Christmas Tree Lightings on Long Island

There are few harbingers of the holiday season more beloved than the annual tree lightings. My daughter loves getting all bundled up each year to watch our local illumination ceremony; she clutches her hot cocoa, and her eyes dance with anticipation as she awaits the glowing lights that tell her Santa's arrival is near. Nearly every town has its own special tree-lighting tradition, but here is a roundup of the best attended events across the island.

Friday, November 23:

Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling
Northport Village Park
7pm
This festive ceremony might be a lovely way to end your Black Friday shopping spree. And if you miss it, Northport also hosts a "Leg Lamp Lighting," a la A Christmas Story, the next evening at the Northport Hardware Store at 7pm. 

Saturday, November 24:

Downtown Winter Festival and Tree Lighting
Downtown Glen Cove
1:30pm start, with tree lighting at dusk
This full-day event includes photos with Santa, carriage rides, music and dance performances from a local studio.

Annual Tree-Lighting and Caroling
Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society
5pm
On the front lawn, the lights will be lit at dusk, followed by doughnuts, hot apple cider and caroling.  The official flyer for the event can be viewed here.

Lighting of the Lighthouse
Montauk
4:30-7pm
Rain/Snow Date: 12/1
There will be refreshments and entertainment for all as this Long Island landmark is lit for the 2012 holiday season.

Wednesday, November 28:

Annual Holiday Lighting of the Big Duck
Big Duck, Flanders
7pm
One of Long Island's most quirky landmarks, The Big Duck, will be lit for the season at 7pm.

Friday, November 30:

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Town Hall
Babylon
7pm
All residents of the Town of Babylon are invited to this event.  Santa will be present, as will other costumed characters and there will be gifts for children, musical entertainment and refreshments for all.

Saturday, December 1:

Holiday Winterfest in the Village with Tree and Menorah Lighting
Westhampton Beach Village
10:30am
Starting at 10:30 in the Hampton Arts Twin Cinema enjoy holiday movies for kids. Then, beginning at noon, enjoy a horse and buggy ride down Main Street. Come discover the year-round shops and restaurants as they host kids activity craft stations, holiday treat stations, and holiday discounts, while visiting with Santa in the Gazebo, storytime with Mrs. Claus in the WHB Library, and giveaways with local radio stations broadcasting live. The Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting begins at 5:30 pm. Rain Date Saturday, December 8, 2012

Belmont Lake State Park Tree Lighting Festival
Belmont Lake State Park, West Babylon
4:15, lighting at 5pm
This celebration includes holiday music, provided by a local school chorus, ice sculptures, food vendors, and a visit from Santa.  After the tree has been lit, the evening culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.  

First Night & Tree Lighting
Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury
516-333-0048, ext. 301
6:30-8pm
Admission: $10 for non-members, $5 for children and members
Advance registration is required to attend this event and can be done through the above link or by calling the above number.  The event boasts light refreshments, singing by the Bethel Concert Choir, a visit from Santa and a glorious tree lighting at 8:15.

Sunday, December 2

33rd Annual Holiday Festival
Stony Brook Village Center
1:00pm - 6:00pm
Featuring holiday windows, live music, the Promenade of Trees, a model train display, petting zoo, “Goat on a Boat” puppet shows, special performance of "Not Forgotten: Voices of Stony Brook’s Past," a visit by SANTA . . . and much more!

Friday, December 7

Eighth Annual Tree Lighting & Visit from Santa
Planting Fields Arboretum
Oyster Bay
5-8pm
This free event promises holiday-themed activities, self-guided tours, the lighting of the tree at 6pm and a visit from Santa at 7:30.

Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Extravaganza

Veteran's Memorial

Bellmore Village

6-10pm

This event has it all; a visit with Santa, horse and carriage rides through the village, carolers and refreshments.  The tree will be lit at 7pm.
 

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Brookhaven Town Hall

Famingville

6pm

Come and enjoy local music and entertainment as well as the annual lighting at 7pm.

Annual Orphan Tree Lighting

Islip Arts Museum

East Islip

​7pm

Local students and scouts will entertain with caroling and refreshments will be served inside the musem.