The holiday season is back in full festive force with many activities, celebrations, and Christmas events in Staten Island for families and kids of all ages. You can see a Christmas show at the St. George Theatre, head to a tree lighting event, shop at holiday markets and fairs, take photos with Santa (or even video chat with the big guy), see the most beautiful Christmas lights, and so much more. And if you want to make the trek into Manhattan, there are plenty of awesome Christmas activities in NYC to do and sights to see. Browse our guide to the best Christmas events on Staten Island kids and families, and be on your way to a merry and bright holiday season right in your hometown!
Take Photos with Santa on Staten Island
Breakfast with Santa
WHERE: Colony Hall, 460 Brielle Ave.
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 9am
PRICE: $20; $10 children
Join the GRACE Foundation for Breakfast with Santa at this autism-friendly event.
Santa’s Workshop
WHERE: Holy Child Preschool, 4747 Amboy Road
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 10am-4pm
Browse crafts and vendors, take photos with Santa, and more.
Sensory Santa Day at Empire Outlets
WHERE: 55 Richmond Terrace
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 10-11am
Autism Speaks presents Sensory Santa day. Sensory Santa day is an opportunity for children with autism and/or sensory processing disorders to visit Santa in a quiet, welcoming, sensory-friendly environment. Reservations required.
Skate with Santa
WHERE: Staten Island Skating Pavilion, 3080 Arthur Kill Road
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 18, 2:30-4:30pm
PRICE: $15
Take to the ice with Santa this holiday season!
Brunch with Santa
WHERE: Grand Oaks Country Club, 200 Huguenot Ave.
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 19, 11am-4pm
PRICE: $24.99 kids; $37.49 adults
Join Santa and his elves for a fun winter brunch at this annual holiday event. Enjoy writing letters to Santa, making winter ornaments, watching Christmas movies, playing games, and much more. Kids ages 3 and younger eat free. RSVP required: 718-356-2771.
Staten Island Mall Santa Pictures
WHERE: 2655 Richmond Ave.
WHEN: Through Dec. 24: daily; reservations are encouraged.
PRICE: Call for information: 718-761-6666
Bring the kids to see Santa at the Staten Island Mall, a popular holiday activity in the borough for so many years. On Sundays, Dec. 5 and 12 from 9:30-10:30am, children within all spectrums of special needs are invited to the mall before it opens for a sensory-friendly event with Santa. On Mondays through Dec. 20, you can let your pets in on the holiday fun with photos with the big guy, making for some paw-some holiday fun for everyone in the family.
Christmas Shows on Staten Island
Holiday Rock and Doo Wop Spectacular
WHERE: St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St.
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 3, 8-11pm
PRICE: $39-$79
Starring classic doo-wop acts including The Chiffons, Vito Picone and The Elegants and more.
Music with Mr. Patrick
WHERE: Music Together of Staten Island, 272 Watchogue Road
WHEN: Dec. 4-5, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm
PRICE: $35 for one adult and one child. Each additional child is $10, and an extra adult is $5.
Enjoy music for kids and families and meet Santa.
St. George Theatre Christmas Show
WHERE: St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St.
WHEN: Dec. 10-12, Friday, 7pm, Saturday-Sunday, 3pm and 7pm
PRICE: $10 and up
Now in its 18th year, this two-hour production is a high energy series of songs and dances that the whole family will enjoy.
More Staten Island Christmas Events
Yule Log Jog Fun Run/Walk
WHERE: Conference House Park 298 Satterlee St.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4, 9-10:30am
PRICE: Registration starts at $25
An untimed run/walk through the park. Get hot cocoa at the finish line.
Skate with the Grinch
WHERE: Staten Island Skating Pavilion, 3080 Arthur Kill Road
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4, 2:30-4:30pm
PRICE: $15
Take to the ice with the Grinch and show off your best moves.
Colonial Christmas
WHERE: Conference House Museum, 298 Satterlee St.
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 12-4pm
Tour the beautifully decorated Colonial Manor House. Enjoy hot apple cider and cookies, and live seasonal music. Children can visit with Father Christmas. Sponsored by the Conference House Association.
Grand Illumination Holiday Event
WHERE: Conference House Museum, 298 Satterlee St.
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 4:30pm
See the Conference House illuminated from within, and learn about colonial Christmas traditions. Enjoy free cookies and hot cider.
Reindeer Games
WHERE: Staten Island Skating Pavilion, 3080 Arthur Kill Road
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 2:30-4:30pm
PRICE: $15
Compete on the ice in Rudolph’s race to deliver Santa’s gifts. Take part in the Naughty or Nice Slap Shot and Antler Ring Toss. Winners earn their antlers.
Afternoon Holiday Craft
WHERE: Great Kills Library, 56 Giffords Lane
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 4pm
Bring the kids to the library to make a festive holiday craft. Registration required. Ages 5 and older.
Wreath-Making Workshop
WHERE: Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve Nature Interpretive Center, 2351 Veterans Road W.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 10am-12pm
Make a wreath out of fresh greens. Adults only. Limited supplies; RSVP to 718-605-3970 x201.
Candlelight Tours
WHERE: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave.
WHEN: Dec. 11-19, Saturday-Sunday, see website for times.
PRICE: $25
Step back through time to experience the holiday pleasures of centuries past at evening tours illuminated by candlelight.
Cocoa & Cupcake Skating Session
WHERE: Staten Island Skating Pavilion, 3080 Arthur Kill Road
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 2:30-4:30pm
PRICE: $27
Enjoy the Staten Island Skating Pavilion’s hot cocoa bar and decorate cupcakes after a skating session on the ice. RSVP required by emailing skateschool@thepavilion.org by Dec. 7.
NYC Winter Lantern Festival at Snug Harbor
WHERE: Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace
WHEN: Through Jan. 29, 2022: Friday-Sunday, 4:30-9:30pm. Open nightly Dec. 24-Jan 2.
PRICE: $24.99; $16.99 for ages 3-12
Eight acres of light installations with brilliant displays of flowers, an open sky and deep-sea adventures.
Here at Staten Island Parent, we have everything you need to make the holiday season merry and bright, from farms where you can cut your own tree and Polar Express train rides, to where to see Christmas lights on Staten Island and places to donate or volunteer.
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