BY EMMA MILLER
The holiday season has officially begun, and there are lots of fun things to do and see in Queens.
Check out these tree lightings and other upcoming holiday events across the “World’s Borough”:
Glendale
The Shops at Atlas Park will usher in the holiday season with a tree lighting this Saturday night, Nov. 24. From 6 to 8 p.m., enjoy music, face painting, giveaways, a special visit from Santa and, of course, a tree lighting.
Then come to the Glendale Memorial Triangle, at the corner of Myrtle and Cooper Avenues, on Sunday, Dec. 9, for the neighborhood’s annual tree lighting hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Glendale. The event gets underway at 5 p.m. and features live music, hot chocolate, doughnuts and more! Every child will receive a gift from Santa and have a photo opportunity. Santa is scheduled to appear at the ceremony at about 6 p.m.
Astoria
Come to Astoria Park for their sixth annual holiday festival on the Great Lawn on Saturday, Dec. 1. Enjoy music, train rides and refreshments beginning at 2 p.m. until the tree lighting at 5 p.m.
Flushing
The Queens Botanical Garden will host its “Christmas in the Garden” program featuring crafts, a cappella music, caroling and more! Pictures with Santa will be available for a fee. The event is on Sunday, Dec. 2, from noon to 5:30 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 5 p.m.
Additionally, the Queens Historical Society will once again be offering their annual holiday tour event on Sunday, Dec. 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. Enjoy seven different historical sites within walking distance at your own pace.
The Kingsland Homestead, Voelker Orth Museum, Lewis H. Latimer House Museum, Flushing Town Hall, Friends Meeting House, Bowne House and Louis Armstrong House Museum will each have tours, activities, snacks, music, crafts or decorations to celebrate the holidays.
Tickets are $5 for kids under 12, $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Practice your tinkering skills with some holiday-themed activities at the Lewis H. Latimer House Museum on Sunday, Dec. 16. Enjoy hot chocolate and music while you build from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. There will also be a tree lighting at 5 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited space. Contact the Latimer House at 718-961-8585.
Bayside
The Bayside Village Business Improvement District and Councilman Paul Vallone will host Bayside’s fifth-annual holiday parade on Dec. 2. The parade starts at 3 p.m. at the corner of 36th Avenue and Bell Boulevard, then proceeds south on Bell Boulevard to 41st Avenue and ends outside the Bayside Long Island Rail Road station.
At the station, the revelers will enjoy holiday activities, food, hot chocolate and the annual lighting of the Bayside Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah. The event concludes at about 5 p.m.
Maspeth
Come to Maspeth Memorial Square for their annual tree lighting. There will be carols, hot chocolate, giveaways and a visit from Santa. This event is at 6 p.m. on Friday night, Dec. 7. The Maspeth Lions Club is among the event’s sponsors.
Woodhaven
The Woodhaven Business Improvement District will hold its annual Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lighting on Friday night, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at the Forest Parkway Plaza, located at the corner of Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue. The ceremony features live music and a scheduled appearance by Santa Claus himself.
Ridgewood
Visit the Onderdonk House for a fun day learning about the legend of St. Nicholas during a St. Nicholas Day celebration on Sunday, Dec. 9. There will be live music, holiday treats, crafts, a tree lighting and a special appearance by St. Nick himself. This event is from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children and seniors.
