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Long Island Weekend Events, December 11 & 12: Flying Santa, Trip to Oz, Meteor Shower and More!

12/9/10 - By jennifer

Brrr! It is beginning to feel a lot like winter. Take a break from the holiday chaos, put down the garland, pause the shopping and head to a show or a home that has already decked its halls (no need for you to lift a finger). Celebrations and the holiday spirit are in full swing around the island. Willing to brave the brisk weather? Check out the 8th annual flying Santa on Fire Island or make your own nature-inspired wreath. Check out these six great events happening in your (very chilly) neck of the woods!

And for more cool events, check out our Mommy Poppins Holiday Guide.

 

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Studio Theatre
Lindenhurst
631.226.8400
Saturday, December 11th, 2PM
Tickets are $8
Looking to start the holiday season with a show? How about one that combines both the characters from The Wizard of Oz and Christmas? Christmas in Oz opens this weekend and will continue on Saturday afternoons through December 18th.  (For more holiday shows on Long island, check out 8 Holiday Shows That Suit Every Taste.)
 
 
 
Fire Island Lighthouse
Captree Island
631.661.4876
Saturday, December 11th, 11:30AM-12:30PM
This event is FREE.
The original Flying Santa, brought great joy to isolated lighthouse keepers and their families when he would drop goodies to them each Christmas. Come and learn the story of the tradition that began in 1929 from a former Fire Island Lighthouse Keeper and his wife. After the storytelling is over, a bi-plane circles the lighthouse and Santa appears at the top. This event is expected to be crowded; get there early!
 
 
Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center
Jones Beach State Park
Wantagh
516.785.1600
Saturday, December 11th, 1:30PM-3PM
The fee is $4.
Bring your fresh ideas and creativity and nature will bring the beauty. Make a holiday wreath that’s as unique as you are!  
 
 
The Custer Institute and Observatory
1115 Main Bayview Road
Southold
631.765.2626
Saturday, December 11th, 7PM-12AM
Nature will provide a brilliant sky show, weather permitting. Come and see a meteor shower that began on December 6th and will continue through the 19th. At the height of the shower, 60 meteors an hour are likely to appear. Call before attending to confirm clear weather. The suggested donation is $5 for adults and $3 for children 14 and under.
 
 
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Road
Old Westbury
516.333.0048
Saturday, December 11th and Sunday, December 12th, 10AM-4PM
Holiday celebrating and decorations are in all their glory at Old Westbury Gardens. Enjoy cider, cookies and a day taking in the beauty of this estate. Santa is on hand to enchant the little ones and there are also beautifully decorated rooms throughout the house. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and children 2-12.
 
 
Long Island Children's Museum
11 Davis Avenue
Garden City
516.224.5800
Saturday, December 11th, 1PM.
All ages are welcome.
There’s always a reason to celebrate, especially this time of year. Learn how to make your very own “cracker.” Although they’ve been around for over a hundred years, these special crackers, which reveal a small surprise when pulled open, are still a popular way to ring in your favorite event. Make one for your next big party! FREE with museum admission.
 
 
As always, find unique and terriffic ideas in our Holiday Fun Guide.