Holiday Happenings
by Wendy Elkis Girnis
Class of 1977
Welcome to the Holiday Season. When we think of November and December, we think of snow, celebrations, Santa, lit menorahs, and kinaras. There are many holidays taking place during these months. There are also many festivities and celebrations taking place in and around Hicksville. Let’s mark down some of these in our calendars.
November Festivities
- November 27- Oyster Bay Turkey Trot by the Bay - Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, 9:30 a.m. Start, Rain or Shine
- First 200 runners to cross the finish line (NOT TIME) & 100 runners who finish between 900 and 1000 will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to a local restaurant in Oyster Bay! https://events.elitefeats.com/25oysterturkey
- November 27- Check out the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, - Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 – Celebrate With Us!
- November 29-30 - 1863 Thanksgiving Celebration at Old Bethpage Village Restoration - At Old Bethpage Village Restoration, you can tap into the past during their 1863 Thanksgiving Celebration. This museum is said to be a truly immersive experience where attendees can dive fully into the 1800s.
- On Nov. 29 and 30, you can experience a Civil War–era Thanksgiving with food and traditional customs. There will also be historic reenactments. The celebration will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. https://oldbethpagevillagerestoration.org/
- November. 26 and November. 28- Kids’ Craft Day - Come enjoy a family-friendly event right before and after Thanksgiving at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium.
- On Nov. 26 and Nov. 28, the nonprofit will be hosting a crafting session for kids. Learn how to make delightful festive decorations while building fun memories with your little ones. The sessions will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. http://cshfishhatchery.org/event/kids-craft-day-thanksgiving/
December Celebrations
- Monday, December 8: Bodhi Day (Buddhism) - Also called Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, it commemorates when Siddhartha Gautama attained awakening — or enlightenment — some 2,600 years ago, becoming the Buddha. It is a day of prayer, meditation, chanting, and reading the scriptures (Sutras).
- Contact local Buddhist centers on Long Island for a list of events
- Friday, December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe Day (Christianity) - A Catholic holiday celebrated on December 12th to commemorate the Virgin Mary's appearance to Juan Diego in 1531.
- Check with your local Catholic Church for special events.
- Tuesday, December 16 – Wednesday, December 24: Las Posadas (Mexican/Southwestern US Christianity) - A Mexican Christmas tradition that commemorates Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and is celebrated with processions, singing, and piñatas.
- For activities, check out this website: https://www.twinkl.com/event/las-posadas-usa-2025
- Thursday, December 21 – Monday, January 1: Yule (Pagan)- Celebrates the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and the rebirth of the sun. - Celebrate Yule, with a Solstice Hike
- Contact your local state or county parks for a listing of times and places.
- Wednesday, December 25: Christmas Day (Christianity)- Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God.
- Santa will be at the Broadway Commons until December 24th- https://atbroadwaycommons.com/events/photos-with-santa/
- Christmas House Long Island is open at the Broadway Commons- Christmas House Long Island is an indoor, one-of-a-kind, fully immersive Christmas experience! https://christmashouselongisland.com/
- See The Nutcracker- a one-hour children’s version at Holy Trinity High School on Sat. Dec. 14, 2025, at 02:00 pm. Enjoy a holiday tradition performed by the dancers of The Dance Place. This perfect one-hour narrated version is especially great for kids and families. https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/55109598/the-nutcracker-hicksville-holy-trinity-high-school?gclid=
- Sunday, December 14– Monday, December 22: Chanukah (Judaism) - Celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after a Jewish victory against the Greek-Syrian Empire in the 2nd century BC.
- Check out some family-friendly events here: https://www.newyorkfamily.com/family-friendly-hanukkah-events-long-island/
- Friday, December 26: St. Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day) (Christianity) - Commemorates the life of St Stephen, a Christian deacon in Jerusalem who was known for his service to the poor and his status as the first Christian martyr. This holiday is celebrated by giving to charity, church services, and feasting.
- Check with British or Caribbean cultural centers for any upcoming events.
- Friday, December 26 – Thursday, January 1: Kwanzaa (Pan-African) - Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday that celebrates African American culture and heritage.
- Celebrate the principles of Kwanzaa with an evening of reflection, community unity, and cultural pride. This special event, hosted by the NCBWLI will feature guest speakers, a candlelighting ceremony, cultural dance performances, and more.
- Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Campus Center Ballroom, Farmingdale State College - This celebration is open to all and is a wonderful opportunity to honor heritage, community, and the spirit of the season. https://www.farmingdale.edu/events/2025-12-13-2025-kwanzaa.shtml
- .Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City, December 30, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
- Learn about the holiday's meaning and traditions, make a mkeka (traditional mat) craft, and a beaded ear of corn https://www.licm.org/calendar/event/celebrate-kwanzaa-2025/
