Lynbrook, East Rockaway rang in the holidays all month long

Throughout the month of December, there have been festive celebrations and the spreading of yuletide cheer throughout the villages of Lynbrook and East Rockaway.

Lynbrook kicked off the fun of this joyous season with its annual holiday celebration on Atlantic Avenue on Dec. 3. The event included the blessing of the Crèche and the lighting of the Christmas tree on Stauderman and Forest avenues, as well as a visit from Santa Claus himself.

Santa was plenty busy in Lynbrook this holiday season, as he visited the Knights of Columbus for a special breakfast event on Dec. 9, and then greeted children during a holiday train ride through Greis Park on Dec. 16. Also on Dec. 16, the Lynbrook Fire Department offered their annual Christmas rides at parking field 8, where children had the opportunity to ride around in a fire truck.

Lynbrook also celebrated the Festival of Lights with its menorah lighting ceremony on Dec. 13 to ring in Hanukkah.

There was plenty of holiday cheer in East Rockaway this year as well. The village’s annual tree lighting ceremony took place on Dec. 1 and was attended by hundreds of residents.

The festive fun continued on Dec. 5, with the blessing of the Crèche. It was an evening that included a sermon from Deacon Tom Connolly of St. Raymond’s Church, and performances by the church’s folk group, who sang “Silent Night.”

East Rockaway also celebrated Hanukkah with its annual menorah lighting ceremony on Dec. 11 at Village Hall.