Thank You! 2025 Northport Leg Lamp Lighting & Shopping Guide

Shop Downtown! Shop Northport! Photo by Drigo Morin

The Northport Leg Lamp Lighting

Here is a story about a beloved Long Island Main Street. If you’d like to skip straight to our Northport shopping guide, click here.T This is how it all came to be and how it recently went. You can also find images and video of the 2025 event on The Firefly Artists Facebook page. and Instagram — especially the reposts. Thank you to all who joined us and helped capture the evening!

Twenty years ago, well before “Small Business Saturday” became a thing, the Mayor of Northport was visiting the proprietors of The Northport Hardware Company. Together, they stumbled upon an old gag gift – a leg lamp from the classic holiday movie, A Christmas Story. Laughing all the way, they stuck it in the front window and gave it an honorary salute.

From that quirky moment, the Northport Leg Lamp Lighting has grown to become one of Long Island’s most beloved “kick-offs” of the holiday season; a full-on community celebration of local talent, small-town charm, and our village’s unique ability to unite over something delightfully whimsical to create something truly spectacular.

The Hardware store is long gone, but the tradition persists. When we of The Firefly Artists took over that space in 2022, community members asked us to please bring their celebration of community, art and a good laugh home.

We were honored. A Major Award, indeed!

Photo Credit: Andrea M. Gordon

A Celebration of Local Art and Artists

Our deep, deep thanks to The Reichert Family and Former Mayor George Doll, long central to our community, for starting this tradition we are so honored to continue. In honor of the 20th Anniversary of this event, we offered them and current Mayor Donna Koch a heartfelt award, crafted by Firefly Rob Nock and Illuminated by Firefly Audra Donroe. It was Mayor Koch, then Village Clerk, who first called the Tigerettes to perform in the street and who now also provides the light. We are are grateful to her, as well as all who join her in arranging for village, highway and police support.

At core, the Northport Leg Lamp Lighting celebrates the Northport Community; a small town on the outskirts of a giant metropolis where it’s perfectly natural for the mayor to be walking the streets and hanging out with the neighbors. It’s about small businesses and big hearts, local talent and great senses of humor. It’s about a community that will rally around the silliest of things and create something beautiful.

While it’s a big commitment and a lot of work, it honestly feels as though The Firefly doesn’t really run this event, so much as serves as a vessel and a stage for the community. We are delighted to host this showcase of local talent while giving it our best to maintain the down to earth charm and supportive atmosphere that are its hallmarks. It highlights so much of what is wonderful, not only about the tradition but our own eclectic gallery and the village that nurtures both. Grateful to all who are a part of it!

The Firefly was joined in planning by The Community Playhouse of Northport, members of whom helped raise the talented techs of North Stream. Those techs, in turn, provided the the sound and lighting that made it possible to better hear and see our neighbors performing, right in the middle of Main Street. They are fabulous!!!

Food Drive

We are pleased to work with Island Harvest through Firefly Steve Caputo on an annual essentials drive. Thank you to all who bring items for those less fortunate. Our gallery will remain a collection site throughout the holiday season. You may also donate here.

Performers

Image provided by Driven Media/The Northport Chamber of Commerce

CAROLERS

Members of The Viki Sorrentino Foundation: Niki LoPiccolo, Candis Alek, and Suzie Sorrentino

Mayor Donna Koch with her “Leggie Award” Image provided by Mayor Donna Koch

WELCOME REFLECTIONS BY

Mayor Donna Koch

Photo Credit Firefly Steve Caputo

NORTHPORT TIGERETTES

Grace Rozell

Ella Savarese

Daniella Lucie

Lauren Maniotis

Jessica Scheibe

Emily Shah

Ella Mugno

Casey Bernson

Ella Cleary

Emmalie Kutzma

Lily Trudwig

Trixie Moran

Ella Mason

Sara Moore

Scarlett Stack

Hazel Carlson

Photo Credit Firefly Steve Caputo

POSEY SCHOOL OF DANCE

These are selections from their annual Nutcracker Suite, the whole of which may be seen at Elwood Middle School December 12, 13, and 14. Purchase tickets on their website here.

Snow Queen – Valerie Sperber
Party girls- Maya Edwards, Cadence Peppel , Mila Hirst, Ruby Hagedorn, Ruby Kay, Rowan Flanagan, Filomena Saporita, Lillian Raynor.
Candy canes- Liliana DeMarco
Clara Solo – Maya Edwards
Sugar plum- Julianna Feinberg

Photo Credit Aly Graci, Community Playhouse of Northport

THE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE OF NORTHPORT

Auditions for their next production, “The Spongebob Musical,” are happening December 8 & 9. Find out more on their website here.

Mrs. Parker: Lisa Schlossberg

Old Man: Brad Schlossberg

Ralphie: Dean Michaelides

Randy: Will Mahken

Swede: Joel Ackerman

Production Manager: Aly Graci

MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Katheryn Laible

Crew and Other Considerations

STAGE MANAGER IN PINK BUNNY SUIT
Drigo Morin

THE TECH
NorthStream
Steve Caputo

THE SET
Community Playhouse of Northport
Rob Nock and James Darcy (the Crate)
Mayor Donna Koch, Village of Northport (The Leg and more, All the Admin)
Steve Caputo & Aly Graci (additional considerations)
Beth Atkinson
Drigo Morin
Highway Dept.
Northport Village Police

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Christine Maichin, Jennifer Lau

HOT CHOCOLATE & COOKIES
Denis Beyersdorf, The Northport Shipwreck Diner

Reception

It was delicious and sounded great!

LIVE MUSIC BY
The Drama Kings

TASTY PRETZELS AND MACARONI CHEESE BALLS BY
The Wine Cellar on Main

It Takes a Village: Thank You Sponsors!

Northport is basically a ¼-mile strip that starts with amazing restaurants and a world-class theater. It ends with a park featuring landmark gazebos, including one at the end of a beautiful walk over the water. In between reside a whole host of lovely small businesses, many of whom are featured below.

The vast majority of what goes into this event is gifted local talent. However, when you have over 1000 people in the street, you need professional A/V services so that folks can at least hear. Fortunately, people seem to love being involved with this. We set up sponsor/raffle links on The Firefly website to make that as easy as possible.

We are also exceptionally grateful to individual Fireflies who did so much, and so many others who “kicked in” as they could. This includes a community-wide raffle of lovely gifts from neighbor merchants. Thank you to all who participated. Congrats to all the winners!

Raffle Gifts from Hydrangea Home and History Repeatn’ Photo Credits: Fireflies Silvia Maria Rey and Katheryn Laible

2o25 Leg Lamp Merchant Donors -- THANK YOU!!!

Thank you, merchant neighbors, for filling our windows with raffle prizes and otherwise helping us Light the Leg!

Like so many small businesses, Northport merchants do SO MUCH for our communities ALL THE TIME. They donate to local events, charities, sports teams and more, often rolling up their sleeves to offer precious time and energy as well. They give local artists a chance and act as stewards of the historic sites that they inhabit. At the very least, they give of themselves to shops that are labors of love; delightful galleries of unique and wonderful gifts, sustenance and experience…

Pop in and support these folks who give so much. Pay attention to the sponsor listings of other local events and make time to visit those places, too. The best way to thank them is to support them. You’ll be glad you did as they generally put that very same heart into their businesses.

It’s easy to find wonderful gifts for not nearly as much as you might think, and a great way to keep all sorts of magic alive.

Here’s a guide to get you started! Thank you:

DIAMOND MERCHANTS:

Connolly Music Company: (8 Vernon Valley Rd, E. Northport) is a family owned business that has served music shops for over 50 years. They’re the US source for an exclusive lineup of world class products and accessories, including Thomastik-Infeld instrument strings, K&M music stands and more! The owner, Jake Connolly, lives in Northport.

Kasher Gallery & Studios: (19 Scudder Avenue, 2nd Floor) We are delighted to welcome these new neighbors who offer an art gallery, an open studio, a place for classes and workshops and a home of community & culture. It’s a space to dream, imagine, ideate, build and execute. Here, art meets technology, and movement blends with creative intent. Come in. Slow down. Maybe get your hands dirty.

The Northport Shipwreck Diner: (46 Main Street) This trolly car of a breakfast joint embedded in Main Street is iconic and delicious. We are deeply grateful that Denis Beyersdorf has stepped up to be the third generation to steward it, including continuing traditions like offering the whole town hot chocolate and cookies on this very special night. It was the former owner, Tim Hess saying “Please,” and offering warm cuppas for everyone that really got us into this event. We know this is much of what folks come for!

North Stream Entertainment (70 Bridge Rd, Islandia) More than just an AV company, North Stream is your destination for cutting-edge AV solutions and your partner in creating immersive experiences through meticulous installations, and expert consulting. At North Stream Group, customer satisfaction is the top priority. With a commitment to modern solutions, meticulous craftsmanship, and personalized attention, they ensure that every project is executed flawlessly, leaving a lasting impression.

The Wine Cellar on Main: (70 Main Street) Sommelier chosen wines by the glass & bottle, local craft beer, tapas & dine in menus from sister location SALTED. on the Harbor and Maroni Cuisine. The bar is also a fine art gallery. There is often live music. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

PLATINUM

Artisan House: (80 Main Street) This treasure trove of unique gifts has served Northport for over 50 years. Thank you, Ron and Randi, for keeping it alive, and for donating your beautiful tree to the Village this season! They have baby items, jewelry, glassware, candles, souvenirs, nautical gifts, wind chimes and more. They’re also one of the few places on Main Street that routinely stays open late.

Firefly Christine Maichin: (90 Main Street) Christine has been painting, drawing and creating since her father put a paintbrush in her hand when she was only 5 years old. Her professional creative experiences range from having co-designed the first ever internet presence for The New York Times, to designing and managing multiple web-based titles as Design Director for Time Inc. In addition, Christine has authored and illustrated several books in the genres of fiction, non-fiction, graphic design and typography. Her artistic story is told through her vibrant landscapes, portraits and still life art. Her vivid works are brought to life with pastels, oil, acrylic and the occasional simple sketch with a trusty No. 2 pencil.

Firefly Rob Nock, Silver Fox Construction: (90 Main Street) Heartist, Sculptor, Wood worker, Carpenter, Boy scout leader, soccer coach, avid outdoorsman and adventurer. Rob’s love of woodworking began at a young age making everything from salad tongs and chess boards to building decks. He has dabbled in building and sculpting all sorts of projects, many times out of need and eventually for the fun of it. He started making custom hearts for his wife over 12 years ago. During the pandemic, he decided to start making them for others. The response was overwhelming. It’s been quite the feel good experience! Rob also crafts charcuterie boards, epoxy projects, night stands, coffee tables, dining tables, custom mantles and more. He also loves to work with other artists and has collaborated with many Fireflies. Rob is the proud crafter of our first “Leggy Awards” gifted to The Reichert Family, Mayor Koch and former Mayor Doll in honor of 20 years of the Northport Leg Lamp Lighting.

Northport Books: (127 Main Street) This welcome addition to Main Street has a lot to do with getting kids of all ages to step away from their screens and connect “IRL” with books and people. It’s also got a lot to do with making this next phase of Proprietor Jennifer McAuliffe’s life about following her passions and giving back. Above all, it’s got to do with building community; with creating a space that complements everything around it, where we all can all unplug, connect and be human together. It’s beautiful. There’s a lot going on. Welcome Northport Books!

Northport Chamber of Commerce: For over 50 years, the Northport Chamber of Commerce has endeavored to support the business community by offering innovative programs, regular networking opportunities, and continuous community outreach to enrich the quality of the commercial, civic, and social life in Northport. Check out their website to see what this means. Whatever it is they’ve got coming up next, we hope to see you there!

GOLD

Jackie Shawn Salon: (110 Main Street) Come, de-stress and beautify. The feel of the place is a step out of time. The skill with hair and makeup is here and now. The people are lovely.

The Jewelry Collection (75 Main Street) offers a unique and beautiful collection of gifts ranging from candy to jewelry to home decor. There are items for babies and men, too! The stock is always changing and equipped to help you find something for everyone at any occasion.

The John W. Engeman Theater (250 Main Street) is a premier year-round professional theater that casts its actors directly from the Broadway talent pool. The venue features stadium-style seating, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, and a “Lobby Bar and Lounge.” Since 2007, they have produced 80 Main Stage Productions of some of Broadway’s finest musicals and plays, and have proudly opened their doors for numerous special events and fundraisers for various organizations.

Firefly Katheryn Laible: (90 Main Street) Katheryn is a writer, a photographer, and handy in many ways. Sometimes, she paints. A Managing Partner of The Firefly Artists since 2019, she is also President of Synchronicity Planning & Communications and crafter of articles like these, drawing on decades at the fusion point of interests to serve and celebrate those who care for Art, Science and the Common Good on Long Island and beyond.

Moksha Cafe (249 Main St): The evolution of Portofino, led by new owners Joe and Robyn, seeks to be the best of all this beloved staple has ever been, and something more. They’re all about community. Firefly art covers the walls. Other local treasures are available. The food is as delicious as their coffee concoctions. Live music is often playing. He’s a level II certified Somelier. They just got their beer and wine license.

Nest on Main (135 Main Street) is a home decor marketplace that features many talented local artisans and creative entrepreneurs, including interior design experts who are delighted to help you feather your nest. Learn about them on their website, take one of their wonderful workshops, or just come on in and delight in their many and varied offerings.

Sand City Brewing Company: (60 Main Street) The name is a nod to the industrial age of Northport, back when its sand was mined to build NYC. The company hopes we all “took something infinitesimally small and built greatness,” and invites you to reward yourself well. The bar is tucked back down the alley – a real hidden treasure. The beer is home brewed, often in collaboration with neighbors. It’s delicious.

Salted. On the Harbor: (70 Main Street) Proprietor & Sommelier Lindsay Ostrander has been in the restaurant industry since she was 14. Wanting “Northport to be a stamp on the map for restaurants too,” she and her family designedSalted to round out what they felt was missing. Their Chef Anthony has a resume with some of the best locations around, such as Park Place, Nisen Sushi, Matteo’s, just to name a few. With a little help from their friend Doug Brickell of the famed Cork & Kerry, their beverage savant, they bring to you carefully crafted cocktails & spirits, as well as craft beer and amazing wines chosen by the Owner/Sommelier, who for the past decade has also happened to own The Wine Cellar.

Sweet Arts: (105 Main Street) With an old fashioned candy store up front and a party space in the back, this crafty establishment is a family-oriented treasure. They offer birthday parties, creative space, and a lovely candy shop. There’s even a “you and me” group intended to support caretakers as much as kids. Check their website for event dates.

Universal Touch Professional Massage: (46 Woodbine Ave) Firefly Andrea Gordon is known as “the muscle whisperer.”
Having been perfecting her practice for over 35 years, she offers Medical Massage, Relaxation Massage, Reflexology, Trauma Touch Therapy. Andrea takes deep pride in tailoring her therapy session to each client’s individual needs, setting up treatment plans to alleviate pain and providing resources to keep it at bay.

Veronica Rayne: (66 Main Street) There’s always something great in the window of this staple for Northport Chic. Stop in and explore the racks. Carlene has got the clothes, the shoes, the accessories to stand out and be cool.

SILVER

Copenhagen Bakery: (75 Woodbine Avenue) The only Scandinavian bakery on Long Island is owner operated by Flemming Hansen, who started out at 16 in Ørbæk, Denmark. He came to the US as in 1985 an exchange student in Danish owned Olsens Bakery in Solvang, California, a Scandinavian themed-town founded by Danish immigrants. He’s been here in Northport for over 25 years now, proudly employs over 40 employees from numerous countries. The cookies and cakes and other baked goods are inspired, the soups are local favorites. There’s more. It’s delicious.

Einstein’s Attic: (79 Main Street) A longtime Northport treasure of a toy shop, Einstein’s Attic is “a specialty store where imagination can take you anywhere.” Proprietor Lori Badanes is always on the hunt to improve her tremendous selection of quality toys for children of all ages – including LOTS of very cool educational toys. She follows all the trends so you don’t have to, and is also always willing to do something new and creative with the community.

Elements of Home: (91 Main Street) offers an eclectic mix of out of the ordinary gift ideas, along with new ideas in home decor. Their ever-changing merchandise will meet your needs and desires for each season, as well as those special occasions to be celebrated throughout the year.

History Repeatn’: Established in 2024 by creative collaborators Carol Taylor, John Daniello, and Pete Gallo, History Repeatn’ makes history fun. They partner with local venues to provide distinctive and enjoyable events throughout Long Island, and just launched a slightly lubricated new podcast entitled “History Straight Up.”

Hydrangea Home: (67 Main Street) is an artful lifestyle shoppe with a casual, laid-back aesthetic that features fragrance, bath and body, florals, art and photography, jewelry and home decor. It all began in 1995 out of the converted garage of Dawn Mohrmann. At first, her husband and 4 kids supported the endeavor by helping out at home. Now, the grown children each contribute handmade products to the shoppe while Fred handles all of the assembling, building, etc. Many pieces are literally made “in-house.” Complementing them are others they just couldn’t resist, sourced from other small businesses both local and around the world.

Firefly Mary Kiernan: (90 Main Street) A longtime Northport resident who never fails to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us, often through beautiful paintings. She works in watercolor, pastel, and more recently, oil. A teacher told her once, “dark makes light”, so she strives to have high contrast in her pieces. With a BFA from Syracuse in Illustration, she has had a very varied career including ranging from fashion to graphic design for industrial accounts. She studied watercolor with Andrew Stasky, took various classes at the Art League of Long Island including portraiture with Nanette Fluhr, attended the Stevenson Academy of Fine Arts, an atelier with Atilla Heija, pastel workshop upstate with Alain Picard, and more recently studied oil painting with David Peikon at ALLI. She has shown her works throughout the region.

Raízes: (112 Main Street) “Made to empower those who wear it and those who craft it,” Raízes is founded on the belief that dressing ethically doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Honoring their Brazilian heritage, the name means “roots” in Portuguese, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship and community. They collaborate with artisan groups and small businesses, honoring traditional skills while supporting local economic growth. The result is artistry and ethical fashion.

BRONZE

Brú na Bó: (33 Scudder Ave) Created by Jack Reidy, a local Irishman, Brú na Bó is Gaelic for “Palace of the Cow.” It’s a nod to Cow Harbor and a bridge from Ireland to Northport. A little bit off our beaten track, this is a treasure worth hunting; a fusion of the esthetic and history of the proprietor’s homeland, wares from local craftspeople, and artifacts that captivate the imagination. There’s lighting, furniture, art, so many things in between. If you can’t find what you’re looking for they are
happy to design and craft it for you!

The Consignment Shop: (139 Main Street) Northport’s premier consignment shop upcycling men’s & women’s clothing, accessories & house goods.

Lics Ice Cream (74 Main Street) If you see a line down Main Street, this place is generally what that’s all about. The name stands for “Little Ice Cream Store.” Ice creams, gelato, vegan, yogurts, and Italian ices…all handmade right in the shop. So many flavors. So delicious.

The Olive Tree: (114 Main Street) A culinary candy shop, the Olive tree offer over 65 unique flavors of barrel aged balsamic vinegars, extra virgin olive oils, and specialty oils, imported to the heart of northport and bottled on site. If that’s not enough, they’ll custom blend something for you. Come taste!

La Porta Pizza: (61 Main Street) La Porta’s transformation started in 2022 with a vision to become a true destination on Main Street. The restaurant features an authentic Italian brick oven imported from Italy making Neapolitan pizza, a variety of Italian dishes and a craft bar. These are complemented by a trendy atmosphere, ample seating and bi-folding windows that open up the restaurant in the warmer months.

How blessed are we to have these folks! Go! Keep them in business for decades to come, will you? It’s totally worth it!

Thank You To Our Supporters!