Leg Lamp, $169.99, Red Rider Leg Lamps
Aside from an authentic A Christmas Story full-size replica leg lamp—and, you know, world peace—there really is nothing we want for Christmas this year. The only thing we really want to do is steer clear of the mall madness/Jericho Turnpike death corridor until the last possible minute, have a few cups of cheer and enjoy the one time of year we listen to Celine Dion on purpose.
And, here’s how we’re going to do it:
3-D Holiday Light Show
Through 12.23
There’s a house near us decorated by a professional Christmas light company with white lights perfectly spaced, 6-foot wreaths on every side, also with white lights, perfectly spaced, dainty red bows, and shimmery snowflakes in every window. Beautiful. Then there’s this other house a few blocks away that is decorated, with no professional help—eight blow up Snowmen, lights of every color on every inch of the house, upside down, sideways and backwards, light-up faded plastic figurines–of every ethnicity, sex, age and hair color-covering every morsel of grass. Awesome. No matter what kind of lights your into, you’ll find them all at the Girl Scouts Annual Light Show. Drive through a mile-long wooded trail covered with dazzling lights and stop by the Holiday Village on Thursday and Saturday to meet Santa. Camp Edey, 1500 Lakeview Ave., Bayport. 5-9 p.m. 631-543-6622 ext. 226. $12 per car.
Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker
SUN 12.20
Long Island’s most lavish Nutcracker production returns for its 30th season with world-class dancers and stunning scenery created by Long Island sculptor Matt Targon. Autograph sessions with the dancers are available after each matinee in the main lobby. Staller Center, Nicolls Road, Stony Brook. 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. $34, $25. 631-584-0192.
Prancer & Dancer
Through 12.24
Dasher, Donner, Blitzen, Vixen, Comet, Cupid and Rudolph are a little busy this week, but you can still visit with two of Santa’s reindeer fresh in from the North Pole. Stick around for an animated Christmas story, cookies and moving decorations. Hicks Nursery, 100 East Jericho Tpke, Mineola, 516-334-0066. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sundays till 8 p.m.
Bayville Winter Wonderland
Through SUN 1.3
It’s that time of year again when Bayville Fun Park turns into a replica of the North Pole with a Pirate’s First Christmas Light Show, Santa’s Magical 3-D Workshop Fun House, ice skating, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, Holiday Express train ride, build a holiday bear and you even meet the big guy himself if you time it right. Bayville Fun Park, 8 Bayville Ave. 516-628-TOYS.
Christmas Eve Skate Party
THU 12.24
Lace up those skates. Refreshments will be served and Santa will break from his busy schedule to make an appearance on the ice. Donations will be accepted for local families in need. Marjorie Post Park, 451 Unqua Rd, Massapequa. 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. Free. Please RSVP by Dec. 21st by calling 631-598-7034.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Through MON 1.4
You don’t have to travel into the city to skate under the big tree. The ice skating rink at Reckson Plaza is open through January. Click here for the complete schedule. Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale. $8, $5.
Holiday Extravaganza
Through 12.24
Have your photo taken with Santa on a vintage 1939 John Deer tractor and celebrate with kids crafts and all the animals at the indoor farm. White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Rd, Melville. 631-351-9373. Fridays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Candlelight Evenings
SUN 12.20, SAT 12.26-WED 12.30
Candlelight Evenings offers a Hallmark card setting of flickering candles inside the Village’s historic homes, along with 19th-century holiday decorations and entertainment, all set within the confines of the darkened property. Among the forms of 19th-century entertainment offered will be the “Magic Lantern” show, the predecessor of the contemporary slide show, featuring displays of hand-colored glass slides of famous persons, places and events. There will also be musical entertainment, including a brass quartet playing popular seasonal tunes and traditional American dancers, and readings of classic holiday children’s stories in the Manetto Hill Church. In addition, visitors can warm up around the bonfire in the Village’s crossroads and enjoy hot, mulled cider and ginger cookies at the Noon Inn, for a small fee. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. 5-9:30 p.m. $10, $7.
Tree-mendous Art Exhibit
Through WED 1.6
To celebrate the holidays, the Islip Art Museum invited six artists to install projects in the various rooms of their landmark Carriage House on the grounds of Brookwood Hall. But these aren’t just decorated trees. Instead, these artists present the Christmas tree in abstract terms: form, material, endangered resource and timeless symbol–from an over-the-top Christmas truck bursting with tinsel and toys, to a minimalist rendition of a haunting and treeless Manhattan skyline. Islip Art Museum, Irish Lane, Islip.
Miracle On 34th Street
Through SUN 1.3
Little Susan, doubtful there is a real Santa Claus, meets a convincing department store Santa and discovers dreams can come true if you believe. See the classic tale performed live on stage. John Engeman Theater, 250 Main St, Northport. 631-261-2900.
Don’t think you have time? Still have shopping to do? Check out our list of 35 gift cards that come with freebies here.
