Don’t miss the Parade of Lights

The Center Moriches Fire Department will be hosting its annual Holiday Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 14. The event starts at 6 p.m. and will make its way through Main Street.

It’s a family-oriented parade, which attracts thousands to Center Moriches each year. There are around 100 community groups involved, including fire departments, EMS, scouts, and more.

And of course, Santa will be making an appearance aboard a Center Moriches fire truck at the end of the parade.

“The Center Moriches FD Holiday Parade of Lights illuminates not just the streets, but the hearts of our community,” Bill Renzetti, Center Moriches FD parade chairman, said. “It’s a beautiful reminder of the unity and joy that embodies the spirit of the holidays within our town.”

There’s a committee of about 10 people behind the scenes planning the parade and about 15 who help it run smoothly on the day. Judges will be on hand looking closely at all the floats to see who will earn a trophy. Some of the awards include best fire/EMS apparatus, best community group, and more. This year’s judges are to be announced. 

A rain date for the parade is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. For more information on the parade, contact 631-878-0089 or parade@Centermorichesfd.com.

Waterdrinker Family Farms Winter Wonderland & Merry Market

This year, Waterdrinker will have a Merry Market every weekend starting Nov. 30. It will be every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Experience the magic outside by the airstream fire pits, explore the House of Lights, visit Who-ville, wander through thousands of twinkling lights and then warm up in the greenhouse at the local vendor market called Merry Market: Alpine Glow.

Every weekend, according to owner Marc Weiss, they have different local vendors selling handmade gifts and fresh baked treats, and you’ll be able to write letters to Santa and shop the gift barn!  So, stick up in holiday greens, pick out a Christmas tree, and take holiday photos by the poinsettias! Come support local vendors this holiday season!

“We love this time of year on the farm because our team has had an entire year to work together, and this is the time when we see how creative everyone really can be. We have so many talented employees helping us to construct this winter wonderland,” said Weiss. “Every year, we try to make it bigger and better. Sounds cheesy, but it feels like Santa’s workshop at the farm most days. We only have about 20 days to plant all the tulips for spring, and transform the farm from Fall Fest into the Winter Wonderland.”

Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting, Friday, Dec. 13

The annual tree lighting and menorah lighting will take place at 7 p.m. on Main Street in Center Moriches at the Center Moriches Square Shopping Center.
There will be a performance by students from Center Moriches High School chorus. There will be an appearance by Santa Claus, and hot chocolate and cookies.
The tree will feature a lighting ceremony. Also, the local synagogue will conduct a small ceremony. All are welcome.

The chamber’s annual Winter Wonderland has been cancelled this year.

Santa at the Long Island Game Farm

Santa Claus will officially be returning to Long Island Game Farm on select weekends in December. Santa on the Farm is presented by the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability. The wonderland event will feature photos with Santa, holiday crafts, and visits with game farm animals. Santa on the Farm takes place on Saturdays and Sundays on Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22. There are three time slots for each day: 9 - 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and 1 - 2:30 p.m. Tickets purchased after Nov. 1 are $35 per person. All tickets include admission to Long Island Game Farm. Details and tickets can be found at wildlifesustainability.org/santa-on-the-farm.