Villages throughout the Williston and New Hyde Park areas are hosting Thanksgiving and holiday lighting events over the next few weeks. 

In Williston Park, the village is hosting its Annual Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 9 a.m. at Kelleher Field. Registration on the day of the race opens at 8 a.m. The village’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held at Village Hall on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. The St. Aidan’s Christmas Choir directed by Reagan Stone will be present along with the Williston Park Fire Department, which is bringing Santa Claus with them.

The village is also looking for volunteers, specifically Santas and drivers, to help with Operation Santa on Christmas Eve. Volunteers would need to give one to two hours of their time starting at 5:30 p.m. Interested residents can contact Village Hall for more information at 516-746-2193. 

Williston Park’s winter concert at the gazebo will be held on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 4:30 p.m.

In East Williston, on Thanksgiving morning at 9 a.m. the annual 5K Turkey Trot and Drumstick Dash will be taking place at Devlin Field. Registrations on the day of the event will be $40 and all proceeds go to the East Williston Fire Department. 

On Friday, Dec. 1, the village will host its holiday tree lighting on the village green starting at 7:30 p.m. and on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 3 the village is hosting a holiday photo opportunity with Santa. Photos will be with the Fire Department’s antique firetruck and taken between 9:30 a.m. and noon. Photos will cost $25 and all proceeds will go to the Fire Department.

In Mineola, the village’s annual holiday tree lighting will take place at the village’s community center on Friday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. Holiday music will be provided by Chaminade High School. 

In New Hyde Park, the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Saturday, Nov. 25, at Village Hall starting at 3 p.m. A magic show, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa will take place at the event, according to the village. 

In Floral Park, the village’s Christmas tree lighting sponsored by the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce and Floral Park Jr. Woman’s Club will take place on Friday, Dec. 1, at Veterans Memorial Park. Included in the event are music, food and drinks, candy canes, holiday gift vendors and live performances. The holiday markets open at 5 p.m., according to the chamber.

On Sunday, Dec. 3, the Hillcrest Civic Association’s Christmas tree lighting will take place at 5 p.m. at Colonial Gardens Park.

On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce and Village of Stewart Manor annual tree lighting begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Stewart Manor municipal lot. Included in the event are horse and buggy rides, Christmas carolers, pictures with Santa and holiday refreshments. Attendees are also asked to bring toys for the Hance Family Foundation Toy Drive.

In Garden City Park, the annual tree lighting will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at 2301 Jericho Turnpike in front of the Citibank and King Kullen shopping center. Included in the event are holiday refreshments, Santa and raffles. The event is sponsored by the Garden City Park Fire Department, New Hyde Park Dad’s Club, Lakeville Estates Civic Association, New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and Garden City Park Businesses. Attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items for donation.