Huntington Village Holiday Parade and Festival

Sat Nov 24, 2018
5:30pm ET
Age: All ages
Price: Free
Location:
Huntington Village

The Town of Huntington’s ninth annual Holiday Parade and Wall Street Festival in Huntington Village features a full day of entertainment, including Long Island’s largest electric light parade

The theme of the day is “Winter Wonderland.” The parade kicks off at 5:30 pm, ending with Santa’s arrival at the annual tree lighting ceremony.

Fourth Annual Gingerbread House Competition

The 2018 Winter Wonderland Holiday Parade and Festival will feature the 4th Annual Gingerbread House Competition. Amateur bakers ages 12 and up can enter the Gingerbread House Competition. Finalist entries will be on display in the windows of The Paramount for public voting on Saturday, November 24. After the festival, all of the finalists will be on display in the lobby of Town Hall throughout December and January.

To enter the competition, download the 2018 Gingerbread House Competition Application and Rules and return it to Huntington Town Hall, Attn: Diane Wilbur, 100 Main Street, Room 203, Huntington, New York 11743 by November 9, 2018 along with a $25 deposit that will be refunded upon delivery of the Gingerbread House. See application and rules for details.

9th Annual Winter Wonderland 2018 Huntington Holiday Parade

The 9th Annual “Winter Wonderland” 2018 Huntington Holiday Parade, which draws between 5,000 and 10,000 people to downtown Huntington Village, will kick off at 5:30 PM from the Big H Shopping Center on New York Avenue and will proceed north to Main Street and then west on Main Street to West Neck Road.

Town Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci and singer, songwriter and founding member of the New York Bee Gees, Peter Mazzeo will serve as co-Grand Marshals for the parade, which kicks off with musical performances on and in front of the reviewing stand.

The parade will include competitions for the best floats in several categories, with judging based on how well they follow the theme of the parade, “Winter Wonderland.” The friendly competition among fire departments is particularly fierce, because the winning department gets to choose who will play Santa Claus in the 2019 parade. Businesses and organizations are also encouraged to participate.

Interactive Parade Map

The Town will be hosting the Interactive Parade Map created by Town GIS staff for the third year. Participating businesses will be listed on the Parade Map, which can be accessed on any smart phone, computer, laptop, tablet, or other device.

Tree Lighting Ceremony & Wall Street Festival

As the parade has grown, so have the activities surrounding it. Wall Street is closed for a street festival filled with games, food and music as everyone awaits the lighting of the tree and a chance for the children to meet Santa.

Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Tree Lighting Ceremony, performances include those by the America’s Got Talent finalist, the Huntington Chamber Choir and others.

After the tree lighting ceremony, the festival will continue on Wall Street. A DJ will take over to maintain the festive mood, as children pay a visit to Santa Claus, have their faces painted, play in the bounce houses, and enjoy free hot chocolate, popcorn, cotton candy, and roasted chestnuts. Musicians and street performers will play throughout the village as families shop, play games and participate in activities.

Starting at 1 p.m., the Huntington Public Library and Panera Bread will host children’s holiday crafts and the 3rd Annual Scavenger Hunt for children and parents will kick off in front of Ben and Jerry’s on Main Street.

Free parking will be available at the Huntington LIRR Train Station, with a convenient free shuttle from 5-10 p.m., and Qwik Ride will offer free rides around Huntington Village

** Activity dates/times are subject to change. Please click through to the activity website to verify.