Watch Live: Town Of Hempstead Holiday Lighting Ceremony

HEMPSTEAD, NY — Residents in the Town of Hempstead are invited to attend a virtual holiday lighting ceremony Monday afternoon.

The ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Monday at Hempstead Town Hall and will be hosted by Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board.

This ceremony continues the annual tradition of lighting of the Christmas Tree, Hanukkah Menorah and Kwanzaa Kinara to commemorate the holiday season.

The event, typically held in person, will instead be viewable through Facebook Live on the Town of Hempstead Facebook page.

“During times of hardship, it’s important to keep up traditional celebrations as we look forward to a return to normalcy," Clavin said in a statement. "Though it’s been an unusual year, it’s still the holiday season and a perfect time to get in the spirit!"

Officials will flip the holiday switch activate the town's Christmas Tree, as well as prepare the Hanukkah Menorah and Kwanzaa Kinara to be lit on their traditional days.

Local singer Peter Rapanaro plans to put on a solo performance at the event and Santa Claus will also appear, reassuring children all over the town that he still plans to stop by this year. Officials warned the big man in red may also ask for some hand sanitizer this year in addition to his typical helping of milk and cookies.

The town will also host free winter drive-in movies at Town Park in Point Lookout. The drive-in movies will be held each weekend until Dec. 20. Click here for a complete list of upcoming movies and showtimes.

"While nothing beats coming together as a community to mark the holiday season, I am still proud to join with my colleagues on the Town Board to continue this festive tradition," Clavin said. "And a special thank you to Santa Claus for squeezing a visit into his tight schedule!"