Following are scenes from an evening ride through our North Shore neighborhoods. The display of lights brightened the streets and, of course, my mood. It must be so enjoyable walking your dog at night or just strolling after dinner to admire the handiwork of your neighbors. If you would like to share a photo of your special light display, please do not hesitate to snap and e-mail or text me.
Did you attend the NYC Winter Lantern Festival at Snug Harbor or the Grand Illumination at the Conference House or Christmas in Richmond Town or any of the Christmas/Holiday Fairs?
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Learn basic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) concepts on Wednesday, 12/5 from 3:30-4:30 at the St. George Library, 5 Central Ave. This fun learning experience begins with a short read aloud followed by hands-on science experiments, engineering challenges or technology tinkering. Ages 5-12 welcomed.
Have a blast exploring STEM Day (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) on Wednesday 4 at the Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St. Ages 5-11 welcomed.
On Wednesday from 5:30-7:30, the New Dorp BID will host their annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Festival at 181 New Dorp Ln. There will be food, games, music, Christmas caroling, family photo booth with Santa, trackless train, animals, costume characters, free gift wrapping and more!
Staten Island’s Borough Hall welcomes all to participate in its annual Menorah Lighting on Wednesday at 6:30 at 10 Richmond Terr. The event will feature musical performances from various community groups. The Festival of Lights is sponsored by the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island.
Participate in Family Association Meeting on Wednesday from 7-8:30 at the South Shore YMCA, 3939 Richmond Ave. for family members who are dealing with a loved one struggling with substance use.
Ward off the oncoming winter doldrums with small group indoor cycling at Intro to Indoor Cycling on Thursday, 12/6 from 10–10:45 at the H.H. Biddle House in Conference House Park, 70 Satterlee St. Space is limited; registration is highly encouraged! Please register by e-mail at Stephanie.Parello@parks.nyc.gov or by calling 646-571-5234.
Attend Winter Crafternoon on Thursday at 3 at the Huguenot Library, 830 Huguenot Ave. for a crafternoon all about the upcoming winter and holidays! Festive fun is sure to be had, so make sure to wear comfy clothes because it may get a bit messy. All ages are welcomed!
No matter what holiday you celebrate, get into the spirit at the Mariners Harbor Library, 206 South Ave. with Holiday Ornament Decorating on Thursday at 4. Decorate your very own ornament and display your masterpiece on the library's holiday tree. First come, first served. Good for all ages.
Attend the 30th Anniversary Screening of “Working Girl” & Cinema Connex Kickoff Party on Thursday at 7 at the St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St. Party in Lobby begins at 7; film at 8. Join Staten Island Arts as we kick off our Cinema Connex Film Series with a FREE screening of “Working Girl,” the much-loved tale of a Staten Islander with big ambitions. This community event celebrates the 30th anniversary since Staten Islander Tess McGill stole audience members’ hearts as she strode down the ferry ramp and into the ranks of buttoned-up business life in Manhattan. FREE ENTRY & SCREENING with 80’s Hair Teasing Station by Electric Hair & Photo-ops to picture yourself as your favorite character! Photo Portraits by Kristopher Johnson and Cocktails/Concessions by St. George Theatre available for purchase. RSVP at statenislandarts.secure.force.com
Attend Babies and Brew, a fun, unstructured playtime for you and your youngest children on Friday, 12/7 at 11 at the West New Brighton Library, 76 Castleton Ave. Enjoy coffee and snacks while the little ones socialize and play. Fun for babies, toddlers, & preschoolers; no sign-up is required!
Attend the Christmas Village & Live Nativity at Salem Church, 634 Clove Rd. on Friday, 12/7, Saturday, 12/8 and Sunday 12/9 from 6-9. This is a FREE family event, featuring live music, food, hot chocolate, petting zoo and more.
Visit Santa Claus at South Shore Commons, 2935 Veterans Rd. West on Friday, 12/7, Saturday, 12/8 and Sunday, 12/9 from 12-3. Bring the kids to visit the big guy and warm up with complimentary hot chocolate as you check off some holiday to-dos! We encourage you to bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to a child in need this Holiday Season. Santa's Workshop (Next door to Dress Barn).
Participate in Chen-Style Tai Chi for Beginners on Saturday, 12/8 from 12:30-1:30 at the H.H. Biddle House in Conference House Park, 70 Satterlee St. Tai Chi focuses the mind while training the body—meditation through movement. As such, new students must start with the beginner class for at least 3-5 lessons to see if traditional Tai Chi is the right fit. Thereafter, students may move into the Level 1 class on Monday/Friday/Saturday.
Any time you fold a piece of paper, you’re crafting. And there are surprisingly many ways to fold a piece of paper. Attend Paper Crafting on Saturday from 2-3:30 at the Conference House Park, 7455 Hylan Blvd. All ages are welcome. You must be able to use scissors! Students are encouraged to bring their own tools and supplies. Registration is highly encouraged to be sure of space! To register, email Stephanie.Parello@parks.nyc.gov or call 646-571-5234.
Staten Island OutLOUD presents The Big Read for the National Endowment for the Arts featuring Kelly Link’s whimsical short stories, “Pretty Monsters” on Saturday from 2-4 at Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center, 2351 Veterans Rd W. What mysteries lurk in the forest? Best for ages 7+. For more info, visit www.statenislandoutloud.org.
Autism Speaks is pleased to partner with the Staten Island Mall and World Wide Photography to present the 5th annual “Caring Santa” program for special needs families who can benefit from visiting Santa in a quiet and calm environment on Sunday, 12/9 from 10-11 at the Staten Island Mall, 2655 Richmond Ave. Regular Santa visits will also be available after our “Caring Santa” program. Space is limited and reservations need to be secured in advance. Twelve families will be booked within the hour window block (five minutes per family). Reservations are required. Please contact Trish Rollins at StatenIsland@autismspeaks.org to reserve your space with Santa.
Attend the Annual Holiday Maker Market Venue at Staten Island MakerSpace, 450 Front St, Unit B on Sunday, 12/9 from 11-4. Check out some wonderful local art and products by awesome vendors. Maker Park Radio will be joining the venue this year with an Open House. There will be an open studio, hands on DJ station, bake sale and live artist’s including Blues artist’s Michael Hill & Pete Cummings playing as an acoustic duo and more!
Hosted by the Tottenville Historical Society, the Holiday Festival of Tradition will be held at the H.H. Biddle House, 70 Satterlee St. on Sunday from 1-4. This holiday season will feature an exhibit of the Festival of Trees, a glittering display of decorated evergreen trees, and the Menorah, representing the Jewish Festival of Lights. Trees are individually decorated to honor the traditions of Poland, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Scandinavia, and Mexico. Refreshments (spekulatius, pfeffernüsse, beigli and other treats) will be served as well as live music. The exhibit is open weekends and weekdays by appointment.
Attend the Karaoke Fundraiser with proceeds to benefit the Coalition of Wetlands and Forests, to save the Graniteville Wetlands on Sunday from 1-5 at Liedy’s Shore Inn, 748 Richmond Terr. featuring food and raffles, DJ and specialty drinks. Larry Liedy will be honored for his support of environmental causes on Staten Island and will perform as himself and Elvis Presley. Admission is $15/person.
A Very GRACE-ful Holiday Celebration takes place on Sunday from 2-5 at P.S. 52, 50 Buel Ave. for Autism Friendly Day! Holiday photos, vendors, hot chocolate, treats, food trucks, raffles will be available with a visit from Santa on a fire truck. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children 5-12. Children under 5 are FREE. The event will be held in the schoolyard and cafeteria so dress warm!
Join the Urban Park Rangers for Astronomy: The Night Sky on Sunday from 6–7:30 at Arthur Kill Rd. and Brookfield Ave. in Brookfield Park. The Rangers will be your guides to the solar system, discussing the science, history, and folklore of the universe. Night Sky programs highlight the history and folklore of the solar system, using the naked eye to locate stars and planets.
Christmas/Holiday Fairs
Wednesday, 12/5
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P.S. 58 Holiday Fair, 77 Marsh Ave., 6-9
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P.S. 37R Holiday Fair, 15 Fairfield St., 9-2
Thursday, 12/6
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P.S. 37R Holiday Fair, 15 Fairfield St., 9-2
Friday, 12/7
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P.S. 36 Holiday Fair, 255 Ionia Ave., 6-8
Saturday, 12/8
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St. Teresa School Christmas Fair, 1632 Victory Blvd. (Conran Hall), 10-3
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Castleton Hill Moravian Church, 1657 Victory Blvd., 10-4
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St. Christopher School Christmas Fair, 50 Maguire Ave. 12-6
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Eltingville Lutheran’s Mistletoe Halls, 300 Genesee Ave., 10-4
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Island Shores Holiday Fair, 1111 Father Capodanno Blvd., 12-4
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South Shore Toddler Academy Holiday Fair, 11 Sampson Ave. 10-2
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P.S. 42 Winter Wonderland, 380 Genessee Ave., 11-5
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St. Mary’s, 347 Davis Ave., 10-4
Sunday, 12/9
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St. Teresa School Christmas Fair, 1632 Victory Blvd. (Conran Hall), 10-3
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Holiday Shopping at the Hilton, 1100 South Ave. vinevendornetwork.org, 10-4:30
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Opening Doors Wellness & Recovery Winter Wonderland, Calla Karate, 1652 Richmond Ave., 1-4
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