Category Archives: Holidays

Old Westbury, New York, U.S. December 16, 2023. Santa waves to visitors during Christmas at Westbury House during its final Saturday at Old Westbury Gardens on the former Phipps family estate on the Gold Coast of Long Island.

Christmas is All Around Old Westbury Gardens

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
December 28, 2023

Christmas at Westbury House

The mild weather was decidedly un-Christmassy as I walked up the path to Westbury House. But once I entered the festively decorated mansion, Christmas was all around.

Christmas at Westbury House

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. December 16, 2023. Santa Claus waves hello during Christmas at Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2023 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

 – Christmas OWG –

Christmas at Westbury House

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. December 16, 2023. The Girl Scouts of Nassau County Chorus sings during Christmas at Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2023 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

 – Christmas OWG –

Christmas at Westbury House

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. December 16, 2023. Three stuffed animal deer, one climbing out of a bubble bath, create a fanciful display in former bathroom of Mrs. Phipps during Christmas at Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens.(© 2023 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

 – Christmas OWG –

Christmas at Westbury House

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. December 16, 2023. The crimson bedroom is decorated with red poinsettias during Christmas at Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens.(© 2023 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Maura M. Brush, President & CEO of Old Westbury Gardens 

In November, Maura McGoldrick-Brush was named President & CEO of Old Westbury Gardens. She’s been with OWG since she became an intern in 1999, and is still involved with the Horticultural Internship Program which has expanded significantly since then.

Brush’s particular areas of focus include historic gardens, cultural landscapes, and continuing to develop Old Westbury Gardens as a welcoming, historically authentic place for visitors

Christmas at Westbury House

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. December 16, 2023. The COSTA family poses for photos with Santa Claus during Christmas at Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens.(© 2023 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)


Feature Photo  (at top of post, a triptych of three processed versions of image): Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. Dec. 16, 2023. Santa waves hello during Christmas at Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2023 Ann Parry, annparry.com)


Christmas at Westbury House at OWG:  my PHOTO GALLERY

Old Westbury Gardens:  SITE  •  JOIN

Girl Scouts of Nassau County:  GSNC.org

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Christmas at Westbury House

Old Westbury, New York, U.S. December 16, 2023. During Christmas at Westbury House, the formal dining room has a large Christmas tree in the windowed corner, at Old Westbury Gardens. (© 2023 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Old Westbury, New York, U.S. December 10, 2021. A light show is projected on south side of Westbury House during Shimmering Solstice, a walkthrough light show designed for historic Old Westbury Gardens. Event runs through January 9, 2022.

Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens: light show magic!

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
December 18, 2021

UPDATE: Shimmering Solstice Returns! 11/25/22 – 1/1/23
Subscribe for updates from OWG on tickets+

Shimmering Solstice • 11/20/21-1/9/22 • must buy Advance TicketsMap

SLIDESHOW – Shimmering Solstice  (Full Screen: Click bottom right corner)

“I took the best photos of my life at Shimmering Solstice!” my friend posted online next to his pictures of the holiday light show at Old Westbury Gardens. Since I also had visited the walk-through wonderland, I wasn’t surprised he was thrilled.

Old Westbury Gardens Shimmering Solstice

Old Westbury, N.Y., USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Lighted trees and architecture cast colorful reflections in pond at west side of Westbury House during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

During my hours (!) visiting Shimmering Solstice on the grounds of Old Westbury Gardens, the Long Island Gold Coast estate, I saw families with young children and grandparents, friends from their late teens to seniors, and photo enthusiasts.

VIDEO – Shimmering Solstice  (Full Screen: Click bottom right corner)
Breathtaking scenes include the Rose Garden, the pond, the Walled Garden, and South Lawn and Allee leading to Westbury House, with its decorated front, and a stunning projection show on its south facade.

Old Westbury, NY, USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Visitors walk down geometrically lit South Allee during Old Westbury Gardens' Shimmering Solstice, running through Jan. 9, 2022. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Old Westbury, N.Y., USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Visitors walk down geometrically lit South Allee during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice, running through Jan. 9, 2022. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Lightswitch – a collective of internationally recognized lighting, media, and visual designers – worked together with Old Westbury Gardens to create the show that celebrates the OWG’s history and environment.

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. Dec. 10, 2021. A mother watches her children make the the Walled Garden colorfully light up during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Catholic Health is the presenting sponsor of Shimmering Solstice. Patrick M. O’Shaughnessy, the President and CEO of Catholic Health, said, “This experience will bring families, friends, and communities together in a beautiful setting to reflect and make memories.”

Because the show both dazzled the senses and created emotional experiences, I do expect my memories will remain as vivid as the photos captured.

Old Westbury Gardens Shimmering Solstice

Old Westbury, N.Y., USA. Dec. 10, 2021. A light show is projected on the south facade of Westbury House during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

How wonderful it would be to have the chance to create such memories at Shimmering Solstice for years to come.

Which is why I was so happy to learn that Nancy Costopulos, the President and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens, said the non-profit intends to make the unique light show an annual holiday tradition at the historic state.

Old Westbury, NY, USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Three friends walk among gigantic lighted dandelions during Old Westbury Gardens' Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Old Westbury, N.Y., USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Three friends walk among gigantic lighted dandelions during Old Westbury Gardens Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

If you’re in the tri-state area and looking for an unforgettable outdoor holiday experience, it’s well worth the drive to visit Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens.

Old Westbury, NY, U.S. Dec. 10, 2021. Friends walk down colorfully lighted south allee during Old Westbury Gardens' Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. Dec. 10, 2021. Friends walk down colorfully lighted south allee during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Please note you must buy your tickets before arriving at the event, which runs through January 9, 2022.

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. Dec. 10, 2021. Families explore in front of Westbury House at Shimmering Solstice, a walk-through light show at Old Westbury Gardens, sponsored by Catholic Health, and running through January 9, 2022.


my Shimmering Solstice PHOTOS: bit.ly/annparryOWG2021

my Shimmering Solstice VIDEO: vimeo.com/annparry/shimmeringsolstice

Catholic Health: chsli.org

Lightswitch: lightswitch.net

Old Westbury Gardens: oldwestburygardens.com

CONTACT ME

North Merrick, New York, USA. December 19, 2020. North Merrick Fire Department has its annual Santa Claus ride in red sleigh pulled by NMFD fire truck that goes through the streets of North Merrick community. (© 2020 Ann Parry, ann-parry.com)

North Merrick Fire Department Santa + Holiday Walk

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
December 31, 2020

Outdoor Holiday Fun

The North Merrick Fire Department escorted Santa in his sleigh throughout our community the night of December 19. It’s a tradition our family looks forward to each year, and the snow lined streets made it particularly festive.

After Santa and his firefighter helpers visited our street, I drove across town to the Community Holiday Tree and Lumiere Walk.

“North Merrick, NY, U.S. Dec. 19, 2020. L-R, JOSH MACK, JESSICA MACK, and daughter CALLEIGH MACK, 10, are posing at their Candy Cane Lane candy stand in front of their home during Community Holiday Tree Walk. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

North Merrick, NY, U.S. Dec. 19, 2020. L-R, JOSH MACK, JESSICA MACK, and daughter CALLEIGH MACK, 10, are posing at their Candy Cane Lane candy stand in front of their home during Community Holiday Tree Walk. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Twenty-nine North Merrick homes had their front yards decorated, each in a different theme, for the Community Holiday Tree and Lumiere Walk the night of December 19, 2020.

Two of the many themes my family enjoyed were:  “A Very Murray Christmas” starring a festive photo of actor Bill Murray, and “Candy Cane Lane” featuring a candy cane stand and metal pit fire.

“North Merrick, NY, U.S. Dec. 19, 2020. At center, L-R, JESSICA MACK and JOSH MACK stand with 2 neighbors around fire pit during Community Holiday Tree Walk. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

North Merrick, NY, U.S. Dec. 19, 2020. At center, L-R, JESSICA MACK and JOSH MACK stand with 2 neighbors around fire pit during Community Holiday Tree Walk. (© 2020 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

What a creative and fun way to celebrate the holiday season while also staying outside and observing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic!


FEATURE PHOTO at top of post: North Merrick, NY, USA. December 19, 2020. North Merrick Fire Department has its annual Santa Claus ride in red sleigh pulled by NMFD fire truck going throughout the community. (© 2020 Ann Parry, ann-parry.com).


North Merrick Fire Department:  northmerrickfd.org

North Merrick Holiday Fun:  my Photo Gallery

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