Northeast Queens Gets Into the Holiday Spirit

If you aren't already in the holiday spirit, it's time you get caught up. Here's a look at the top 10 holiday events in and around Douglaston during the next few weeks.

On Saturday, join the Douglaston Village Chamber of Commerce for its annual tree lighting ceremony. The event will include Christmas caroling, snacks and activities for kids. Festivities start at 4 p.m. at Douglaston Market on 235th Street.

A very special person is waiting to meet with you Sunday morning. A jolly old elf, in fact. Sign up for "Breakfast with Santa" at Strawberry's Sports Grill. General Manager Chris Rhodes says they didn't have to go far to find the man in red.

"One of our cooks who actually looks like Santa - he's gonna be dressed up as Santa, we're gonna have pictures," Rhodes said.

Visiting hours are at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 12th. The price for adults is $18.95, while kids get in for just under $6.

If you can't make it to Strawberry's, catch up with Santa and one of his elves at The Bay Terrace Shopping Center. They will be at the center waiting to hear Christmas wishes every weekend through Dec. 19th.

For anyone in need of stocking stuffers, head down to Bayside High School's Annual Holiday Festival. The PTA fundraiser is being held in the school cafeteria. Check out table after table of gifts for sale while enjoying refreshments and raffles. It starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

If that isn't enough holiday festivity for you, check out the Christmas Boutique at St. Robert Bellarmine School on 214th Street in Oakland Gardens. The fundraiser starts at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15th. Raffles will be held throughout the night.

Once your shopping is out of the way, you may want to sit back, relax and take in the sounds of the season. There's a free Christmas concert at Colonial Church of Bayside. "Start at the Manger... Then Go to the Cross" is being held Dec. 18th at 7 p.m. There will be an encore presentation the following day, at 10:30 a.m.

If you enjoy holiday music, drop by the Oratorio Society of Queens Annual Holiday Concert. Visitors will hear excerpts from Handel's "Messiah" as well as Christmas carols and Chanukah melodies performed by the chorus, soloists and the Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens. The event begins at 4 p.m. on Dec. 19th at the Community Arts Center at Queensborough Community College on 56th Avenue in Bayside.

Douglaston residents with kids might want to consider a holiday craft event. The Windsor Park Public Library is hosting one for children ages 6 to 11. The artists will be able to create a holiday project during the event, which will take place at 4 p.m. on Dec. 16th at the library on Bell Boulevard in Oakland Gardens.

Artists of all ages can take part in a craft event at the Bay Terrace branch of the Queens Public Library. Participants will be given supplies to make everything from cartoons and ornaments to gifts for friends. Just head to the library on Bell Boulevard in Bayside on Dec. 16th at 3:30pm.

Let's face it – the holiday season can be harrowing. So, why not get down and party? The Bayside Historical Society is hosting its annual Holiday Party on Dec. 12th. For $28, enjoy a cocktail hour, music and a sit-down dinner. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes. The party is being held at the historical society's headquarters in Fort Totten at 5 p.m.