Annual Winter Wonderland hits Hempstead with a toy giveaway and fun

Posted Friday, January 23, 2026 8:02 am

Hempstead residents Shati Walls and Ayaan Walls, 5, with Village of Hempstead Volunteers Robin Kittrel and Deborah Burgess walking through the path of festive lights.

Stu Goldman/Herald photos

Village of Hempstead Police Chief Richard Holland, left, Admin Assistant to The Chief Lori Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Chief Regina Lattimore and Deputy Chief Ed Deutcsh all came together to celebrate winter wonderland while keeping the community safe.

Stu Goldman/Herald photos

Hempstead resident Antonea Brazzley helps her grandchildren, TJ McDaniel, 11, and Hamir Hall, 7, as they receive toys from volunteer Tyquan Ward.

Stu Goldman/Herald photos

Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylon Hobbs Jr., open the program with speeches thanking sponsors and volunteers ahead of the holiday season.

Stu Goldman/Herald photos

Pilar Washington skates with his son Eric Washington, 9, of Hempstead. Ice skating was one of the many activities residents were able to take part in.

Stu Goldman/Herald photos

By Stacy Driks

The Village of Hempstead celebrated the winter season with its fifth annual Winter Wonderland on Dec. 19, at Denton Green, across from Village Hall at 99 James A. Garner Way.

The family-friendly event gave hundreds of children toys for the holiday season give them joy. Other activities included ice-skating and a chance to meet Santa. Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. the gathering aims to bring neighbors together for an evening of holiday cheer.

Village of Hempstead Police Chief Richard Holland attended with, Admin Assistant to The Chief Lori Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Chief Regina Lattimore and Deputy Chief, Ed Deutcsh to spend time with the community.

Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr., Deputy Mayor Jeffery Daniels, and trustees Tanya L. Carter, Noah Burroughs and William R. Whitaker II sponsored the celebration

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