Get in the holiday spirit with these Queens events
BY TAMMY SCILEPPI
Now that the thrill of Black Friday
and Cyber Monday has faded, it’s time
to relax and let loose. So, rock around
that Christmas tree or Hanukkah
bush, Queens-style, as you re-discover
the true meaning of the season. And
don’t forget Kwanzaa!
Every Queens neighborhood celebrates
the holidays in its own unique
way. There are festive tree lighting
ceremonies, parades and community
gatherings, historic holiday tours,
wreath-making workshops, menorah
lightings, holiday markets, fun kiddie
events and more.
“In many ways, Queens is a collection
of diverse small towns,” said
Queens Economic Development Corporation
Tourism Director Rob MacKay,
who pointed out that it’s nice to know
that local celebrations, like tree lighting
events, remain special holiday traditions.
“In some cases, attendees have
known each other for decades. In other
cases, immigrants are experiencing
the events for the first time ever,” he
continued. “The one theme is that they
all get people excited for the season.
Plus, there’s a rumor that Santa Claus
is going to pop in to many of them.”
Here’s a sampling of exciting and
diverse holiday happenings around the
borough:
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony –
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in
Astoria
Swing by Bohemian Hall’s main
hall for Astoria Market’s holiday artisanal
goodies and score some oneof
a-kind handmade gifts (Sun., Dec. 8
& 15, 5 p.m.). Bohemian Hall will offer
their scrumptious “Grandmas Kitchen”
menu, which includes a variety of
homemade soups and apple strudel,
assorted platters, as well as eggnog,
chestnuts, hot apple cider and other
holiday faves.
When: Friday, Dec. 6, 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 29-19 24th Ave.
www.bohemianhall.com/718-274-
4925
Free Holiday Concert at Maple
Grove in Kew Gardens
Join the Friends of Maple Grove
for their annual concert followed by
the opening reception for their latest
exhibit of fine art paintings and
prints by Forest Hills artist Gloria
Imperante (6 to 7:30 p.m.). Donations
gratefully accepted; free parking on
cemetery grounds.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: The Center at Maple
Grove, Kew Gardens Road and 129th
Street
Christmas in the Garden at
Queens Botanical Garden in
Flushing (Free)
Live music, photos with Santa
(fee), tree lighting, holiday crafts, face
painting (fee) and blowout sales.
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, noon to 5
p.m. / Astoria Market (noon to 6 p.m.)
Where: 43-50 Main St.
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.
com/e/christmas-in-the-gardenregistration
80521370587
Kwanzaa event at Jamaica Performing
Arts Center
A celebration of seven principles –
unity; self-determination; collective
work and responsibility; cooperative
economics; purpose; creativity; and
faith – culminating in a feast and giftgiving.
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
Where: 153-10 Jamaica Ave.
Queens County Farm Museum
Wreathmaking Workshop/Holiday
Market
Get in the holiday spirit with your
own handmade evergreen wreath. No
experience necessary. They’ll guide
you and provide materials (just bring
garden shears). Enjoy festive tunes, cider
and cookies to keep the mood merry
and bright. Snag good deals on pine
trees, wreaths, poinsettias and special
gifts at the market.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, and
Sunday, De. 8 and 15, 10 a.m. to noon
and 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy,
Glen Oaks
Cost: $25 (non-member); $20 (member)
Jammin’ In My Jammies/Breakfast
with Santa (Free)
Kids can explore the wonder of Santa
in the digital age with HGTV’s Santa
HQ at Queens Center! This holiday,
check out the interactive Elf Academy
at Santa HQ. You can try on the latest
elf looks with Santa’s Magic Mirror,
create your very own Elf ID Card and
scan yourself on the Naughty or Nice
O’Meter. (Plus, new this year, spend
less time in line and more time on holiday
fun with a Fast Pass).
When: Saturday Dec. 7, 8 to 10 a.m.
Where: Queens Center, 90-15
Queens Blvd., Elmhurst
Astoria’s 7th Annual Holiday Festival
& Tree Lighting Celebration
Enjoy free hot cocoa, pretzels and
kids’ activities.
When: Photos with Santa on Sunday,
Dec. 8, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.; tree
lighting at 5:30 p.m.
Where: On the Great Lawn at
Astoria Park (19th Street and 23rd
Avenue)
Tues. & Wed. $1895
1 1/4 lb. Lobster, Clams, and Mussels
Served with Corn on the Cob
and Baked Potato
with Purchase of 2 Cocktails,
2 Wines or 2 Beers
TIMESLEDGER,32 DEC. 6-12, 2019 QNS.COM
/christmas-in-the-garden-registration-80521370587
/718-274-4925
/christmas-in-the-garden-registration-80521370587
/christmas-in-the-garden-registration-80521370587
/718-274-4925
/christmas-in-the-garden-registration-80521370587
/christmas-in-the-garden-registration-80521370587
/718-274-
/QNS.COM
