PHOTOS: The holiday spirit is ramping up

What did Malverne’s menorah, Lakeview’s lighting and West Hempstead’s holiday fest all have in common? The biggest smiles of the season! People got into the holiday season by coming together to celebrate with their neighbors.

The heart of Malverne came aglow from the light of the menorah last Thursday. Families and village officials gathered at the Malverne train station to honor the beginning of Hanukkah, the festival of lights. People watched joyfully as the menorah, provided by the Malverne Jewish Center, lit up the night.

The Lakeview tree lighting, hosted by the Lakeview Civic Associaton, wouldn’t be complete without good food and even better music. The Pride of Malverne marching band cranked out some tunes as people enjoyed food — just a taste of what’s to come as December continues.

The rain couldn’t dampen West Hempstead’s parade! Their celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza wouldn’t be complete without face painting, live music, and some festive treats like hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies. Though the event, hosted by the West Hempstead Community Support Association, had to be moved inside due to stormy weather, every face in the West Hempstead Secondary School cafeteria had a sunny smile as they enjoyed the holiday fun.

—Nicole Formisano