Tree lighting holiday celebration at Nassau Coliseum

Sands New York will be hosting a “Season of Sparkle” celebration outside the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale.

The event, which takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4, will feature American Idol contestant Christian Guardino, Emcee Carl and his Holiday Elves, Cuban entertainer Osmay Calvo with his 13 piece band, and other live entertainment.

There will be a lighting of a 60-foot Christmas tree at 6 p.m. The tree will be displayed alongside a Hanukkah menorah and a Kwanzaa kinara to usher in the holiday season on Long Island.

Attendees will receive a free food voucher to use at any of 10 different food trucks. The event will also include holiday mini golf, a human Christmas tree, festive photo opportunities, children’s activities, and more.

The two-day event will be kicked off on Sunday, Dec. 3 with a Toys-for-Tots toy drive, in partnership with the United States Marine Corps Reserve.  Everyone is encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys by dropping them off at the Nassau Coliseum parking lot between 9 a.m. and noon. Toys will be accepted during the Dec. 4 event as well.