The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum will open its third annual holiday event, Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season, on Saturday, November 26, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Bright Lights will be open at the same time on Sunday, November 27, and on Saturdays and Sundays through December 22.
Thousands of warm-white lights will create holiday magic inside and outside the Mansion and illuminate trees, wreaths, garlands, guest rooms, walkways, and the Vanderbilt Library.
The event will include Candlelight Tours of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion, visits with Santa and friends in his workshop, a children’s scavenger hunt, and 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.”
On Saturday, November 26, the first night of Bright Lights, the huge, decorated tree in the Courtyard will be lighted at 6:00 pm.
This year’s 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.