As 2025 reaches a close, Port Washington is becoming filled with holiday spirit and festivities. Houses, businesses, and Schreiber embraced the season by decorating to capture the joy of the holidays.
“The winter holidays are my favorite part of the year. I love seeing all of the decorations around town. The different lights on each house are so unique, and they all are so beautiful. There are so many exciting events scheduled, both at school and in the community, and I can’t help but feel happy every time I step outside. Everything feels a little more magical, and it brings everyone together in a way that can only happen in this season,” said freshman Hannah Edelson.
Among the winter activities in Port, Schreiber’s window painting stands out as a celebratory way for club members throughout the school to express themselves through art. This annual event is a way to share holiday and club enthusiasm with others. Students embellished the school’s cafeteria windows with intricate designs after school on Dec. 4.
“This was my first year going to the window painting event, and I thought it was such a fun activity as well as a creative experience. I look forward to attending this event in my future years at Schreiber,” said freshman Iris Kim.
In addition to school traditions, window painting extends into several local businesses throughout Port Washington. Many shops along Main Street and Shore Road invited student groups and community members to decorate their storefronts with winter designs. These paintings helped brighten the business district and encouraged more residents to visit local stores during the holiday season. On Dec. 6, the whole community was invited to come out, explore and support our local businesses, and have a little festive fun at the same time. Community members strolled through the town and showed love to all of the shops that make Port Washington special.
“Holidays bring everyone together as a community. I love seeing the happy residents of Port celebrate the special days together, no matter which specific holidays they observe,” said freshman Natalie Scala.
Another notable festivity annually celebrated in Port Washington is the lighting of the tree in Blumenfeld Park. This event took place on Dec. 7 and featured a live Nativity pageant, a reading of the Christmas story, festive caroling by the Red Stocking Revue Singers, and music by the Liquid Brass Band. At the end of the celebration, Santa appeared clad in his trademark red and white suit.
Beyond local celebrations, many Port Washington residents also traveled to New York City to experience some of the state’s largest and most long-standing holiday traditions. One of the most visited attractions this season was the Winter Village at Bryant Park. The village featured an outdoor ice rink, small holiday shops, and a variety of seasonal foods all arranged around the center of the park. Families walked through the aisles lined with booths selling handmade crafts, winter accessories, artworks, and locally made gifts. The open-air rink remained a main draw throughout December, with skaters of all ages participating. Visitors also enjoyed the park’s decorations, which included string lights, garlands, and illuminated displays that created a festive atmosphere both during the day and night.
Another major attraction was the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, one of the most recognizable symbols of the season in New York. The tree was lit on Dec. 4 during a public ceremony that featured musical performances, which drew thousands of spectators. Throughout December, visitors continued to gather around the ice rink and plaza to take photos and observe the large display of lights and ornaments. The surrounding area, including Fifth Avenue, also featured detailed window displays in well-known department stores. These displays showcased winter scenes, animated figures, and creative designs that attracted steady crowds, especially during evenings and weekends.
In addition to statewide events, Port Washington offered more opportunities for community involvement as the season continued. Local organizations, including the Port Washington Public Library, scheduled winter-themed programs such as craft workshops, family activities, and story sessions for younger children. These events provided residents with indoor options during colder weather and helped bring together families looking for seasonal activities without leaving town.