The holidays are finally here, and that means Queens residents will be making the season bright with tree lightings and other celebrations in the days ahead.
Some of the festivities — scheduled to take place rain, snow or shine — include the following:
Elmhurst
The Elmhurst Holiday Tree Lighting will take place on Dec. 4 at CC Moore Homestead Playground. Join Councilman Danny Dromm and Senator Toby Ann Stavisky for children’s activities, caroling, a “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” reading, a visit from Santa Claus and a Christmas tree lighting. The event begins at 4 p.m. on Broadway between 45th Avenue and 82nd Street and the tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m.
Maspeth
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Maspeth Memorial Square, located at 69th Street and Grand Avenue, will be held on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. The ceremony — sponsored by the Maspeth Chamber of Commerce — will include entertainment, raffles and a visit from jolly old Saint Nick.
Whitestone
The Third Annual Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Harpell’s parking lot at 150th Street and 14th Avenue. Sponsored by Councilman Paul Vallone, the We Love Whitestone Civic Association and local merchants, the event will bring refreshments, entertainment and a festive tree lighting to the neighborhood. Santa is also scheduled to stop by from some photo ops. The event will run from 3 until 6 p.m., with the tree lighting scheduled to take place at 5 p.m.
Astoria
The fifth annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Celebration will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, starting at 2 p.m. The Central Astoria Local Development Corporation will host the celebration at Astoria Park’s Great Lawn on 19th Street and 23rd Avenue. There will be train rides, holiday performances and popcorn will be served. The tree lighting is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Bayside
The Bayside Village Business Improvement District and Councilman Paul Vallone will present the fourth annual Children’s Holiday Parade on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The festivities will kick off at Bell Boulevard and 38th Avenue and be followed by carols and a tree lighting at the 41st Avenue green, adjacent to the LIRR train station. Expect some holiday treats and surprises at the celebration, according to the event page.
Middle Village
Santa will be making a special visit to the Community United Methodist Church at 75-27 Metropolitan Ave. on Friday, Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m. for a tree lighting ceremony. Arby’s has donated cookies and hot chocolate for everyone, and children will get the chance to take pictures with Santa Claus and receive a special surprise. The Girl Scout Brownie Troop 4419 from Our Lady of Hope will be singing Christmas carols. This event is sponsored in partnership by the Middle Village Chamber of Commerce, the Middle Village Kiwanis, and the Middle Village Property Owners and Residents Association.
Glendale
For another year, the Glendale Kiwanis will host the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Glendale Memorial Triangle, located at the intersection of Cooper Avenue and Myrtle Avenue will be held on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m. Santa — who will be driven in by the East Coast Car Association — will be giving out presents to each child and will be available for photos, hot chocolate will be provided by Dunkin Donuts, and Joe Fuoco and his students will be playing Christmas tunes.
The Annual Tree Lighting at Atlas Park, will be held on Nov. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m., where there will be holiday music, strolling elves, face painters, free coffee from Starbucks, cookies and milk for the kids, and a special visit from Santa. This year’s ceremony is presented by Broadway Stages.
Flushing
The Lewis H. Latimer House Museum, located at 34-41 137th St., will host a day of family-friendly tinkering and crafts, culminating with a tree lighting and hot cocoa. The festive event on Saturday, Dec. 16 will start at 1 p.m., with the tree lighting scheduled to take place at 4:30 p.m. Learn more about the free event here.
Also catch a glimpse of the big illuminated tree outside of Flushing Library, located at 41-17 Main St., which was lit at a ceremony on Nov. 21.
Are you holding a holiday event that we missed? Let us know by emailing editorial@qns.com.
Editor’s note: An earlier version incorrectly noted that the Elmhurst tree lighting would take place on Nov. 30. We regret the error and any confusion which may have resulted.
