A plethora of holiday events in Queens will spread a festive mood this month. Whether it’s meeting Papa Noel in Elmhurst, caroling on Jackson Heights streets, marveling at a tree/menorah lighting in Bayside, or sipping hot chocolate at the Great Lawn in Astoria, this list has something for everyone. We’re starting with lighting ceremonies.
Lighting Ceremonies:
Sat., Dec. 16, 1 pm-5:30 pm. Tinker Fest & Holiday Tree Lighting at Lewis Latimer House: Partake in free tinkering such as Lego building and DIY LED holiday cards. Plus, enjoy the tree lighting with hot cocoa and music. There are three time slots: 1-2:20 pm, 2:40-4 pm, 4:30-5:30 pm. Lewis Howard Latimer House Museum, 34-41 137th Street, Flushing. See more.
Sun., Dec. 17, 6 pm. 3rd Community Grand Menorah Lighting: On the 6th night of Chanukah, enjoy an evening of live music and dancing with Chanukah Clowns & Dreidel Mascots, lighting of the 18-foot menorah, glow-in-the-dark fun, a fire show, and food & refreshments. Yellowstone Municipal Park, 68-01 Yellowstone Blvd., Forest Hills. See more.
Other feature holiday events in Queens:
Sat., Dec. 16, 7 pm-10 pm. 9th Annual Jackson Heights Winter Caroling Sing & Stroll:
Attendees will sing as a group winter and holiday songs from all faiths, languages as cultures while walking through the local Jackson Heights area. There will also be singing in American Sign Language with students and faculty at the Lexington School. Small, accoustic, portable instruments welcome and encouraged. Bring a flashlight or well-protected candle. Meet on the corner of 31st Avenue and 75th Street. See more
Sat., Dec. 30, noon-8 pm. The Afrikan Poetry Theatre’s 40th Kwanzaa Festival: Eight hours of continuous entertainment (dance groups, live music, poetry); crafts vendors; traditional cuisine (African, Caribbean and Soul); and a candle lighting ceremony. Amazura Concert Hall, 91-12 144th Place, Jamaica, NY 11435. See more.
Past holiday festivities:
Fri., Dec. 1, 6 pm. Maspeth’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony: Get ready for live entertainment, free raffles, and a visit from Santa. Maspeth Memorial Square, 69th Street and Grand Avenue. See more
Fri., Dec. 1, 7 pm-9 pm. Tree Lighting Ceremony at Bohemia Hall & Beer Garden: The free, family-friendly event at an historic venue will have cookies, hot chocolate and plenty of holiday cheer. Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. See more.
Fri., Dec. 1, 4:30 pm-7:30 pm. Middle Village Tree Lighting Ceremony: Marvel by the tree lighting while enjoying carols and savoring holiday cookies and refreshments. Santa will make a stop to take photos and bring kids a special surprise. Community United Methodist Church, 75-27 Metropolitan Avenue. See more.
Fri., Dec. 1, 4 pm-6 pm. Talent Youth Development Annual Community Tree Lighting: Join in for some tree decorating prior to the lighting ceremony. There will be live performances and a special appearance by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and helpful elves. Baisley Pond Park, Baisley and Rockaway boulevards, South Jamaica. See more.
Sat., Dec. 2, 2 pm-5 pm. Astoria’s 5th Annual Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration: Central Astoria Local Development Corporation’s holiday tradition will feature free music, magic, train rides, performances and treats. Tree lighting at 5 pm. 19th Street and 23rd Avenue by Great Lawn in Astoria Park. See more.
Sat., Dec. 2, 3 pm. 3rd Annual Whitestone Village Tree Lighting: A delightful evening featuring entertainment by Whitestone children, a tree lighting, a visit from Santa and free refreshments. Harpell’s Parking Lot, 14th Avenue and 150th Street. See more.
Sat., Dec. 2, noon-8 pm. 1st Annual Sunnyside Holiday Shopping Trolley Tour: Take a free nostalgic trolley ride throughout Sunnyside and shop until you drop. Grab a Shop Local Holiday Passport of discounts, discover free gift wrapping stations, stop by kids craft tables, taste free samples at selected eateries, and enjoy performances in the plazas. Pickup and drop off points along Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue. See more.
Sun., Dec. 3- Sun., Dec. 10. 1st Annual Kew Gardens Holiday Shopping Crawl: More than 30 local shops will offer in-store raffles, special events, sales & coupons, and, of course, holiday themed gifts/gift baskets. Lefferts Boulevard between Austin Street & Metropolitan Avenue, as well as Metropolitan Avenue between Lefferts & 116th Street. See more.
Sun., Dec. 3, noon-5:30 pm. Christmas in the Garden: Enjoy free live music, holiday crafts, caroling, and a tree lighting. You can also pay for photos with Santa and a wreath-making workshop, donate to the New York Cares coat drive or take care of your shopping list at the gift shop. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street, Flushing. See more.
Sun., Dec. 3, 3:30 pm-5 pm. Bayside’s 4th Annual Holiday Parade & Lighting Ceremony: Join Snow Queen, Yeti, and beloved community groups in a fun holiday parade, followed by caroling, free hot beverages, and a tree/menorah lighting celebration. Plus, a free Christmas tree raffle! Parade route: Bell Boulevard from 36th Avenue to 41st Avenue. Lighting ceremony: 41st Avenue Green. See more + enter raffle.
Mon., Dec. 4, 4:30 pm-6:30 pm. 3rd Annual Elmhurst Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration: Besides the tree lighting, expect caroling from local schools, a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” a visit from Santa, kids activities, and refreshments. Broadway between 45th Avenue and 82nd Street. See more.
Mon., Dec. 4, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Queens Borough Hall’s 2017 Christmas Tree Lighting: Join Queens Borough President Melinda Katz for this holiday celebration. There will be caroling, cookies and a special visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Outside Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard, Kew Gardens. See more.
Thurs., Dec. 7, 6 pm. Hunter’s Point Christmas Tree Lighting: An evening of music & caroling, free refreshments by COFFEED, festive children’s entertainment, and photos with Santa. Tree lighting at 7 pm. 52-10 Centre Boulevard, Long Island City.
Fri., Dec. 8, 4:30 pm. The 82nd Street Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Kick off the holiday season in Jackson Height’s 82nd Street with a tree lighting, live music and refreshments. Dunningham Triangle, 82nd Street and Baxter Avenue, Jackson Heights. See more.
Sat., Dec. 9, 4 pm – 5:30 pm. Jackson Heights’ Annual Tree Lighting: Children will have the opportunity to make ornaments an hour prior to the tree lighting, which is scheduled for 5 pm. There will be signing and hot chocolate for all. In front of the Post office on 37th Avenue and 78th Street. See more.
Sun., Dec. 10, Glendale Kiwanis Tree Lighting Ceremony: Santa, who will be driven in by the Coast Car Association, will give out presents to kids and pose for photos. Adding to the fun will be free hot chocolate and Christmas tunes. Glendale Memorial Triangle, Myrtle Avenue and Cooper Avenue.
More holiday events in Queens are continuously being added. Please check back soon.
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Top Photo: Bayside Village BID; bottom photo: Central Astoria LDC