‘Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season’ Continues Through December 22
There is one more chance to see the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s third annual holiday event, Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season – Thursday, December 22, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
Experience the holiday magic created by thousands of warm-white lights that illuminate the trees and walkways, and the exterior and interior of the Vanderbilt Mansion, along with wreaths, garlands, guest rooms, dining room, library, the family’s living quarters, the garden that overlooks the bay, behind the Mansion.
Take a Candlelight Tour of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion, visit Santa and friends in his workshop, take part in a children’s scavenger hunt, and see a 15-minute Holiday Laser show in the Reichert Planetarium. In addition, the Stoll Wing and Habitat wild-animal dioramas and the Hall of Fishes marine museum will be open for visitors. Also open: the Vanderbilt Café and Gift Shop, located in the Planetarium lobby.
Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan, Executive Director of the Vanderbilt Museum, said, “We are thrilled to invite everyone to kick off the holiday season and celebrate with us. The decorated and lighted Mansion and Estate become a winter wonderland. Bright Lights offers evenings of family fun for all.”
This year’s huge lighted Courtyard tree, a 30-foot Norway spruce, was donated by Susan and Abel Oonnoonny of Centerport.
All-inclusive tickets: adults $25 | Members $20; children 12 and under $15 | Members $10; children 2 and under FREE.
Long Island Cares Holiday Food Collection
Through the end of December, the Vanderbilt is collecting non-perishable foods for Long Island Cares / Harry Chapin Food Bank. Visitors can leave donated foods in the collection bin located in the Reichert Planetarium lobby.
Winter Solstice: Fun Workshops for Children
Children in grades K-4 can have a lot of holiday fun in two Winter Solstice Celebration workshops offered by educators at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum.
Beth Laxer-Limmer, Associate Director of Education, said, “Children will learn about the winter solstice and how animals (and people) adapt to fewer hours of sunlight.
“We’ll explore the gardens, and collections and get creative to light up dark nights and cold days. Winter is a magical time. The Vanderbilt’s workshops celebrate the beauty and activity in nature as winter begins.”
Workshops are offered from 10 am to 12 pm. Fee: $20 / $18 for members.
Tuesday, December 27: Solstice Lantern & Planetarium Show
Wednesday, December 28: Bulb Botany and Winter Blooms
Give Vanderbilt Museum Memberships as Gifts
Looking for gift ideas? This holiday season, give the gift of discovery, exploration, and Gold Coast wonder – an individual or family membership to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum.
Benefits include unlimited admissions, Mansion tours, and Planetarium shows.
Looking for gift ideas? This holiday season, give the gift of discovery, exploration, and Gold Coast wonder – an individual or family membership to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum.
Benefits include unlimited admissions, Mansion tours, and Planetarium shows.
Celebrate Lunar New Year, Learn Chinese Calligraphy
新年快樂！Xīn nián kuài lè! Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.
Vanderbilt Museum educators will offer Lunar New Year Celebration on Sunday, January 15, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Recommended for Grades 2-4. Visit the wildlife dioramas, learn Chinese calligraphy, and make a decoration that will bring good luck all year.
Fee: $20 | $18 Members.
Register
Storytime Under Stars: Books with Winter Themes
The Vanderbilt Museum’s next Storytime Under the Stars is set for Sunday, January 16, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the Reichert Planetarium.
A live narrator at the front of the theater will read from selected picture books, with pages projected onto the Planetarium dome for families to enjoy the illustrations and follow along.
Between stories, an astronomy educator will explore seasonal constellations visible from here on Long Island. All children are invited to wear their comfiest pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animals. The admission fee is $8 per person and $6 for members.
Erin Bennett, Planetarium Education Coordinator, said, “Storytime Under the Stars brings classic storybooks to life, and will introduce families to new favorites, too. We’re excited to revitalize this popular planetarium program using our state-of-the-art digital projectors. Join us for a magical and memorable night out with the whole family.”
