NY Islanders to host the largest and most immersive Christmas Festival in country

When you think of the New York Islanders and the Holiday spirit, your first memory may be the infamous and legendary 2003 Santa brawl at the Nassau Coliseum. Well, while it's unlikely you'll see fisticuffs between hockey fans dressed in Santa costumes this winter, the organization is setting the stage for a magical night for families, nevertheless.

This week, It was announced that The Park at UBS Arena, in partnership with CandyRock Entertainment, will host the inaugural Great American Christmas Festival from November 20, 2024, through January 5, 2025. The event is billed as the "largest and most immersive" Christmas experience in the country.

The Park, which opened last season and features multiple ice skating rinks will feature celebrity meet-and-greets, a Christmas Village, holiday movie showings and nightly Christmas tree lightnings.

The CEO of CandyRock Entertainment has a hockey connection and a connection to many fans' childhoods. It's Candace Cameron Bure, wife of former NHLer Valeri Bure, and, of course, DJ Tanner from the family sitcom Full House and Fuller House on Netflix. She was spotted at an Islanders home game on Feb. 13th last season when they hosted the Seattle Kraken.

“We are thrilled to partner with Great American Media to bring the Great American Family Christmas Festival to The Northwell Park at UBS Arena,” co-owner Jon Ledecky said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to create a magical holiday tradition for Islanders fans and all families throughout the New York metropolitan area. The Festival will be a wonderful addition to our existing entertainment offerings and further solidify UBS Arena as a year-round destination for fun and excitement.”

To stay updated and get your tickets, visit www.greatamericanchristmasfestival.com