The festive evening kicks off at 3 p.m. with the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce’s “Goat on a Boat Puppet Theater” — followed by a craft for kids afterwards. 

A bonfire fueled by Carrick Tree Services’ donated firewood will roar the entire evening. And, throughout the night, the Peconic Bay Power Squadron and their volunteers will serve up free hot chocolate donated by the Riverhead Moose Lodge. 

With cocoa in hand, enjoy by the fireside the Riverhead BIDMA’s running of East End Merry Market, complete with holiday food, drink and artisan vendors for those looking to shop local for distinctive gifts. 

All the while, the Riverhead Free Library Mobile SLED Library offers another fun and interactive experience for the kiddos. From the annex building next to the town hall, East End Arts will have more yet more crafts and live music.

A crowd favorite — the Parade of Lights headed by the Riverhead Lions Club — is expected to take place a bit later than years past, this time at 4:30 p.m. The parade will begin on Ostrander Avenue, head west on Main Street, North of Griffing Avenue, before finishing at Riverhead Town Hall. Then, the town’s tree will be lit at 5:30 p.m.

Santa Claus will take time from his busy schedule to feature in the parade and then sit for a meet and greet photo op at the Santa House on site. 

The evening is sure to be a jolly good time for all who come on down.

For more information, visit the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce site at riverheadchamber.com.

The post What to expect at Riverhead’s 2025 Holiday Extravaganza appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

The Riverhead Lions Club is hosting the 2025 Blues Festival at Riverhead Polish Hall on Oct. 11. 

A continuation of the former Blues Festival held in downtown Riverhead in recent years, this is the first time the Lion’s Club has organized the event and the first time it will serve as a fundraiser. 

All proceeds from the 3 to 8 p.m. show will go towards the Ronald McDonald House, which supports the families of children receiving treatment at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, set to open in 2027. 

It’s going to help so many families,” says Riverhead Lions Club president, Lisa Pickersgill.

Kerry Kearny, long-time performer on the blues and roots circuit, is one of the headliners and a key organizer for the event.  

Read more on Northforker.com

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The revelers were also awaiting the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who later welcomed children for hot cocoa and photos inside a gingerbread house.

After the parade, the annual holiday bonfire was lit on the riverfront and families gathered to warm up and check out the tree in the new Town Square. The town celebrated the first tree lighting in the new public space on Dec. 4.

Check out more photos from the event by photographer Jeremy Garretson.

The post Annual Christmas parade, bonfire brings holiday cheer to downtown Riverhead: Photos appeared first on Riverhead News Review.