UBS Arena in Elmont announces Christmas festival
Fire pits and VIP igloos were featured at UBS Arena last winter. This year, UBS is planning a daily Christmas festival. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
It may be July, but the sleigh bells are starting to jingle as UBS Arena at Belmont Park in Elmont has announced its inaugural Great American Family Christmas Festival, which will be held daily at The Park Nov. 20 through Jan. 5.
Activities are set to include holiday movies, celebrity meet and greets, outdoor ice skating, Santa’s Crafting Village, live entertainment and nightly tree lightings.
Five outdoor village experiences are planned. Take some photos by the "ELFie" station at Candy Cane Lane then walk through a tunnel of holiday lights and decorations with the scent of peppermint in the air. Frosty’s Frozen Skate is slated to offer an outdoor skating rink experience with firepits on the sidelines to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Sing along to Christmas carols during the "Carol-oke" or participate in the Ugly Sweater Contest on Rudolph’s Main Stage as holiday cover bands are expected to perform live. Create your own holiday decorations and ornaments at Santa’s Craft Village and even shop for presents.
Grab a drink or a snack at the Eat, Drink & Be Merry Village, for holiday cocktail-making classes or to rent private chalets, igloos and firepits. Don’t forget to catch a photo-op with Santa in his workshop before you leave.
"Over the past decade, my team and I have envisioned a Christmas Festival that will attract people from far and wide and offer fans a chance to meet the stars of our movies and immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind festive experience," says Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media, which partnered with UBS, the New York Islanders and CandyRock entertainment to organize the festival.
New York Islanders' co-owner Jon Ledecky adds he hopes the festival creates "a magical holiday tradition for Islanders fans" and beyond.
UBS unveiled its open-air park last winter with ice rinks, lawn games and other attractions in an attempt to draw hockey fans to the venue for festivities before home games at the arena.
For more information, visit: greatamericanfamilychristmasfestival.com.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.