ROCKAWAY GOOD TIMES
By Kami-Leigh Agard
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and our little slice of heaven is in full holiday swing! From music, arts, tree lightings, gift shopping and more—plan your Rockaway festive weekend crawl with our entertainment guide below. This week’s tip: Beach 116th Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday!
LIVE MUSIC
FRIDAY, December 1
6:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Jazz connoisseurs! Simon Chardiet is back at Uma’s, jazzifyin’ your senses for your dinin’ pleasure!
92-07 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
FRIDAY, December 1
7 p.m.
Barbecue and country music is as American as apple pie. Get a hefty serving of both as local country music sensation, Lauren Jaimes, takes the stage at Smoke & Barrel, recently voted Best BBQ in Queens!
97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
FRIDAY, December 1
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
DJ Ulez continues her Friday night residency at Tap That bumpin’ the ultimate dance party.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
FRIDAY, December 1
9 p.m.
You can never have One2Many when the popular jam rock band blows into Rogers!
203 Beach 116th Street
FRIDAY, December 1
Kick off your weekend at Harbor Light with plenty of Bair, as in local legend, singer/songwriter Gerald Bair! Call (718) 474-2202 for showtime and reservations.
129-18 Newport Ave.
SATURDAY, December 2
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Don’t miss Batesy’s Jazz Ain’t Dead afternoon brunch featuring quintessential jazz man, Mitch Marcus.
68-20F Rockaway Beach Blvd.
SATURDAY, December 2
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thai Rock serves up an enchanting bayside dining experience with master classical pianist, Bobby Katz.
375 Beach 92nd Street
SATURDAY, December 2
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Tap That fires up your Saturday night with NY Blues Hall-of-Famer Kerry Kearney and Friends.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
SATURDAY, December 2
8:30 p.m.
Local music maestros, John Simonelli and Patsy Carroll, return to The Rose Den for a night of acoustic alchemy and mysticism.
174 Beach 116th Street
SATURDAY, December 2
With an unbeatable sunset as the backdrop, feel the melody of love with the Song Birds at Kennedy’s. Call (718) 945-0202 for showtime and reservations.
406 Bayside, Breezy Point
SUNDAY, December 3
2 p.m.
Head uptown to Harbor Light for a memorable Sunday Fun!Day! with The Rock-A-Wades.
129-18 Newport Ave.
SUNDAY, December 3
5 p.m.
Grab a pint and toast to another fun-tabulous weekend in the Rock with Gerald Bair at Rogers!
203 Beach 116th Street
ONGOING
Wine WEDNESDAYS
7 p.m.
Head to Margie’s at The Rockaway Hotel for a heavenly dining experience as Phil Kadet serenades with classics and standards from the American Songbook. For reservations and more info, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/dining/margies
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
Thirsty THURSDAYS
7 p.m.
Don’t miss Bungie’s Trivia Tent Thursdays, with music by DJs At Work. Tonight’s theme: “Disney is a Plus!”
377 Beach 92nd Street
7:30 p.m.
Calling all wanna-be rockers and proud croakers—head to Smoke & Barrel for a pitch imperfect karaoke night!
97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
MOVIE NIGHT
“ELF” AT TAP THAT
FRIDAY, December 1
8 p.m.
Snuggle in the heated back tent at Tap That and get ready to split your pants in laughter at Will Ferrell’s hapless antics as Buddy in “Elf.”
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
CALLIE’S CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
SATURDAY, December 2
6 p.m.
Callie’s is back dazzling Beach 129th with their Christmas Tree Lighting! Kids will be treated to hot cocoa and cookies, while adults indulge in specialty bevies.
410 Beach 129th Street
BEACH 116TH CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
MONDAY, December 4
4 p.m. / 7 p.m.
Don’t miss a chance to cozy up and take photos with Old Saint Nick at Beach 116th Christmas Tree Lighting! Plus, soak in sing-along music and dance performances, and hot chocolate and treats for everyone. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. Official tree lighting at 7 p.m.
Beach 116th Street
ROCKAWAY BEACH AUTISM FAMILIES HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
ONGOING until December 8
Save Santa a trip and bring an unwrapped toy to RBAF’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive, known for gifting smiles galore to local children on the autism spectrum. Drop-off locations: The Rockaway Times (114-04 Beach Channel Drive), Knights of Columbus Tap Room (333 Beach 90th Street) and Smoke & Barrel (97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.). For suggested wish list and more info, visit: Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook/Instagram.
SHOP LOCAL
BROAD CHANNEL CRAFTERS & AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY PRESENT THE 34TH ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR & CHRISTMAS GIFT SALE
FRIDAY, December 1
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
& SATURDAY, December 2
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For the last three decades, the women of the Broad Channel Crafters work all year on these one-of-a-kind, handmade items that can be gifted and used not just for the holidays, but all year round! From Christmas ornaments, centerpieces, wine glasses and more decor, beach-themed novelties, baked goods, knits, jewelry and so much more that can even be personalized—be prepared to shop ‘til you drop! There’ll also be food and beverages for sale, plus gift raffles and a 50/50. All proceeds benefit St. Camillus-St. Virgilius Parish and the American Legion Auxiliary Operation Comfort Warriors Program.
209 Cross Bay Blvd., Broad Channel
BELLE HARBOR YACHT CLUB HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
FRIDAY, December 1
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
BHYC’s always-fabulous Holiday Boutique is back featuring two floors of 40 plus vendors selling clothing, art, accessories, jewelry, culinary delights, skin products, designer eyewear… too much to list! Plus, make a fete out of the experience with music by DJ Patrick and acoustic music man, Arturo Rivera, drinks, and more!
533 Beach 126th Street
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HOLIDAY THRIFT SALE
SATURDAY, December 2
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Could you resist a thrift sale offering brand new and used items, including Christmas pieces, clothing, jewelry, home goods, kids’ items and so much more at dynamite prices? Get it all at First Congregational’s Holiday Thrift Sale!
320 Beach 94th Street
ROCKAWAY MAKERS MINI
HOLIDAY MARKET
SATURDAY, December 2
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Rockaway Makers Market never disappoints, and this Saturday, pack in your holiday shopping at their mini market featuring local artisanal vendors indoors at Rockaway Beach Surf Club. Plus, feast on barbecue brunch by Babysmoker NYC and RBSC’s full bar.
302 Beach 87th Street
BUNGALOW BAR SIP & SHOP
SUNDAY, December 3
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
All the best in food, drinks and unique holiday shopping collide at Bungalow’s Sip & Shop event. While sipping on your favorite cocktail or mocktail, support your local pop-up shop businesses.
377 Beach 92nd Street
