STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — From holiday markets and festive tree lightings to live music and creative workshops, this weekend’s lineup is packed with seasonal cheer.
Here’s your guide to what’s happening this weekend on Staten Island.
Multi-Day Events
Snug Harbor Glass House Tour | Dec. 4 and Dec. 6, 1-2 p.m.
Discover where Snug Harbor protects its exotic plants during winter months, including tropical aquatic species and plants from the Tropical Border collection. Visitors will preview seedlings and cuttings being prepared for next summer’s displays, plus view the center’s winter-blooming bulb collection. Rain or shine event.
Cost: $10 general admission, $9 Student/Senior, $9 Snug Harbor Member (tickets here)
Location: Visitor Info Booth at Snug Harbor on Chapel and Gazebo roads, Staten Island, NY 10301
Holiday Hop at Snug Harbor | Dec. 6-7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Shop from over 150 artisanal vendors from Staten Island and NYC spread across four cultural organizations at Snug Harbor. The event includes the Handcrafted Holiday Fair at the Art Lab, Edible Island at the Staten Island Museum, Culture Shop at The Noble Maritime Collection (featuring live holiday music at 2 p.m.) and Cottage Row Curiosities at the Carpenter’s Shop. Find unique handmade gifts, specialty foods, fine art, jewelry, pottery and more.
Cost: Free to attend
Location: Multiple buildings throughout Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. See here for full list
Christmas in Historic Richmond Town | Dec. 6-7, noon-5 p.m.
Step into a festive wonderland at New York City’s only living history village this holiday season. Explore hands-on historical demonstrations, browse unique handcrafted gifts created by traditional artisans, enjoy seasonal entertainment, meet Santa and his elves, take a nostalgic horse-drawn carriage ride, and sample delicious seasonal refreshments. This two-day celebration offers something special for every member of the family.
Cost: $12 general admission, $10 seniors, $8 youths (ages 3-11) (tickets here)
Location: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island, NY 10306
Thursday, Dec. 4
Movies @ The Harbor: Spare Parts (2015) | 3-5 p.m.
Watch this inspiring film about four Mexican high school students who form a robotics club and compete against MIT with limited resources and big dreams. Snacks and water provided. Rated PG-13.
Cost: Free
Location: Mariners Harbor Library, 206 South Ave., Staten Island, NY 10303
Stapleton Teen Book Buffet | 4-6 p.m.
Sample new and popular Young Adult books in this casual discussion group. Explore different genres and authors while getting recommendations from peers. For ages 13-18.
Cost: Free
Location: Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St., Staten Island, NY 10304
The Art of Whisky: A Guided Tasting Experience | 6:30-9 p.m.
Join experts from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society for an immersive seated tasting featuring six unique whisky selections, each aged in different casks. This 120-minute educational experience explores how barrel aging influences flavor, aroma, and character. Proceeds support the Diamond Matching Grant Program through the Staten Island Foundation, with a 2:1 match.
Cost: $125 (tickets here)
Location: Carpenter’s Shop at Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terr., Staten Island, NY 10301
Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas | Doors at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Join Emmy Award-winning actress Jane Lynch and her talented ensemble for an evening of holiday entertainment that blends comedy, music and seasonal spirit. The 96th Anniversary Birthday Bash celebration features festive cocktails, a pre-show performance by GULES in the decorated lobby and a delightful mix of swing standards and clever musical arrangements. Lynch, known for her role as Sue Sylvester on Glee, teams up with Kate Flannery (The Office), Tim Davis and The Tony Guerrero Quintet to deliver their chart-topping holiday show that has captivated audiences nationwide.
Cost: $59-$129 (tickets here)
Location: St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St., Staten Island, NY 10301
Friday, Dec. 5
Tree Lighting at Historic Richmond Town | 5-6 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season at Historic Richmond Town’s complimentary annual tree lighting ceremony. The evening begins with live music from community performers and a special appearance by Santa Claus, culminating in the tree illumination at 6 p.m. Festive treats and warm drinks will be available for purchase. Bring your loved ones for a memorable start to the holidays at this beloved Staten Island tradition.
Cost: Free
Location: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island, NY 10306
A Rock’n Holiday Spectacular | Doors at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the season with an unforgettable night of classic rock and doo-wop performances. This star-studded lineup includes The Doo-Wop Project, Bobby Wilson, The Coasters, Vito Picone & The Elegants, The Chiclettes, Sounds of the Streets, and Vinnie Medugno. Musical accompaniment provided by The Coda Band, with hosting duties by Music Radio’s 77 WABC personality Vinnie Medugno. Experience timeless hits and holiday favorites in this nostalgic celebration of rock and roll history.
Cost: $39-$89 (tickets here)
Location: St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St., Staten Island, NY 10301
Saturday, Dec. 6
Leaf Crunch | 10 a.m.-noon
Bring one to two bags of residential leaves and yard debris to this family-friendly fall cleanup celebration. Learn how autumn leaves can be transformed into healthy soil through composting techniques. Participants have a chance to win prizes while helping prevent urban drainage issues and creating organic mulch for winter garden protection. Rain or shine event.
Cost: Free (register here)
Location: Compost Demo Site at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terr., Staten Island, NY 10301
Shinrin-Yoku United presents: Forest Bathing Nature Therapy | 10 a.m.-noon
Experience the Japanese practice of forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku), a nature therapy technique designed to reconnect participants with nature through their senses. This guided walk features meditative invitations to help reduce stress, relieve anxiety, increase creativity and promote mental clarity. The session begins at the RCSF Tuscan Garden before moving to the forest and Healing Garden. Rain or shine event.
Cost: $40 (tickets here)
Location: Meet at RCSF Tuscan Garden at Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terr., Staten Island, NY 10301
Art and Architecture Tour | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Explore Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, a National Historic District featuring 28 historical buildings and one of the nation’s largest adaptive reuse sites. Six structures were among the first 40 landmark designations by the NYC Landmark Preservation Commission. The tour includes a visit to the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, Staten Island’s largest and oldest art gallery. Rain or shine event.
Cost: $10 general admission, $9 students/seniors/members (tickets here)
Location: Visitor Info Booth at Snug Harbor on Chapel and Gazebo roads, Staten Island, NY 10301
Nature’s Workshop: Nature Wreath Making | 11 a.m.-noon
Create festive decorations using repurposed natural materials in this hands-on workshop led by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. All supplies will be provided for participants to craft their own unique wreaths.
Cost: Free (register here by Dec. 5 at 12 a.m.)
Location: Blue Heron Nature Center, Blue Heron Park, 222 Poillon Ave., Staten Island, NY 10312
ShopRite Kidz Cook: Holiday Cookies | noon-4 p.m.
Join young chefs ages 4 and up for a festive caregiver-and-me cooking experience where kids will create delicious no-bake holiday treats. This hands-on program introduces children to various foods, teaches basic cooking techniques, and helps develop fine motor skills with kitchen tools. Sessions begin every hour at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., with limited spots available. Tickets are distributed at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost: Free with museum admission
Location: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terr., Building M, Staten Island, NY 10301
Family Movie Matinee and Coloring: Despicable Me 4 | 2-3:30 p.m.
Skip the movie theater and enjoy a screening at your local library instead. Families can watch Despicable Me 4 while enjoying coloring activities and snacks. This drop-in program welcomes children of all ages along with their caregivers for an afternoon of entertainment.
Cost: Free
Location: Mariners Harbor Library, 206 South Ave., Staten Island, NY 10303
Tree Lighting Ceremony | 3 p.m.
Join the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum for their annual Tree of Light celebration, a heartwarming tradition where each illuminated bulb honors a cherished individual—whether a friend, family member, mentor, or neighbor, living or deceased. The festivities begin at 3 p.m., with Santa making a special appearance around 3:30 p.m. The tree will remain lit nightly through January 2026. Attendees can purchase commemorative bulbs in honor of loved ones through the museum’s website.
Cost: Free admission (register here)
Location: Garibaldi Meucci Museum, 420 Tompkins Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305
Foreigner 4 The Deluxe Tour with Lou Gramm | Doors at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
Rock legends Foreigner bring their powerhouse catalog to the stage, featuring original vocalist Lou Gramm. With over 80 million albums sold worldwide and iconic hits like “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice” and “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” this performance celebrates nearly 50 years of rock excellence. Special guest Constantine Maroulis, Tony Award-nominated star of Rock of Ages and American Idol alum, joins the lineup for an electrifying evening of classic rock anthems.
Cost: $59-$179 (tickets here)
Location: St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St., Staten Island, NY 10301
Sunday, Dec. 7
Waterfall Hike | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Explore scenic waterfall viewpoints with the Urban Park Rangers while discovering the fascinating origins and heritage of Clove Lakes Park. This guided walk offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and local history as you traverse one of Staten Island’s most picturesque locations.
Cost: Free
Location: Parking Lot, Clove Lakes Park, 1050 Clove Road, Staten Island, NY 10301
Holiday Craft Workshop | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ring in the season at the Greenbelt Nature Center with a festive crafting session featuring projects made from natural, recycled and repurposed materials. Inspired by the spirit of the “Island of Misfit Toys,” each participant will create unique handmade items perfect for gifting or keeping as treasured keepsakes. Projects vary, ensuring everyone makes something special.
Cost: Free (register here)
Location: Location: Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. at Brielle Avenue, Blood Root Valley, Staten Island, NY 10314
Crafts & Cocoa | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Take a break from holiday shopping and warm up with complimentary hot cocoa while creating a festive pop-up holiday card. This drop-in crafting session provides all necessary materials for a relaxing creative experience. Perfect for families looking to add a handmade touch to their holiday greetings.
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Location: Staten Island Museum, 1000 Richmond Terr., Building A, Staten Island, NY 10301
A draft of this story was generated using AI. It was reviewed, edited and approved by Advance/SILive.com staff.