Long Island City getting festive with holiday celebrations in the hood

Snowflake on Vernon Blvd and 47th Rd, Hunters Point, Long Island City

Happy Holidays to you, liQcity readers, whatever you may celebrate.

If you haven’t already noticed, the nabe has been dressed in its seasonal best: the holiday lights are gracing Vernon Blvd thanks to the collective efforts of the Hunters Point Community Development Corporation, Avalon Bay, Rockrose, TF Cornerstone, and the Queens West Development Corporation.

As our holiday bonus to you, here’s a recap of Long Island City holiday events:

Friday 12/18 (TODAY)

• Arts and crafts from 1pm-3pm at the New York Irish Center, geared for seniors. 10-40 Jackson Ave, LIC, 718.482.0909

• Midnight Madness is TONIGHT in LIC. It’s one night of discounts, promotions, and freebies from select LIC businesses and restaurants around Vernon/Jackson. You can shop local and shop late for the holidays – most stores will be open until midnight and will be offering some worthwhile specials.

Saturday 12/19

• 1st day of the 1st Annual LIC Community Christmas Celebration: Bring your little (or bigger) ones to the Kids Christmas Extravaganza at LIC Kids, featuring dodgeball, free play, face painting, and crafts for all children. Ages 5 and up from 2-4pm, ages 0-4 from 4-6pm. 5-02 50th Ave, LIC, 718.392.KIDS(5437)

• Santa’s Secret Burlesque at the Secret Theatre with Eric Infield as Stand-Up Santa. 11pm, $10 admission, $3 beers and BBQ. 44-02 23rd St, LIC, 718.392.0722

Holiday lights on Vernon Blvd, Hunters Point, Long Island City

Sunday 12/20

• 2nd day of the 1st Annual LIC Community Christmas Celebration: Skyline City Church is holding Christmas Services at PS 78 at 9am and 11am. 48-09 Center Blvd, LIC, 718.392.5402

• Annual Children’s Christmas Party at the New York Irish Center, 1pm. 10-40 Jackson Ave, LIC, 718.482.0909

Monday 12/21

• Finale of the 1st Annual LIC Community Christmas Celebration: Community Holiday Party at Vernon Blvd Italian eatery Manducatis Rustica at 6pm, with live entertainment, caroling, great food, and more. 46-33 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718.937.1312

Thursday 12/24

• Christmas Eve Mass at 9:15pm with lessons and carols at St. Mary’s Church. 10-08 49th Ave, LIC, 718.786.0705

Friday 12/25

• Christmas Day Mass, service at 9:30am at St. Mary’s Church. 10-08 49th Ave, LIC, 718.786.0705

Celebrate Christmas in the nabe with LIC’s 1st Annual Community Celebration