STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — From historic holiday tours and festive family events to live music and seasonal hikes, this weekend’s lineup is full of winter cheer and community spirit.
Here’s your guide to what’s happening this weekend on Staten Island.
Multi-Day Events
Holiday House Tours at Historic Richmond Town | Dec. 17-18 at 2 p.m., Dec. 20-21 at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Step back in time and discover how Christmas was celebrated across different eras at Historic Richmond Town. This guided tour takes visitors through authentically decorated historic buildings, beginning with the 1820s where natural decorations like holly and ivy adorn the Guyon-Lake-Tysen House, Basket Maker’s House and Tavern. The journey continues to the 1860s Victorian era at the General Store and Stephens-Black House, showcasing the evolution of Christmas traditions including decorated trees and holiday shopping customs. The tour wraps up at the Courtroom featuring an impressive 15-foot Christmas tree.
Cost: $10 (tickets here)
Location: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island, NY 10306
More information here
Snug Harbor Glass House Tours | Dec. 18 and 20, 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 Members (tickets here)
Location: Visitor Info Booth at Snug Harbor on Chapel and Gazebo roads, Staten Island, NY 10301
Friday, Dec. 19
Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with Jonathan Kruk | 6-7:15 p.m.
Enjoy a magical evening of storytelling as master performer Jonathan Kruk brings Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic to life in the historic Third County Courthouse. Kruk masterfully portrays every character from Ebenezer Scrooge to Tiny Tim, accompanied by harpist Erika Lieberman. The atmospheric setting features holiday greenery and candlelight, creating an unforgettable Victorian Christmas experience. Complimentary hot tea or cocoa is included with admission.
Cost: Adults (12+) $45, Members $38, Kids (11 and under) $40 (tickets here)
Location: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island, NY 10306
More information here
New Moon Hike & Stargazing | 6-8 p.m.
Experience the magic of the night at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve with a guided New Moon hike and stargazing adventure. Join Rangers for a 2‑mile nighttime walk where you’ll search for nocturnal wildlife and continue on to the park’s farm to learn about constellations and view the night sky through a telescope. Flashlights are provided, all ages welcome.
Cost: Free (register here)
Location: Nature Interpretive Center, Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 2351 Veterans Road West, Staten Island, NY 10309
More information here
Little River Band 50th Anniversary Tour with special guests Seals & Crofts 2 | Doors at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
Celebrate five decades of chart-topping hits with the legendary Little River Band, led by 44-year veteran Wayne Nelson. The Australian rock icons, who’ve sold over 350 million albums worldwide, will perform beloved classics from the ’70s and ’80s. Opening the evening is Seals & Crofts 2, featuring Brady Seals and Lua Crofts, who bring fresh interpretations of timeless favorites like “Summer Breeze” and “Diamond Girl” while honoring the legacy of the original duo.
Cost: $59-$99 (tickets here)
Location: St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St., Staten Island, NY 10301
More information here
A Very Merry Elvis Christmas Spectacular | 8 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with an unforgettable night of Elvis classics at Max’s Es-Ca! Lamar Peters and The Great Pretender Show Band bring the King’s greatest hits to life with festive flair, creating a rock‑and‑roll Christmas celebration for fans of all ages. Enjoy an evening of music, holiday cheer and good company. Please note: tickets do not include food or drinks; reservations for dining before the show are recommended.
Cost: $33.85 (tickets here)
Location: Max’s Es-Ca, 1559 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY 10304
More information here
Saturday, Dec. 20
Jones Woods Park Forest Restoration | 10 a.m.-noon
Help preserve Staten Island’s natural woodland areas by volunteering with the NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Participants will engage in hands-on restoration activities while learning about the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Wear sturdy footwear and clothes suitable for outdoor work.
Cost: Free (register here)
Location: Jones Woods Park (meet at Soldier Monument, Brighton Avenue and Lafayette Avenue), Staten Island, NY 10301
More information here
Puppets in the Park | Shows at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Enjoy a kid‑friendly puppet show at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve’s Nature Interpretive Center! Follow Baby Owl on a whimsical journey through the woods in the original show “Where Is the Moon?” and learn about nocturnal animals along the way. Perfect for children and families, all ages welcome.
Cost: Free (register here)
Location: Nature Interpretive Center, Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 2351 Veterans Road West, Staten Island, NY 10309
More information here
Home for the Holiday at The Pride Center | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
A community gathering celebrating inclusion, compassion and togetherness for all LGBTQ+ individuals, families and allies. Enjoy a luncheon with good food, games and giveaways. Wear your coziest winter pajamas—best winter-themed PJs win a prize! Space is limited; registration required.
Cost: Free (register here)
Location: The Pride Center of Staten Island, 66 Willow Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305
More information here
Holiday Pajama Bar Crawl | 11:45 a.m.–4 p.m.
Slip into your coziest holiday pajamas and hit Forest Avenue for a festive bar crawl hosted by Destiny’s Happy Hour and Giselfy Solutions! The crawl kicks off at Sally’s Southern & BBQ before continuing to Jody’s Tavern and Ho Bruh—each stop featuring its own activities, drink and food specials, and holiday vibes. All locations are just a short walk apart, making for a fun and easy afternoon out. Tickets include access to happy hour specials at every stop. Ages 21+.
Cost: $25.31 (tickets here)
Location: Sally’s Southern & BBQ, 427 Forest Ave., Staten Island, NY 10301
More information here
Film Screening: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) | 2-4 p.m.
Experience Frank Capra’s beloved holiday classic on the big screen at St. George Library Center. Follow George Bailey’s emotional journey as his guardian angel Clarence shows him the profound impact his life has had on his community. Complimentary refreshments will be served during the screening.
Cost: Free
Location: St. George Library Center, 5 Central Ave., Staten Island, NY 10301
More information here
Sunset Hike | 3:30-5 p.m.
Experience the magic of twilight on Staten Island’s trails with the Urban Park Rangers. This guided evening hike through High Rock Park explores the transition from day to night, culminating with spectacular sunset views from Paulo’s Peak. Watch for wildlife emerging as temperatures drop and darkness approaches.
Cost: Free
Location: High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314
More information here
Pride Bowling | 5-7 p.m.
An evening of bowling fun and socializing with friends in the LGBTQ+ community. The $20 registration fee includes two games, shoe rental, pizza and soda. All registered bowlers should arrive early for the 5 p.m. start time. For all ages
Cost: $20 (tickets here)
Location: Rab’s Country Lanes, 1600 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10305
More information here
Universal Temple of the Arts Staten Island JAZZ Festival 37 | Doors at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.
Ring in the holidays with Staten Island’s premier jazz celebration, now in its 37th year. This year’s festival showcases an exceptional lineup including Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble, Wycliffe Gordon, The Brianna Thomas Band, Sounds of April & Randal and Julie Maniscalco Dectet.
Cost: $37 (tickets here)
Location: St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St., Staten Island, NY 10301
More information here
Sunday, Dec. 21
Nature’s Workshop: Seasonal Nature Candle Making | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join this hands-on workshop series and create your own candle infused with natural plant scents. Discover which familiar fragrances are associated with the holiday season in this engaging craft experience.
Cost: Free (register here)
Location: Blue Heron Nature Center, Blue Heron Park, 222 Poillon Ave., Staten Island, NY 10312
More information here
Sea Shanty Sessions | 2-4 p.m.
Sing along to traditional maritime songs in a historic Greek Revival building once home to sailors. Led by the Folk Music Society of New York, these family-friendly sessions are free and open to all.
Cost: Free
Location: The Noble Maritime Collection, Building D, 1000 Richmond Terr., Staten Island, NY 10301
More information here
Winter Solstice Walk at Lemon Creek Park | 3-5 p.m.
Mark the winter solstice with a guided exploration of Lemon Creek Park, featuring scenic ocean views near Prince’s Bay and the Mount Loretto Unique Area. Park naturalists, arborists and historians will share insights about this hidden gem. The flat, easy trail may be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear.
Cost: Free
Location: Dorothy Fitzpatrick Fishing Pier, Lemon Creek Park, meet at 391 Sharrott Ave., Staten Island, NY 10309
More information here