Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has announced the holiday events schedule for Suffolk County Department of Parks facilities this holiday season. After another successful year with strong attendance across all County parks, beaches and campgrounds, holiday events aim to continue to promote Suffolk’s robust network of pristine parks.
"As the holiday season approaches, our Suffolk County Parks are proud to continue the tradition of offering family-friendly holiday activities for everyone to enjoy,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “Many of these activities have become a staple of our communities and we look forward to sharing the joys of the holiday season with each and every resident and their families.”
The County Executive additionally announced that the Girl Scout’s Holiday Light Show is expanding with new experiences this year. Smith Point Park will be hosting the 19th annual Holiday Light Show where you can enjoy driving along the 1.5-mile trail with more than 100 dazzling holiday-themed displays. New this year, Southaven County Park is being transformed into an Enchanted Forrest! Follow the 200 feet of festively lit walkway to a heated area for selfies with Santa Claus and one of his holiday friends, or hang out in the “Chill Zone” where you’ll find music, games and a toasty fire pit.
Holiday Events Schedule as Follows:
November 25, 26 and 27
Sagtikos Manor Gift Shop
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM:
Visit their gift shop and do all your shopping for the holidays. The Sagtikos Manor Gift Shop has some new items in for the season. Get away from the frantic crowds and browse in a delightful tranquil setting. Entrance and parking is in the rear of the manor. For more information: http://sagtikosmanor.org/
November 26 and then Saturdays and Sundays December 3-18, and on Thursday, December 22.
“Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season”
Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport
Enjoy candlelight Tours of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion, visit with Santa and friends in his workshop, a children’s scavenger hunt, and a 15-minute Holiday Laser show in the Reichert Planetarium. All-inclusive tickets: adults $25, Members $20; children 12 and under $15, Members $10; children 2 and under FREE. Tickets available at https://www.vanderbiltmuseum.
On Saturday, November 26, the first night of Bright Lights, the huge, decorated tree in the Courtyard will be illuminated at 6:00 pm.
November 30
Holiday Lighting of the Big Duck
Big Duck, Flanders 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM:
The event features a visit from Quackerjack, the Long Island Ducks baseball team mascot, duck carols led by students from the Riverhead Middle School Show Choir, refreshments and the ever-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus by fire truck.
November 26 -- December 30
19th Annual Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show and Enchanted Forest
Smith Point County Park:
All proceeds from the drive-through show benefit Girl Scout programs & families across Long Island. Combo Ticket: $40 per car + up to 5 Forest tickets. $100 per mini-bus + up to 15 Forest Tickets. $150 per School Bus + up to 40 Forest Tickets. Light Show Tickets: $22/car; $42 for mini bus/RV; $72 for coach and school buses. Enchanted Forest Ticket: $10 per person (online), $15 per person at the ticket booth. Children under 3- FREE. No cash; Only credit/debit cards will be accepted for payment. For more information, visit www.holidaylightshow.org
December 3 and December 4
Decking the Halls at Sagtikos
Sagtikos Manor, 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM (Tours leave every 15 minutes):
Take a walk back in time and explore some of the holiday traditions that were celebrated throughout the years as you tour the Manor decorated for the holidays. Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. $22 adults, $9 children (5-12), reserved in advance, $25 at the door as space allows. For tour day/times visit the Sagtikos Manor website at: http://sagtikosmanor.org/
December 4 and December 5
Holiday Open House
Meadow Croft, Sayville 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM:
Join Meadow Croft Estate for their annual Holiday Open House Weekend! Gather round the Roosevelt grand piano for festive music, tour rooms beautifully decorated for Christmas with Victorian/Edwardian Christmas Decorations, and learn some of the history of this historic home. Head on out to The Carriage House for St. Nicks workshop - visit with old St. Nick himself, have your picture taken, enjoy some cookies and cocoa and view the great train display! Visitors must stop at the main house first to get their pass to the Carriage House. Adults $5.
December 10 and December 11
Open House Tours, Yaphank Historic District.
19 Mill Rd, Yaphank, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM:
The Yaphank Historical Society is offering holiday open house tours at the Robert and Isabella Hawkins House, The Booth House Museum and The Homan-Gerard House. At the Swezey-Avey House you can enjoy music by Don and Susan Cerce, holiday refreshments and the Exhibit Rooms will be decked out with holiday decorations, while at Hawkins House you can browse through The Bank of the River Gift Shop for all your holiday shopping needs. Purchase tickets and pick up instructions at the Swezey-Avey House, ticket prices: Adults: $10; children under 12 are free. Call 631-924-4803 for more information.