The Holidays are fast approaching and celebrations start soon across Suffolk County. Communities will host parades, festivals, tree lighting ceremonies and more. Add additional Magic to your Holiday Season by attending these local events with friends and family!
PATCHOGUE VILLAGE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE
WHEN November 18th, 6 p.m.
WHAT Santa captains his own vessel acting as the caboose to a dozen long trolley of fantastically adorned boats draped in holiday lights and decorations. The theme of this year's Patchogue Village Christmas Holiday Boat Parade is “A Cartoon Christmas.” A preview of the boats and "People's Choice Award" contest will be held on Saturday, November 17th from 5-9 p.m. at the Off Key Tikki.
WHERE Patchogue River waterfront. Viewing locations are available at Drift 82, Off Key Tikki, The Oar Steak & Seafood Grill, Harbor Crab as well as the ferry terminals.
INFO 631-804-0595,https://patchogueboatparade.org, free event
THE 2018 PATCHOGUE CHRISTMAS PARADE
WHEN November 24th, 6 p.m.
WHAT The Village of Patchogue Christmas Parade comes to Main Street again! The theme this year is “Christmas at the Movies.” Join Patchogue Village as it welcomes Santa to Main Street. Be sure to stick around after the parade for the annual tree lighting at Capital One Plaza.
WHERE Main Street in Patchogue, from West Avenue to Rider Avenue
INFO 631-475-4302
LIGHTING THE MONTAUK POINT LIGHTHOUSE
WHEN November 24th, 4 p.m.
WHAT The Montauk Historical Society decorates the lighthouse for the holidays. Includes holiday music, caroling and an appearance by Santa.
WHERE 2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
INFO https://montauklighthouse.com/events/lighting/
BELMONT LAKE STATE PARK CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
WHEN December 1st, 4:15 p.m.
WHAT Belmont Lake State Park will host its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. This popular holiday event includes an ice sculptor, holiday songs sung by the North Babylon School District elementary school chorus, magic show, and more! All activities are free. The tree will be lit by Santa immediately followed by a fireworks display.
WHERE 625 Belmont Avenue, West Babylon
INFO 631-667-5055, Click here for more info, free.
POLAR EXPRESS / NORTH FORK TROLLEY RIDE
WHEN Weekends and select weekdays from November 23rd to December 23rd
WHAT Families can take a trolley ride to the North Pole. On the way listen to a reading of The Polar Express and interact with movie characters. Upon arrival at the "North Pole", you will disembark the trolley and visit with Santa!
WHERE North Fork trips depart from The All-Star Bowling Alley, 96 Main Road, Riverhead, (Route 25/County Route 58 just west of route 105). South Fork trips depart from The Omni, Hampton Jitney Terminal, Southampton, (County Route 39A, 9/10's of a mile east of the 7-11 in Southampton).
INFO 631-369-3031, $55 a person, tickets available at northforktrolley.com
VANDERBILT MANSION’S FESTIVE HOLIDAY DINNERS
WHEN December 1st, two dinner times 6 p.m. and 8 p.m
WHAT Dine where Hollywood stars and European royalty once dined with members of one of America’s most famous families. The grand mansion – listed on the National Register of Historic Places – is decorated for the holidays each year by local designers and garden clubs, adding charm and magic to this exclusive evening. Tickets include a guided tour of the Vanderbilt Museum.
WHERE 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport
INFO 631-854-5579, Clink for Event Info, $135 a person, $125 for members, reservations required.
RIVERHEAD’S BONFIRE AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
WHEN December 9th, 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
WHAT See Santa riding in a horse-drawn carriage to the Peconic riverfront. Enjoy Holiday music, hot cocoa and free candy canes.
WHERE Behind the East End Arts Building, 133 E. Main Street, Riverhead
INFO 631-591-0722, riverheadbid.com, free event!
GREATER PATCHOGUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MIDNIGHT ON MAIN STREET
Photo Credit: Patchogue Chamber of Commerce
