• Holiday Events in Queens

Saturday

• The Nutcracker at Flushing Town Hall

• Hands-on History: Christmas at the Manor Museum

• Celebrate Kwanzaa at Flushing Library

• Winter Solstice: A Mid-Winter Musical Event Rockaway Artists Alliance

• December History Roundtable at Greater Astoria Historical Society

• Are You Smarter than a Park Ranger? Fort Totten

• Opening Parallel States at DEAN PROJECT Through February 14, 2010

• United Latino Professionals - Toy Drive and Holiday Celebration

Sunday

• Holiday Favorites Concert - Oratorio Society of Queens

• Bakithi Kumalo - A Kwanzaa Celebration at Flushing Town Hall

• The Nutcracker in Colden Auditorium @ Queens College

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Every street in Queens seems to have at least three or four houses or apartments totally glowing for Christmas. One of the best neighborhoods for Christmas lights is Bayside. Planning a Christmas decoration cruise in Queens? Try:

• 166th St @ 23rd Ave, Whitestone [Top Pick]
• 33-20 205th St, Bayside (excellent) [Top Pick]
• Corner of 212th Street and 32nd Ave, Bayside
• 91st Street between 157th and 158th Aves, Howard Beach
• 76th Street at 77th Ave, Glendale (more for the nativity and train set in garage, which are not visible from the street)

Got more to add? Let us know in the comments, please.

Got photos of Christmas lights to share? I'm starting a Christmas and holiday light photo gallery: Email me or dm on twitter.

• More - Christmas and Holiday Events in Queens

Photo (c) John Roleke

We are approaching the end of Hanukkah (did you have latkes? jelly doughnuts? mmm....) and Christmas is fast approaching. Still looking for the perfect gift? Definitely check out the upcoming local markets this Sunday, where you can support local artisans. Both locations - Waltz and Sweet Afton - serve great food, so you can nosh while you're there.

For more shopping, head over to LIC on Friday for the Midnight Madness shopping extravaganza. Lots of local shops will be open late till midnight; plus there are extras to entice you, like free hot chocolate at Manducatis Rustica and "buy one get one free antipasto" at Testaccio. I was just down there this past weekend - if you find yourself there earlier in the evening, be sure to stop by Sweetleaf Cafe for some delicious coffee.

Those crazy cats at Why Leave Astoria?! are holding their annual holiday party at Ovelia (34-01 30th Ave) on Sunday at 7 p.m. They're combining a number of things into one ball of fun: a holiday market (for last minute gift ideas), a coat drive (for NY Cares), a raffle (gift certificates to local establishments and a luxury VA mountain weekend getaway), and a prix fixe dinner ($25 gets you 3 courses and a glass of wine). RSVP, please.

For something completely different, consider The Secret Theatre's performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, starring the Queen's Players. Performances are this weekend (December 16-20) and then January 1-3. Shows are at 8 p.m., plus December 19 and 20 matinees at 3:30 p.m. Tickets $15. 718.392.0722

And finally, for a delightful dose of history, the Greater Astoria Historical Society (35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor) hosts an afternoon of American history. Along with Tony Pignataro and fellow history enthusiast Al Ronzoni, they will present video illustrations of Washington's Crossing of the Delaware River, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Battle of the Bulge. The event starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday and discussion will follow the main presentation. Free!

• Previously on Joey in Astoria
• Neighborhood Profile - Astoria, Queens

Last week you were stumped. Is this one any easier?