Good Morning,
A lot happened in our neighborhood. A house went up in flames on River Avenue, someone swiped a pricey holiday decoration in Medford, and a driver hit a tree on Sunrise Highway. There’s also plenty of holiday cheer. Menorah lightings, toy drives, and festive shows are popping up all over town. Plus, the Patchogue Theatre has a special deal to kick off 2026.
-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer
Local Pulse
🔥 A house on River Avenue in Patchogue was fully engulfed in flames late Saturday night, prompting a multi-agency response just before midnight. Firefighters from seven departments, including Blue Point, North Patchogue, Hagerman, and Medford, worked for over two hours to bring the fire under control, with no injuries reported. Suffolk’s Arson Squad is now investigating the cause. [Patch]
🚔 A $250 Christmas decoration was stolen from the front lawn of a Gray Avenue home in Medford around 4 a.m. on December 10, and police say the suspect fled in a white Honda Accord. Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for tips that lead to an arrest in the ongoing petit larceny investigation. [Long Island.com]
🚧 A 19-year-old woman was seriously injured Friday night when her 2010 Nissan Altima struck a tree along Sunrise Highway in North Bellport, about 500 feet east of the Station Road overpass. She was taken to NYU Langone Hospital–Suffolk in East Patchogue with injuries that police say are serious but not life-threatening. 5th Squad detectives are investigating. [Patch]
🎭 Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts is ringing in the new year with a special offer: select shows are now just $26 to celebrate the arrival of 2026. Locals can grab this limited deal by using the code 2026 at checkout for eligible performances. [Patchogue Theatre]
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Community Highlights
Patchogue is hosting its annual Menorah Lighting at Capital One Plaza on Main Street on Sunday, December 21 at 5 PM, celebrating Hanukkah with the community. [patchoguevillage.gov]
Lighthouse Mission is collecting new toy donations for local Long Island families, with an extended deadline to drop off gifts by Friday, December 19 at 1543 Montauk Highway in Bellport. [Lighthouse Mission]
The Harbor Crab Co. is hosting its 21st Annual Kris Kringle Fundraiser on Wednesday, December 17, featuring raffles, holiday cheer, and pictures with Santa to support local families in need. [Harbor Crab Co.]
The Yaphank Historical Society has reopened its historic holiday house tours this weekend from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring guided visits, music, and a Christmas Boutique at St. Andrews Church. [Yaphank Historical Society]
The Village of Bellport is hosting a celebratory lighting of the Menorah in front of the CVS parking lot on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 5:45–6:15pm in observance of Hanukkah. Village of Bellport
The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts has tickets on sale now for Heather McMahan: The Bamboozled Tour on Thursday, April 23, 2026, with artist presale starting Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 10 AM and public sale Friday, Dec. 19 at 10 AM. [Patchogue Theatre]
The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce is hosting the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Lost Toys & Comics on Saturday, December 20 from 11 AM–1 PM with the ribbon cutting at 12:00 PM and 15 % off purchases at 69 N Ocean Ave in Patchogue.
The Oar is offering a Holiday Gift Card promotion: spend over $100 on food and beverage in December and receive a $25 gift card, valid Sunday through Thursday from January to March. [The Oar]
The Village of Bellport is hosting a Shop Local – Holiday Market at The Bellport Restaurant on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 12:00–3:00 PM. [Village of Bellport]
Melissa Etheridge has announced her first new studio album in five years, Rise, arriving March 27, 2026, with a new single “Matches” now available to stream—she’ll stop in Patchogue on April 11 at the Patchogue Theatre. [American Songwriter]
The 2026 Recycling Calendar is now available on the Brookhaven Town website. View and download it to stay on top of your recycling schedule. [Town of Brookhaven]
Lombardi’s on the Bay is hosting a Holiday Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 21 with seatings at 11:00 AM and 1:15 PM, featuring a festive waterfront meal, photos with Santa, and time by the tree. Lombardi’s on the Bay
Del Fuego in Patchogue is hosting a Happy Hour and live music event on Thursday, December 18 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with live performance by Long Island’s own Sarah Gross while you enjoy a meal and drinks. Del Fuego
The Museum of Contemporary Art Long Island is presenting Mexico; Past & Present, a solo exhibition of works by Kelynn Z. Alder curated by John Cino, on view from December 13, 2025 to February 15, 2026. [Patchogue Arts Council]
The Plaza Cinema is showing Sentimental Value from December 12 to 18, a powerful drama about two sisters reconnecting with their estranged father, a once-famous director hoping for a comeback. Described as a new film landmark, it blends humor and heartbreak in unforgettable ways. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]
The Patchogue Theatre is hosting a virtual 5K Run/Walk fundraiser through December 31 to support live entertainment and the arts. Participants will receive a unique gift and have their names displayed on the marquee in January. [Patchogue Theatre]
Arooga’s is throwing an Ugly Sweater Party on December 20 at 9pm with DJ Joseph Nappi, drink specials all night, and the kitchen open late. [Arooga’s Patchogue]
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show returns to Camp Edey in Bayport, running Thursdays to Sundays from November 28 to December 21. Walk the magical light trail, visit Santa, play lawn games, and check out this year’s new Cozy Bungalow Package!
Local Sports
🏀 Bayport-Blue Point’s varsity girls basketball team won 44–25 over Center Moriches in a home game on Monday afternoon, continuing their strong start to the season with solid defensive play.
🏀 Bellport High School’s varsity girls basketball team fell to Smithtown East with a final score of 24–44 in Monday’s away game, marking a tough loss as the team works to build momentum this season.
🏀 Patchogue-Medford’s varsity girls basketball team was defeated by William Floyd with a final score of 80–48 during Monday’s home game, as William Floyd’s offense proved difficult to contain.
🏀 Bellport High School’s varsity boys basketball team came up just short in a close 52–50 loss to Smithtown East on Monday afternoon, battling hard in a game that stayed tight until the final buzzer.
🏀 Patchogue-Medford’s varsity boys basketball team fell to William Floyd 71–26 in Monday’s away game, as William Floyd controlled the pace from the start and maintained a strong lead throughout.
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