The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County is preparing to open its annual Holiday Light Show at Camp Edey in Bayport. The walk-through event will run from Friday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Dec. 21.
This year, the schedule has been expanded to include Thursdays and Sundays. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 5 to 8 p.m. on the added days, according to the Girl Scouts website. The Holiday Light Show has operated for more than 20 years.
“The first night we throw the switch and turn the show on is Friday after Thanksgiving,” CEO and President Tammy Severino said, noting the countdown begins at 5 p.m.
“We expect over the course of our show probably thousands will go through…Whether you are 9 or 92 it’s a very magical experience.”
For the first time, igloos and bungalows will be available for rental. Each is decorated with a different theme and accommodates groups of five. Reservations are required through the organization’s website.
The Holiday Light Show is in its second year back at Camp Edey, 1500 Lakeview Ave., after previously being held at Smith Point Beach.
“The Holiday Light Show started at Camp Edey in Bayport many years ago as a drive-through light show, and it became so big that we had to eventually move it off our property and we took it to Smith Point Beach. It was there for the better part of a decade,” Severino said.
Severino said the organization shifted to a walk-through format due to traffic concerns in the surrounding neighborhood. The display spans about a half mile and includes photo stops such as Santa’s cabin and a decorated tree. Food vendors, lawn games and firepits are also planned.
New displays designed by Girl Scouts will be included this year.
“We have Girl Scout Way, which is our pride and joy,” Severino said.
Winners of the annual design contest have their artwork displayed each year. Six years of winning entries will be featured. Groundskeepers create the displays based on the Scouts’ drawings. Some reach 12 feet tall.
“We get anywhere from 80 to 125 or more submissions each year…the girls’ visions are remarkable,” Severino said. “The entire Light Show is a very magical experience to go through, and they get to be part of the creation of that magic.”
The 2025 contest winners are:
• Penelope Alambra, Smithtown, Troop 358, Brownie
• Amani Bradley-Coleman, Sienna Lebron, Teresa Cortez, Natalia Ciborowski, Kaylee Jimenez, Kiera Green-Wilson, Maggie Ericson, Bomi Oyewo, Hanmi Oyewo, Lindenhurst, Troop 506, Multi-Level
• Ciara Weisbecker, Babylon, SU 14 (Juliette), Senior
• Olivia Castelli, Patchogue, Troop 1400, Cadette
• Sadie Ciesinski, Melville, Troop 103, Junior
Admission starts at $12.50. Tickets must be purchased in advance on the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County website.
Severino said proceeds support Girl Scout programming, including summer camp, leadership initiatives and scholarships.
“We’re just really excited to have people come experience the show, experience the Camp Edey property and the magic it holds and know that in addition to their experience, they are supporting programs and Girl Scouting in our efforts throughout the year by joining us,” she said.