Frank DeFranco stood with Olivia Nenez, 5.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Rich Daly, of Ice Melodies, carved Santa Claus from a chunk of ice. Daly has traveled around the world sculpting his ice creations.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Butch Yamali, owner of the Coral House in Baldwin, left, hosted the festivities at Milburn Lake on Dec. 11 when Nassau County opened its Christmas Village. Santa Claus and the Rev. Eric Mallette helped put lights of the tree.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Dahlia Corporan, 4, with her little brother Daniel, 2, sat on Santa’s lap last week.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Frank DeFranco stood nine feet tall in front of the Coral House
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Alexa Jordon, left, Ricardo Field, and Natalie Lane of the Jolly Holly Carolers sang many festive songs.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Milburn Lake, off Merrick Road in Baldwin, is a scenic area 365 days a year. But for the first time ever, Nassau County has created its own Christmas Village and placed it around the lake, making it not only scenic, but also festive.
On Dec. 11, a tree lighting ceremony was held at the lake, which sits behind the Coral House, to officially kick off the Christmas Village. Santa made an appearance, in addition to ice and wood sculptors, stilt walkers and carolers in traditional Dickens’ costumes.
The village will be in full swing this weekend with more holiday-themed events:
Friday, Dec. 19 from 4 to 8 p.m.
• More than 20 vendors
• Horse and buggy rides
• Music by Freeport High School Chorus
• Wood carving demonstration
• Ice carving demonstration
• Gingerbread building
• Fire trucks
• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• Photos with Santa
• Bounce castle
• Fire pit
• Stocking, ornament and cookie decorating
Saturday, Dec. 20 from noon to 8 p.m.
• More than 20 Vendors
• Horse and buggy rides
• Wood carving demonstration
• Ice carving demonstration
• Gingerbread building
• Fire trucks
• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• Photos with Santa
• Bounce castle
• Fire pit
• Stocking, ornament and cookie decorating
Sunday, Dec. 21 from noon to 6 p.m.
• More than 20 vendors
• Horse and buggy rides
• Music by West End Elementary School
• Wood carving demonstration
• Ice carving demonstration
• Gingerbread building
• Fire trucks
• Face painting
• Balloon twisting
• Photos with Santa
• Bounce castle
• Fire pit
• Stocking, ornament and cookie decorating