Stony Brook Village Center, the Federal-style shopping green on Long Island’s North Shore, hosts a free Holiday Festival each December, with music and performances through the afternoon and a grand tree lighting with Santa at the end. Throughout the season, the village also displays its Holiday Tree Competition, where community groups decorate trees and visitors vote for their favorites.
Quick Facts
| Typical timing | Festival on a Sunday in early December, noon–6 p.m.; tree competition displayed through the holidays |
|---|---|
| Where | Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St, Stony Brook, NY |
| Cost | Free |
| Getting there | LIRR Port Jefferson Branch to Stony Brook |
Plan a North Shore Weekend
Pair it with the Port Jefferson Dickens Festival just a few miles east. The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook often has holiday programming as well.
About Stony Brook Village
Stony Brook Village Center is a Federal-style shopping village built in the 1940s by philanthropist Ward Melville, arranged around a green near Stony Brook Harbor. Its shops, restaurants and the historic Three Village Inn make it one of the North Shore’s most charming spots in December.
What to Expect
- An afternoon of live music and performances.
- The decorated community trees of the Holiday Tree Competition.
- A grand tree lighting with Santa at the end of the day.
Nearby
The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook and the Port Jefferson Dickens Festival a few miles east make it easy to plan a North Shore weekend.
More on Long Island
See our Christmas on Long Island guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Stony Brook Village holiday festival free?
Yes, the festival and tree lighting are free.
