'Polar Express'-themed event joins returning Long Island holiday pop-ups
Smithtown's Bull Smith Tavern transforms into a Polar Express-themed Christmas pop-up this holiday season. Credit: Warner Bros.
'Tis the season for Christmas pop-ups to help you get merry and jolly for the holidays. Here are three coming to Long Island as well as a new photo-op experience that will have everyone posting all the way up to the North Pole.
Nov. 21-Dec. 27: THE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS POP-UP EXPERIENCE
Bull Smith Tavern, 155 W. Main St., Smithtown
New this year is The Christmas Express Pop Up Experience at Bull Smith Tavern in Smithtown, which is influenced by “The Polar Express,” the book and holiday film starring Tom Hanks. Here, there are multiple characters involved in the festivities.
“Guests will meet The Conductor, two waiters, two Christmas elves and Santa Claus himself,” says Michael Marra, owner of Unique Social Events which is organizing all three events. “The Conductor performs ‘The Polar Express’ and then he’s joined by the waiters for hot chocolate. The seating closes out with the two elves singing, ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ plus the arrival of the Man in Red, who will pose for photos from his throne.”
The venue gets decorated with Christmas red drapery and soft white curtain lighting plus ornaments hanging from the ceiling. The backdrop will be of a snowy North Pole train station.
Dishes served include items like Big Mac nachos , chicken wings, mac and cheese and Nashville hot chicken sliders. Those 21 and over can order The Polar Espresso Martini (vodka with espresso coffee liqueur, gingerbread syrup, garnished with a gingerbread cookie rim and whipped cream).
Guests each leave with a 12-ounce cup bearing the logo of the event plus a 4-inch-long “Believe” jingle bell.
- WHEN | WHERE Seatings: Fridays 6 and 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. (all ages)
- COST $32 per person (does not include food or drink)
- MORE INFO christmasexpresspopup.com
Nov. 13-Dec. 27: CHRISTMASLAND
Tanger Outlets, 152 The Arches Circle, Via La Scala suite 900, Deer Park
Rose Carlucci of Massapequa Park and her sister Jenna, pose for a photo surrounded by candy canes in the ChristmasLand pop-up at Tanger Outlets in Deer Park. Credit: Jeff Bachner
Venture into more than 12 holiday settings at Christmas Land, which contains plenty of opportunities for holiday photos across its 20,000-square-foot layout.
New this year is the Dolly Parton tribute, the pink-themed Holly Dolly Christmas Room.
Scenes include Santa’s reindeer in their stable featuring Rudolph, who speaks to the guests; a Christmas lights mirror maze with mirrored walls and lights suspended from the ceiling; and the Candy Cane Room with 14- to 16-foot-tall candy canes, as well as peppermint swirls on the floor.
“Photos are taken for you. All you do is tap a button at a kiosk plus there are roaming photographers,” Marra says. “Once the photos are completed, they are uploaded to a cloud drive. Guests can scan a QR code to register with their phone number and email. All photos are included in the admission price.”
For some live interaction, get a photo with a real-bearded Santa (included in admission price) or catch the Grinchlike character, Mr. Mean Green, on Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-noon ($10 per photo session).
Complete the experience with a treat from Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, which sells Christmas cookies, cupcakes and fresh hot chocolate.
- WHEN | WHERE November: Fridays 4-9 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; December: Wednesdays-Thursdays 4-8 p.m., Fridays 4-9 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- COST $27-$35 per person (under 3 free)
- MORE INFO christmaslandny.com
Nov. 21-Dec. 27: MR. GRUMP CHRISTMAS POP UP
Alibi Lounge, 230 Main St., Farmingdale
Mr. Grinch strikes a pose at the holiday dining pop-up in Farmingdale. Credit: Dawn McCormick
Delivering his prickly anti-Christmas edge, Mr. Grump, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ book, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” returns wearing onions around his neck and stealing presents. He will perform his signature song, “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”, as well as deliver some improv comedy zingers, which range from family-friendly to explicit depending on the seating time.
“Mr. Grump begins the night sour and ends with his heart growing three sizes bigger,” Marra says. “As the night progresses, Christmas begins to warm his heart and he joins the crowd in singing, ‘It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.’ ”
The decor offers a combination of Christmas, a snowy Who-Ville setting plus Grinch-style touches. Mr. Grump makes sure to provide tableside interactions for each party, which involves individualized photo moments.
The menu focuses on small-plate bar fare like the Candy Cane Pretzel with a cheese dipping sauce and pulled pork sliders topped with crispy fried onions. Themed drinks for adults (21 and older with valid ID) include the Mount Crumpit Margarita (tequila, triple sec, coconut puree, lime juice and a Christmas salt rim with cranberries) or the Stolen Christmas Eggnog (cinnamon-infused bourbon with amaretto, eggnog and a cinnamon sugar rim).
All guests take home a souvenir 16-ounce stadium cup featuring a silhouette of Mr. Grump and the saying, “Stink! Stank! Stunk!”
- WHEN | WHERE Seatings: Fridays 6 and 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays noon, 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.(all ages except 21 and over at 8 p.m. seatings on Friday and Saturday)
- COST $28 per person (does not include food or drink)
- MORE INFO mrgrumppopup.com
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
