🌱 Smithtown Christmas Parade Kicks Off Dec. 17 + Healthy Eating Tips

Good morning, Smithtown. I'm in your inbox to tell you everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on...

• Learn details of the Smithtown Christmas Parade.
• Do holiday calories count?
• Happenings in and around town and more!

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and cooler. High: 45, low: 28.

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Here are the top five stories in Smithtown today:

1. The Smithtown Christmas Parade kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. Cookies with Santa will be offered at the Main Fire House on Elm Avenue from 2-3 p.m. To access the route guide for this event, download the PDF form at Smithtown Fire Department. (Smithtown Fire Dept. Via Social Media)
2. Some say holiday calories don't count. Still, for those who want healthy eating tips for enjoying the season without "feeling guilty," a professional dietician will be at the Nesconset building of the Smithtown Public Library on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. Visit bit.ly/SmithLibHeartHealthyHoliday to register. (Smithtown Library)
3. Drivers in Suffolk County need to be aware of the enforcement of illegal parking in handicapped spots. The Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. The close look at violations is due to the holiday season, which attracts crowds to stores and malls. (Smithtown Matters)
4. Students at Dogwood Elementary are learning sign language with the high school students of Smithtown High School East. Kids in grades 2,3 and 4 were taught how to sign the book "Good Night Moon." (Smithtown Matters)
5. Nearby Events: The Stony Brook 43rd Annual Holiday Festival kicks off today with Santa Claus, music, a petting zoo and everything in between! It should be mentioned that the event is free and runs from noon to 6 p.m. (Stony Brook Village)

Today in Smithtown:

• Holiday Fine Art Showcase at Mill Pond Gallery. (Noon)
  
• Welcome Winter Walk at Sunken Meadow Park. (1:30 p.m.)
• Suffolk Winter Lantern Festival at Smithtown Historical Society. (5:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Brunch with Sant is today at the Garden Grill in Smithtown. Meals start to be served at 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. (Facebook Events)
• Once again, Stony Brook hosted the lighting of the restored windmill located at the Shinnecock Hills for the 2022 Holiday on Dec. 2. The windmill has been sitting in the area since 1988 but, sadly, lost its blades through the years. But now, the mill is restored with new blades, making the holiday special. (Stony Brook News)
• Police are looking for a man who stole from Famous Footwear in Islandia. Cameras caught the suspect leaving the store with three pairs of shoes that hadn’t been paid for. Visit the link to see a picture of the suspect and help police to identify him. Please, call 1-800-220-TIPS if you have any information. (Daily Voice)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Fitness 4 You — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Messiah Sing-Along. (December 4)
• John's Crazy Socks 6th Anniversary Open House/Pop-Up Store Celebration. (December 10)
• Holiday Lights At The Bronx Zoo. (December 23)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• John’s Crazy Socks Celebrates the Holidays with 12 Days of Giving Back (Details)
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Other classifieds:

• Freedomland For The Holidays And To Ring In New Year. (Details)
• Behind The Scoreboard – Play Hockey, Ref Hockey, and Eat Pizza. (Details)
• Add your classified

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Debora Whitehead

About me: Have a story idea? Please get in touch with me! I would love to hear from you! Wife, mom, foodie, traveler, and nature lover.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Smithtown Daily? Contact me at Smithtown@Patch.com.