 p.m. It's a chance to experience the time-honored tradition of a complete afternoon tea of scones, finger sandwiches and desserts, with a holiday theme, of course. A guided tour of festively-decorated Westbury House follows.Old Westbury Gardens is at 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. Reservations are required for some events. For further information, contact (516) 333-0048, ext. 301 or www.oldwestbury.org.

The Wantagh-based choir, composed of members from all over all Long Island, performs its annual holiday concert. This year the Chorale, directed by Herbert Bradensten, presents Vivaldi's "Gloria," along with works by Noble, Sleeth and Holst, among others.The performance takes place at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Cathedral Ave., Garden City. For ticket information, call (516) 826-6344 or email BelCantoChorale&aol.com.

Frank Ohman's New York Dancer Theatre presents its full length version of the holiday favorite, modeled after the production at Lincoln Center. A cast of 100 children, guest artists with the New City Ballet and other renowned companies, along with other professional dancers, maintain the Balanchine tradition from storyline to costumes and sets. This production also features original scenes and squences, specially created by its director, Frank Ohman.See The Nutcracker at Hoftstra University's John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hempstead. For ticket information, call (631) 462-0964.

The String Trio of New York celebrates the season with a jazz twist. The ensemble performs a program of timeless holiday music, with its unique acoustic improvisations. The Trio brings together three creative musicians - James Emery, John Lindberg and Rob Thomas - on violin, guitar and bass.The performances are held at Coe Hall, Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay. For ticket information, call (516) 922-0061.

The Nassau Pops brings holiday cheer to its audiences, with a program ranging from the classical to traditional holiday favorites. Joining the orchestra is the Mineola Choral Society, with featured vocalists Jack and Ann Cassin.The Nassau Pops performs at Chaminade High School, 340 Jackson Ave., Mineola. Admission is free. For further information, contact, (516) 565-0646.

Long Island Choral Society presents its annual holiday tradition, performing the Advent and Christmas portions of Handel's masterpiece. This year's soloists are soprano Elizabeth Farnum, mezzo soprano Andrea Saposnik, tenor Jonathan Cornell, and bass-baritone Samuel Hepler. The cathedral organ is played by Henry DeVries, the Society's Artist-In-Residence this season. He opens the concert with Handel's Organ Concerto #13, "The Cuckoo and the Nightingale." It is recommended that the audience be seated before 3:30 p.m. An open dress rehearsal is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. The performance takes place at Cathedral of the Incarnation, Cathedral Ave., Garden City. For ticket information, call (516) 658-5692.