Sweetbriar Nature Center
62 Eckernkamp Dr, Smithtown
 
It's going to be cold, but the sun will be shining all afternoon (hopefully). So head out to beautiful Sweetbriar Nature Center and listen to stories about the Solstice Holiday while you and your little ones learn about the season. If you are courageous, you will be able to join in by coming with your favorite Seasonal tale. But even if you're just there to listen, these events are great and terrifically interesting and educational. They'll be serving seasonal refreshments like hot cocoa to help you stay warm! For more info, visit this website. 
 
 
Frosty the Snowman
Saturday, December 12 and Sunday December 13, 2PM
CM Performing Arts Center
931 Montauk Hwy, Oakdale
 
On the South Shore is a great little theater company we've just discovered. They offer great family shows at great prices, like this weekend's Frosty The Snowman. Tickets are just $9 per seat, and there are still seats available (as of Thursday). To stay warm this weekend, take the kids and enjoy this timeless tale of the chilly Season. Click here for more information.
 
 
Holiday Chocolate Workshop
Chocolate Lady Boutique
Long Island Museum
Rt 25A, Stony Brook
 
One of my favorite chocolate stores on all of Long Island, the Chocolate Lady Boutique is sharing their skills this Saturday. Visit the Long Island Museum out in Stony Brook for a chocolate sleigh workshop. It's hard to imagine in a short hour or two we could all learn to make a chocolate sleigh, but what do we care if we get alot of help or if do it on our own or end up having to buy one-as long as we walk away with the sleigh, right?  Well, for more info, click here. 
 
 
7th Annual Reenactment of the Flying Santa
Saturday, December 12 11:30AM
Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society
4640 Captree Island, Captree Island
 
Hop on down to Captree Island for this annual tradition of Santa's arrival and a great photo op! One of the original (well 50 years ago original) lighthouse keepers will share the story of Santa's arrival by sleigh. This is a GREAT event for kids and it is FREE. Click here for more info. 
 
 
Chanukah Wonderland
Sunday, December 13 1:30-3PM
Merrick Park Golf Course Clubhouse

 

Celebrating the great festival of lights, this Hanukkah Celebration is more than just a Menorah Lighting. Using clics (the coolest new term for lego like building blocks), the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Merrick has built one of hte World's largest menorahs made out of them. At 12 ft, tall, the lighting will be the grande finale on an afternoon of family fun which includes doughnut and mug decorating dreidel making, and other crafts and activities. Start at the Clubhouse and stay for the parade at 3:30, which ends in the lighting at the Merrick LIRR gazebo (Merrick Ave and Sunrise Hghy) 

Click here for more information.

 
Other Hanukkah celebrations and menorah lightings at the following JCCs and Congregations:
 
 
Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC
11AM-1PM Sunday
15 Neil Ct, Oceanside
 
Congregation Tifereth Israel
10:30-11:30AM Sunday
40 Hill St, Glen Clove
 
Jericho JC
10AM Sunday
430 N Broadway, Jericho
 
Mid Island JCC-Wold Series of Dreidels