It's the holidays in Hempstead Village!

This Thursday, November 28, people across the country will come together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Eating turkey and watching football or the annual Macy’s Day parade might be part of your tradition, but for me, and hopefully for you as well, the holiday is also a time of personal reflection and an opportunity to give thanks for all of life’s blessings.

While it is easier to recognize obstacles and problems in everyday life, one day a year we are asked to put aside our complaints, take notice and be grateful for all the wonderful things that we take for granted.

As the official kick-off to the holiday season, Thanksgiving stirs up excitement and anticipation. Parents eagerly await to spend time with their sons and daughters and other family members to enjoy the holiday together and school children look forward to their upcoming vacations. Surrounding yourself with loved ones and remembering special moments you’ve shared together exemplifies the season’s true meaning.

For those less fortunate, I am greatly pleased that our village has been able to continue our Annual Turkey Giveaway event. This year's event will feature legendary NBA stars John Starks and Earl "The Pearl" Monroe and will take place at Kennedy Memorial Park. Registration is required. This effort will ensure that many additional families have a chance to enjoy a hot meal and celebrate Thanksgiving as well. Take a look below at the many holiday festivities in store for our residents. You are encouraged to come out and share in the many diverse traditions that make our community unique.

John Starks and Earl "The Pearl" Monroe will join village officials distribute turkeys at our annual Turkey Giveaway!

Special update to our Annual Turkey Giveaway Event.. Former NBA players, John Starks and Earl "The Pearl" Monroe will be helping village officials distribute Thanksgiving turkeys to registered recipients. This event will take place on November 26th at Kennedy Park from 10am to 2pm. The registration deadline has passed but for those who would like to take photos with the NBA legends are welcome to come out to Kennedy Park. and is based on economic need. Please keep in mind that this is for Village of Hempstead residents only. For more information call 516-478-6286.

Join us for our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting!

Save the Date! Our Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place Wednesday, December 4th at 4:30pm to 6:00pm at Hempstead Village Hall!

Kick off the holiday season with caroling, storytelling, poetry and other festivities with residents, Hempstead Village staff, Mayor Don Ryan and Board of Trustees. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. There will also be a special appearance by Santa Claus!

13th Annual Winter Wonderland Senior Senior Prom

Calling all Hempstead Senior Citizens! Be sure to attend the 13th Annual Winter Wonderland Senior Senior Prom happening on Friday, December 13th from 4pm to 8pm at Kennedy Park. This inter-generational event is brought to you by Family & Childrens Association and The Village of Hempstead. Senior students from local High Schools will be escorting a senior citizen to prom, and engaging in a day of fun. This wonderful event offers a fun way for our youth an senior residents to engage while having a great time. Come on down for dancing, music, food, and fun!

Village of Hempstead's Annual Toy Drive and Giveaway

'Tis the season of giving and the Village of Hempstead will have its popular Annual Toy Giveaway! Join Mayor Don Ryan and the Board of Trustees on December 20th from 10am to 2pm at Kennedy Memorial Park for this event. For those interested in receiving toys you must be registered by December 19th. To register visit Village Hall, 99 James A. Garner Way. For more information contact Juanita Hargwood at 516-478-6264.

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Village Hall

Join Rabbi Abe Lebovic of Congregation Beth Israel, village residents along with Mayor Don Ryan and The Board Of Trustees as they the Annual Hanukkah Celebration on Monday, December 23, 2018 at 4:30 pm in front of Village Hall, 99 James A. Garner Way. Come and participate the Festival of Lights with our Jewish community. See you there! For more information call Juanita Hargwood 516-478-6286.

Come out for our Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

Kwanzaa will mark our final holiday activity of the year on Wednesday, December 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kennedy Memorial Park, 335 Greenwich St., Hempstead, NY. Kwanzaa is a celebration of culture and achievements through music and offers valuable lessons to children. Kwanzaa teachings are based upon positive social values as a way for betterment of society and are expressed through seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work, responsibility, purpose, creativity and faith.

This year’s event, held in conjunction with Operation Get Ahead, will feature the lighting of the traditional Kinara, ceremonial singing and readings and complimentary food and refreshments for all who attend.

Small Business Saturday is almost here!

This Nov 30 is the 10th Small Business Saturday®, which means it’s almost time to celebrate with your favorite small businesses — Save the date to Shop Small® with our local businesses because when you do, you make a big difference for our community. Join us in making this Small Business Saturday one to remember!

As always, thank you for your continued support of our local economy!