Like a Hallmark Movie: East Quogue's "Holiday on Main" Is a Slice of Small-Town Joy

It’s an image that’s easily conjured for anyone who has ever answered the siren call of cheesy but irresistible holiday movies that pop up on streaming services in the final two months of the year: a cozy, picturesque Main Street in a small town, mom-and-pop stores with wreaths and jingle bells at their front doors, couples and families bundled up in hats and scarves, strolling the sidewalk while clutching steaming cups of hot chocolate, perhaps a gentle snow falling.

That was the vision that Jen Seltenreich and Amee Mazurkiewicz had in mind when they set about putting together the inaugural “Holiday on Main” street festival in East Quogue last year.

The one-day event, which was a success last year, is back again this holiday season, giving those living in the hamlet and beyond a chance to get into the holiday spirit on the charming, blink-and-you-might-miss-it Main Street.

The second annual East Quogue Holiday on Main is set for Saturday, December 2, from 2 to 6 p.m. Visitors can stroll the street, which will be closed to vehicle traffic, for several hours before heading down to the East Quogue Village Green for the annual Christmas tree lighting, set for 5 p.m.

The event is a collaboration between several service organizations in the hamlet, including the East Quogue Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary, East Quogue Civic Association and Chamber of Commerce, the East Quogue Beautification Committee, and the East Quogue School PTA.

“It’s very Hallmark movie,” said Seltenreich, a longtime East Quogue resident who is part of the founding committee, along with Mazurkiewicz, another longtime resident of the hamlet.

Seltenreich gave credit to her husband, Ed Seltenreich, for originally floating the idea and providing the spark of inspiration for the event.

“It really started with my husband,” she said. “He’s a member of the East Quogue Fire Department, and for one of their fundraisers each year they sell Christmas trees, and I had been begging him for years to put up a little vignette for families to take their Christmas pictures when they come buy a tree. I thought it would be a great spot, and it could become a tradition for families. I thought, wouldn’t that be a nice hometown experience, and, also, it could help us sell more trees.

“Ed was the one who said, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to put it all together — the East Quogue tree lighting, the annual tree sale, and the annual East Quogue PTA holiday boutique sale.’”

“Holiday on Main” embodies all the best parts of the reason for the season in many ways, perhaps most notably in the way it has brought together various community organizations for a common purpose.

The annual tree lighting is hosted by the East Quogue Chamber of Commerce on the Village Green, at the west end of Main Street, and the Christmas tree sale is organized annually by the fire department, located at the eastern end of Main Street. Mazurkiewicz, who was the vice president of the East Quogue School PTA last year, incorporated the PTA’s annual Holiday Boutique Fundraiser into the event, and a new tradition was born.

Those who visit this year’s event will find a scene truly worthy of a Hollywood set, especially if the weather cooperates.

The annual Christmas tree sale will be ongoing outside the firehouse, and Santa will be in attendance inside as well, giving families an opportunity to take their children inside, get a photo with St. Nick, and formally submit their Christmas lists.

Other family holiday faces will be found wandering around the firehouse and on Main Street, including the Grinch, who was a big hit last year. This year, a few other classic characters will join him, like Frosty the Snowman.

Local food trucks and other vendors will be on hand, selling everything from cotton candy, hot chocolate and balloon animals for kids to adult beverages from Westhampton Beach Brewery and Montauk Distillery, baked goods, jewelry, and other handcrafted items from a variety of vendors.

“There’s so much collaboration between all these groups, and they’ve all been so incredibly helpful getting us set up and helping us organize stuff,” Mazurkiewicz said. “The school has really stepped it up this year as well.”

Members of the chorus at the East Quogue School will be caroling in the streets during the event, and will likely lead groups of people down to the tree lighting at 5 p.m.

The local shops on Main Street, like Village Prime Meats (better known as Sonny’s), Roses and Rice and more will be open and have specials and giveaways on the day of the holiday festival. Last year, the stores all displayed holiday-themed artwork and decorations made by East Quogue School students, in their windows.

“We’re trying to expand it to include as many people as possible,” Seltenreich said. “But still keep it local and give it that local flair. It’s just a really nice thing to have for East Quogue.”

For more information, visit eastquogueholidayonmain.com.