The parade of lights is next month

And more holiday happenings near you

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The Center Moriches Fire Department will be hosting its annual Holiday Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 13. 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. 14 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

Waterdrinker will host their annual Merry Market with vendors Black Friday weekend, Nov. 28 through 30, from noon to 7 p.m. Local vendors will be selling handmade gifts and fresh-baked treats only for that weekend.

Otherwise, the Winter Wonderland is in full swing from Nov. 22 to Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event features Airstreams, firepits, s’mores, hot cocoa, light displays and tons of holiday photo ops. 

Waterdrinker also has their Christmas tree farm with pre-cut Christmas trees. Guests are also welcome to warm up in the greenhouse, where you can purchase holiday plants and greens and write letters to Santa. They also have a gift barn selling gift items and baked goods. 

“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, Saturday, 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 festivities begin with a cozy Holiday Pajama Party on Friday, Dec. 5, followed by a weekend of family fun at Santa on the Farm, Dec. 6 and 7.

Friday, Dec. 5 | Holiday Pajama Party | 5–7 P.M.

$20 in advance | $24 day of | Children under 2 free

Slip into your comfiest pajamas and start the season with laughter and light! Families can enjoy festive holiday songs around the fire, cocoa and cookies, story time, and a gentle yoga session with Santa himself. It’s a perfect, playful evening to ease into the holiday weekend.

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 6–7 | Santa on the Farm | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

$20 in advance | $24 day of | Children under 2 free

Step away from the holiday rush and into the peace of the farm. Guests can stroll the Woodland Trail Wonder Walk, meet Animal Ambassadors, create nature-inspired ornament crafts, and join a Holiday Story Circle with classic seasonal tales. Families can also capture the magic with photos with Santa, surrounded by rustic charm and winter beauty.

For tickets and more information, visit www.wildlifesustainability.org

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