The Town of Islip Holiday Market will return on Saturday, Dec. 7, after a successful debut in 2023. The market will be part of a festive day that includes the annual Santa Parade, Christmas tree lighting, and the holiday lights drive-thru.
Inspired by NYC’s Bryant Park event, the Holiday Market gives locals a head start on seasonal shopping.
“It was a tremendous success, so we’re bringing it back again in 2024, even bigger with 38 vendors and four to five food trucks,” said Islip Director of Communications Caroline Smith in an interview with The South Shore Press.
The market, which runs from noon to 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 655 Main St., will feature live wreaths sold by Exchange Ambulance representatives and hot cocoa and s'mores kits from the Boy Scouts.
Other attractions include a letter-writing station for children to send letters to Santa (noon to 3 p.m.), carolers (1 to 4 p.m.), and firepit areas with Adirondack chairs for relaxing.
Smith also highlighted the market's benefit to local businesses, noting it draws visitors to Main Street, where they can enjoy the market and explore nearby shops and restaurants.
“The market brings people to Main Street in Islip where visitors can enjoy the market as well as the many shops and restaurants in the downtown area,” Smith said.
That day, the Islip Chamber of Commerce and town-sponsored Santa Comes to Town Holiday Parade will begin at 4 p.m. at Islip Middle School, 211 Main St., with a rain date of Sunday, Dec. 8.
Last year, more than 1,000 people attended the parade, which starts with marchers lining up at 3 p.m. and heading east toward Islip Town Hall.
“The parade has grown exponentially over the years, with overwhelming participation by local fire departments, local businesses, civic organizations and tremendous spectator turnout. It’s fun for the entire family and all generations,” Smith said.
Immediately following the parade, the annual tree lighting will take place at Town Hall.
Smith also highlighted the free holiday light show, which Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said it “was a huge success and has continued ever since.” The drive-thru light display transforms the grounds of Brookwood Hall, 50 Irish Lane in East Islip, into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy the lights every Monday and Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 26.
“The free holiday light show is inspired by popular light shows elsewhere, however, the supervisor wanted to offer something free that families could enjoy and that was located here in the town,” Smith said.
On Dec. 13, the town will host a Holiday Drive-In Movie, featuring Home Alone at Brookwood Hall. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. The event is limited to the first 200 cars.
To wrap up the month, the Menorah Lighting will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, at Town Hall.
Carpenter credited the Islip Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs for working “tirelessly throughout the year to create events that bring friends, families, and generations together.”
She added that from summer concerts to Apple Fest and the December holiday events, the goal is to provide “something for everyone here in the Town of Islip.”