Step into the holidays in Bellmore and Merrick

The holiday season is just around the corner in Bellmore-Merrick, and there’s plenty of events throughout later November and December that are slated to bring communities together and spread goodwill.

The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores is continuing its holiday tradition with the Annual Santa Visit on Friday, Nov. 29, the day after Thanksgiving. As part of the event, children in the community can enjoy a free movie at Bellmore Movies, courtesy of theater owners Anne and Henry Stampfel. Santa will make a special arrival by fire truck around 11 a.m., after making four additional stops around town, thanks to the Bellmore Fire Department.

Before his arrival at the movie theater, Santa Claus will be at Stop & Shop in North Bellmore at 9 a.m., North Shore Farms on Jerusalem Avenue and 9:30 a.m., Piccolo Ristorante on Sunrise Highway at 10 a.m., and the Ace Shopping Center on Merrick Road at 10:30 a.m.

There’s no charge to attend this fun community event, but the Chamber asks that those attending bring a new, unwrapped toy which will be donated to children in need.

Festivities will the Chamber continue on Dec. 6, with a Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m., a visit from Santa, a live nativity, and festive holiday music. Additional attractions include horse and carriage rides from 6 to 9 p.m., trolley rides through the community from 6 to 10 p.m., and refreshments. The fun kicks off at the Bellmore Village’s Veterans’ Memorial, right by the Bellmore Long Island Rail Road station.

Later in the month, the Chamber will reconvene at the same spot for menorah lighting, starting at 4:30 p.m. Religious leaders from Congregation Beth Ohr will lead the community in prayer as the Bellmores light at 10-foot menorah for Hanukkah. Performances by Hebrew school students are slated, and there will be plenty of Hanukkah goodies to go around.

For more on events in Bellmore, visit BellmoreChamber.com.

Santa Claus will be visiting the Merricks on Dec. 7, stopping the by the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse at 2 p.m., via a fire truck driven by the Merrick Fire Department. Free candy and hot chocolate will be distributed, and everyone who attends will be able to take a photo with Santa.

Holiday celebrations continue on Dec. 8 in Merrick at the intersection of Merrick Avenue and Broadcast Plaza. The Merrick Chamber of Commerce will light its Christmas tree and menorah, ahead of both holidays, which start at the end of the month. Festivites kick off at 5 p.m., and light refreshments will be served.

For more on both holiday events in Merrick, visit MerrickChamber.org.