It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As the cold weather rolls in, Staten Islanders are slowly beginning to swap out their autumn décor for garland and holiday lights.
For most Staten Island residents, part of their holiday tradition involves attending one or more of the many fairs and festivals that take place across the borough. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the season, get a head start on holiday shopping, connect with neighbors, support local businesses, and visit community parishes, schools and other organizations than through these holiday events. You are sure to find great gift items, handmade crafts, baked goods, and perhaps catch a glimpse of Santa.
Below are some of the Holiday Fair events and festivities taking place on Staten Island during this holiday season. Why not check out a few?
November Holiday Fairs:
- Our Lady Queen of Peace Holiday Fair: November 22-23, 2013
- Great Kills Christ Lutheran Church Holiday Fair: November 23, 2013
- Staten Island Technical High School PTA Holiday Fair: November 23, 2013 from 10 am – 4 pm
- Great Kills Moravian Church Holiday Fair: November 23, 2013 from 10 am – 4 pm
- Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare Holiday Fair at All Saints Episcopal Church: November 23, 2013 from 10 am – 4 pm. Proceeds from this event go to help animals in need.
November
Gobble in the Greenbelt: November 23, 2013 at 1:30 pm. Celebrate Thanksgiving a little early by walking the trails in search of the foods the Native Americans would have eaten at the first Thanksgiving. Listen to a story, make a craft and sample some traditional food. For more information and pre-registration, visit the NYC Parks and Recreation website.
After Thanksgiving Hike at the Greenbelt: November 29, 2013 at 10 am – noon. Join Greenbelt educators for the 10th annual day after Thanksgiving hike in the Greenbelt. Walk off all that turkey and stuffing on this two-hour hike and enjoy the serenity of the woods, including a brief visit to the LaTourette house. For more information visit the NYC Parks and Recreation website.
Thanksgiving Kitchen Tours at Historic Richmond Town: November 29 and 30, 2013 from 1 – 5 pm. Tour the kitchens on the site and discover recipes and the sources of Thanksgiving meals we enjoy today. Tour included with admission. For more information, visit the Historic Richmond Town website.
Supper with Santa at Historic Richmond Town: November 30, 2013 at 5:00 pm. Santa Claus Is Returning To Historic Richmond Town! Come for a magical and fun-filled evening with Santa and his captivating magician. Seating is limited; visit the Historic Richmond Town website for more information.
December
Forest Avenue Business Improvement District Holiday Stroll: December 5, 2013 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm. Enjoy music, refreshments, raffles, carolers and holiday treats from Hart Boulevard to Broadway. Perhaps you’ll see Santa strolling along beside you!
Harbor Lights Theater Company presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at Snug Harbor Veteran’s Memorial Hall: December 6 through December 22, 2013. For more information, visit the Harbor Lights Theater Company website.
Port Richmond High School Holiday Fair: December 7, 2013 from 12 noon – 4 pm. Enjoy a variety of vendors, entertainment, food, raffles and a meet and greet with Santa, all while supporting PRHS school and student activities.
New Brighton Neighborhood Holiday Stroll: December 7, 2013. Join the Snug Harbor Cultural Center (SHCC) & Botanical Garden, the CPG (Creative Photographers Guild) Gallery, Christ Church and the Unitarian Church for a one-day holiday stroll through New Brighton from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Unitarian Church of Staten Island Jolly Holly Fair and Arts & Fine Crafts Gift Show: December 7, 2013 from 10 am – 4 pm at 312 Fillmore Street. This event is part of the New Brighton Neighborhood Holiday Stroll and will feature home-made goodies, hand-crafted gifts, seasonal plants and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Christ’s Church of Staten Island St. Nicholas Fair: December 7, 2013 from 8:30 am – 4 pm at 76 Franklin Avenue. This event is also part of the New Brighton Neighborhood Holiday Stroll. Enjoy vendors, raffles, baked goods, hand-made items and holiday wreaths, as well as breakfast and brunch with Santa until 3 pm.
Christmas in Richmond Town: December 8, 2013 from 10 am – 5 pm. Enjoy Christmas season in the village as you watch ornaments being made by the tinsmith, take your own photo with Santa, hear young carolers present holiday songs and listen to a lively storytelling session. Tour the decorated village and visit the courthouse for greenery, home-baked goodies, and holiday gift items for sale. For more information, visit the Historic Richmond Town website.
Christmas Show at the St. George Theatre: December 13 – 15, 2013 at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the St. George Theatre website.
Historic Richmond Town Candlelight Tours: December 14, 2013 from 5 – 8:30 pm. Take a journey through three-hundred years of tradition and discover how America’s most festive season came to be. For more information and to make reservations, visit the Historic Richmond Town website.
SIEDC Santa’s Helpers Toy Drive and Holiday Party: December 19, 2013 at 7:00 pm at Arena, 4916 Arthur Kill Road. Celebrate the holiday season by helping those in need; specifically, Staten Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy. This event is in conjunction with the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund. For more information about admission and pricing, visit EventBrite.com.
Welcome to Winter at the Greenbelt: December 21, 2013 from 1- 2 pm. What better way to bring in the first day of winter than at the Greenbelt, where participants will celebrate this day with a craft, activities and fun. For information on registration and pre-payment visit the NYC Parks and Recreation website.
The Nutcracker at the St. George Theatre: December 22, 2013 at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Click here for more information.
Of course, this isn’t a complete list of Holiday Fairs and events taking place on Staten Island this season. Residents within each neighborhood have their own way of coming together to celebrate the holiday season, which is just another reason why Staten Island is such a great place to live.
Interested in buying or selling a home on Staten Island’s North Shore? Check out my website for more information on listings, restaurants, attractions and neighborhood information. Contact Holly your “North Shore Expert” to help you live and experience the North Shore of Staten Island!
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I look forward to meeting up with you soon, and I hope you have a happy and safe holiday season.