With such a variety of holiday events and activities to look forward to in the Town of Islip, it is easy to get into the holiday spirit. The Islip Bulletin has put together a list of holiday events to attend with the whole family.

Town of Islip holiday market, parade, and tree lighting

On Saturday, Dec. 2, join the Town of Islip at Islip Town Hall for a holiday festival and market, featuring dozens of craft and gift vendor booths and a variety of food trucks! Little ones can mail their letters to Santa through Santa’s North Pole Mailbox at the market.

The holiday market will take place from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Islip Town Hall parking lot, located at 655 Main St., Islip. The “Santa comes to town parade” will be held at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Town Hall Christmas tree lighting at 5 p.m. Also, a special preview of the town’s Holiday Light Show will take place at Brookwood Hall in East Islip from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., where Santa Claus will surely make an appearance.

East Islip tree lighting

The East Islip Community Chamber of Commerce will host their annual tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. at Craig B. Gariepy Memorial Park, located at the intersection of Lowell and Connetquot Avenue, in Islip Terrace. The event will feature a wide range of entertainment, including performances from Lori’s Dance Center, Dance Arts Development Center, an opera singer, period dressed Christmas carolers, a guitarist, the Reactions, and Ruth C Kinney chorus.

Islip Arts Council holiday market

The Islip Arts Council will be holding a holiday market at the IAC Gallery in the Westfield South Shore Mall, featuring a variety of creative vendors. The holiday market will be held during the peak of holiday shopping season, Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Brightwaters photos with Santa

On Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Santa will be taking photos with good boys and girls at the Brightwaters Cabin. The annual event is held at the Brightwaters Cabin in Wohseepee Park, located on N Windsor Avenue. Pictures cost $20 per photo by reservation with Lasting Impressions Photography. Reservations can be made at www.lastingimpressionsstudio.net. In the park outside the cabin, an art boutique will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring art for sale by Brightwaters Art Council members Peter Rettaliata, Cynthia Schiavone, and Daniela Crimi.

Top of canal Christmas tree lighting 

Following the Brightwaters photos with Santa event, head over to the top of the canal for the Brightwaters annual Christmas tree lighting! Attendees can expect musical performances, cookies, and hot chocolate. At 5 p.m., Santa will make a very special entrance and join in on all the fun.

Town of Islip Youth Bureau Holiday Toy Drive

Keep the magic in the holiday season and consider donating a new, unwrapped toy to the Youth Bureau Toy Drive. The Town of Islip Youth Bureau will accept donations for its annual Holiday Toy Drive from Nov. 27 through Dec. 15. Last year, hundreds of toys were distributed to families in need throughout the Islip community. Donations can be dropped off at two locations: the Office of Supervisor Carpenter, located at Islip Town Hall, 655 Main Street, Islip, and Islip Youth Bureau, located at Islip Town Hall West, 401 Main Street, Islip.

Town of Islip Holiday Lights Drive-Thru

The fourth annual Holiday Lights Drive-Thru is kicking off on Tuesday, Dec. 5, on the grounds of Brookwood Hall. The free light show will operate Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and runs through Dec. 28, and donations of nonperishable food items are not mandatory, but encouraged.

Town of Islip Menorah Lighting

Gather outside Islip Town Hall, located at 655 Main Street, for the 2023 Town of Islip Menorah Lighting! The menorah will be lit in honor of the first night of Hanukkah on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 4:30 p.m.

Town of Islip Holiday Drive-In Movie Ft.: ‘The Grinch’ (2018)

The Town of Islip will be hosting a free Holiday Drive-In Movie on Friday, Dec. 8, beginning at 7 p.m. The event will be held on the beautifully decorated grounds of Brookwood Hall, and is sponsored by Good Samaritan University Hospital, a member of Catholic Health. While not required, a donation of nonperishable food is appreciated.

Chanukah on Main Street

On Dec. 10 at 4 p.m., join the greater community of Brightwaters and the Chabad of Islip at the head of the Brightwaters Canal for a festive menorah lighting ceremony. The event will feature a giant ice menorah and live DJ, as well as treats, such as a chocolate gelt drop, hot chocolate, donuts, and latkes.