When Malverne prepares for the winter holidays, the entire village gets involved.
More than 100 community members gathered at the Long Island Rail Road station last Saturday morning to take part in the Downtown Decorating event and prepare the village for the holiday season.
Organized by the Celebrations Committee, volunteers were assigned different sections of the village to decorate. Some 25 groups were provided with materials and a guide on how to decorate their designated spaces.
“Today the community is coming together to decorate the village in anticipation of our lighting of Malverne,” Kristen Lang, the Celebrations Committee chair, said. “It’s been a tradition for many years, so it’s just an opportunity for all different community organizations to come together, to bring a lot of cheer and joy in the holiday season.”
Some groups hung garlands around the train station, while others put wreaths up at the Historical House or decorated village greenery with holiday ribbons.
“We’re looking forward to the holiday season,” Deputy Mayor Scott Edwards said. “It’s always a great time for family and faith. A lot of volunteers in the village put in a lot of time and effort to make all this happen. We’re grateful for everybody’s efforts.”
The decorating was accompanied by holiday tunes performed by Keith Lyle & the Easy Rider Band. To celebrate the hard work of the volunteers, the Malverne Police Benevolent Association organized a free barbecue as well that afternoon.
Holiday events
The Lakeview Civic Association will host the 2025 Holiday and Tree Lighting in Lakeview. The Dec. 5 event will begin at 6 p.m. at Harold Walker Memorial Park. There will be giveaways, hot chocolate and special performances.
A holiday Tree Lighting Opening Ceremony will take place in the Malverne on Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. One of the village’s most popular events, it will include a blessing of the crèche, holiday singing and more.
As well, the West Hempstead Community Support Association will hold its annual Holiday at Halls Pond children’s party, tree and menorah lighting at Halls Pond Park on Dec. 7, beginning at 2 p.m. The free event will feature live music, face painting, build-a-bear workshops, games, prizes, Santa greetings, a bounce house, popcorn, cotton candy, hot cocoa, gingerbread cookies and more. The tree and menorah lighting will take place at 4:30 p.m.
“This is a great event to bring your family to and to meet neighbors,” WHCSA President Maureen Mahoney said. “As always, Santa will join us, with help from the Lakeview Fire Department.”
In the event of rain or snow, the Holiday at Halls Pond will be held at West Hempstead Secondary School, in the North Cafeteria.
Other holiday events taking place during the festive weekend will include the Malverne Historical and Preservation Society’s Holiday Gala, on Dec. 5; the Crossroads Farm Holiday Makers Market, on Dec. 6 and 7; the Shop for a Cause at Peaceful Yoga, on Dec. 6; and the Our Lady of Lourdes Christmas Boutique, on Dec. 7.
There will also be a Holiday Light Tour in the village on Dec. 7, and a map of the participating houses will be available on the village website malvernevillage.org.
