Celebrate New Year's Eve in Style on LI!

We’ve made it almost halfway through December, and the majority 2013 has already come & gone, and you know what that means - it’s time to welcome 2014! If you’re still unsure of how you’ll be ringing in the New Year on December 31st, not to worry - we’ve got you covered. Our annual New Year’s Celebration Guide features dozens of great local events happening in both Nassau and Suffolk, highlights of the hottest happenings in NYC, as well as fun ways to celebrate at home, and tips & tricks for hosting your own bash.

No matter what you consider the perfect night on the town, there is somewhere great to celebrate when the clock strikes 12:00 - from black tie galas, to non-stop nightclub dancing, to laid back festivities at your favorite bar, there are all sorts of fantastic festivities to welcome 2014 with. 

For  all the best ways to welcome 2014, check out LongIsland.com's New Year's Entertainment Guide!

Christmas Cookies: Simple Recipes to Make Your Season Bright

 Nothing says Christmas quite like a freshly baked batch of homemade cookies! Not an avid baker? Not to worry! We've got some spectacular simple recipes for baking beautiful cookies this holiday that are as tasty as they are good looking! Christmas is almost here, and with only one weekend before the holiday, it's time to break out your cookie tins, get your oven ready, and get to it! You'll be glad you did when you're enjoying your cookies and cocoa this Christmas!

 

For our best Christmas Cookie Recipes, click here!

 If you are lucky enough this season to enjoy a fireplace, fire would is readily available on the island for purchase. Some people enjoy seasoning their own wood, but that can take up to two years when done properly. It is also important to remember fire safety this winter with your fireplaces. So check out our article about firewood and fireplace safety before enjoying a warm fire at home.

For all the safety tips & to find out where you can pick up firewood here on LI, click here!

Simple Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipes That Will Keep You Warm this Winter!

 Nothing gets you in the spirit quite like a mug full of homemade hot chocolate - this sweet and savory drink is perfect for melting more than just the ice outside! Hot Chocolate is one of those special seasonal treats that is best enjoyed with friends and family - why not learn how to create hot cocoa concoctions of your own this holiday season, and treat your loved ones to something special this winter? Not sure how to make your own? Not to worry! We've got you covered with a rundown of the basics of hot chocolate making, and some great ways to spice up our classic cocoa recipe that are sure to be a hit.

For this season's best Hot Chocolate Recipes, click here!

Great Gifts to Keep on Hand for Unexpected Holiday Guests

The holiday season is here, and with Christmas right around the corner, it's time to get those decorations up, get your holiday meal planned, and get ready for guests stopping by! Sometimes, an unexpected tag-along may join the festivities - what's a host to do? To help ease this situation and ensure that it's not awkward and your surprise guest feels welcome, it's always good to keep a handful of "emergency gifts" on hand. On Hand Gifts are typically fairly inexpensive, and are good choices for a variety of giftees - whether your son's new girlfriend swings by, your cousin drops in to say hello, or an old pal decides to come say hi this holiday. 

To help you plan ahead, we've put together an Emergency Gift Guide right here!

Long Island Home Owners Have Only 3 Weeks Left to Keep Their STAR Tax Exemptions

 Homeowners on Long Island as well as the rest of New York have only three weeks left to re-register for Basic School Tax Assessment Relief (STAR) exemptions. The STAR program, designed to give homeowners a break on their taxes, allows New York State residents who make less than $500,000 a year and own their primary residence to exempt the first $30,000 of their house values from school taxes.

Re-Registration must be completed by December 31st, and this tax break is something that no homeowner will want to miss out on.

For all of the need to know information about the STAR Exemptions & all the forms you'll need, click here!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Where to Meet Santa This Year on LI!

You better not pout, you better not cry - Santa Claus is coming to town! This year, the man himself will be making appearances across Long Island so that all the good little girls & boys can tell him all about their Christmas wishes. Meeting Santa has been a holiday tradition for ages, and luckily for Long Island, there will be plenty of opportunities before Christmas to sit down with Santa, and even snap a photo - he's making appearances in both Nassau & Suffolk daily! Get your Christmas List ready, and put on your holiday best - it's time to meet Santa, and make sure he knows what you REALLY want this Christmas! 

To find out where to meet Santa this Season, click here!

Get Crafty with Gifting at a Holiday Craft Fair This Season!

 Hanukkah is well under way, and Christmas is right around the corner, and with Black Friday and Cyber Monday come and gone, it's time to kick it into high gear when it comes to holiday shopping. This year, there are dozens of craft fairs and festivals happening throughout the month of December here on Long Island - perfect for finding just the right gift for everyone on your list. Holiday Craft Fairs are filled with local vendors that have lovingly created handmade items such as jewelry, candles, clothing, gourmet food, and a wide variety of unique gifts. This holiday, why not shop local, and give the gift of handmade crafts!

For the scoop on all the upcoming craft fairs, click here!