The holiday season is officially upon us. Mark your calendars for the following holiday lighting ceremonies in celebration of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa:
Village Tree Lighting Ceremony: The Garden City Chamber of Commerce and Astoria Federal Savings officials are gearing up for the 59th annual Village Tree Lighting Ceremony set for Sunday afternoon, Dec. 8, between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. at the Village Gazebo. Astoria Federal Savings has been the proud supporter of this traditional community event for 19 consecutive years.
As in the past, Santa Claus will arrive on a Garden City fire truck and assist Mayor John Watras in the lighting of the village trees – one at the Village Gazebo; the other at the mall at Franklin and Stewart Avenues.
Bringing in the sounds of the season for many years, will be the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Stephen Mayo, plus the Fivestone Contemporary Rock Band, which, for many years, has performed at the chamber’s Fall Festival Street Fair and the spring Belmont Festival.
An added attraction this year will be the young Garden City Recreation Dancers. King’s Supermarket’s mascot “Kingsley Bear” will be on hand for photo-ops with the youngsters. The Garden City Fire Department will provide hot chocolate and local eateries will graciously provide cookies for spectators.
West End Tree Lighting: The Garden City West End Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. in the village park located between Plattsdale Road and the commercial tenants on the west side of the New Hyde Park Road shopping district.
Town of Hempstead Lighting Ceremony: Supervisor Kate Murray and members of the Hempstead Town Board invite residents to attend the annual lighting of the town's Christmas Tree, Menorah and Kinara on Sunday, Dec. 1, beginning at 4 p.m. at Hempstead Town Hall Plaza located at 1 Washington Street in Hempstead. Festivities will feature a visit from Santa, musical entertainment and refreshments. New toy donations for the Salvation Army Angel Tree will also be collected. For more information, call 489-5000, ext. 3303.
Nassau County's Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting: Nassau County officials will light a six-foot Menorah with Rabbi Perl of NCFJE Chabad of Mineola on Monday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. in Eisenhower Park's Parking Field 2. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the lighting of the Christmas Tree will take place at 5:30 p.m., also in Parking Field 2. For more information, call the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums at 572-0200 or click here.
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