Long Island is truly a special place during the holidays. From Polar Express rides to light shows and craft fairs, the holiday spirit is everywhere. Adding to that excitement this season are three new lantern shows that will bring smiles as far as the eye can see. 

Whether you want to be up close or stay warm in the car, read on for details about the walk-thru LuminoCity Festival in Manhasset and the drive-thru Lantern Festival in Roslyn. Enjoy another speclal show at the Queens County Farm Museum, just over the border from Nassau.  

These events are unlike any other; you won’t want to miss them. We will, of course, be updating our Long Island Holiday Guide as the season draws closer. In the meantime, enjoy these great illuminations.   

Just west of New Jersey's Warren County and across the Delaware River, there's a gem of a small town waiting for families to explore. Easton, Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to colonial times and is now home to a bustling downtown, unique eateries for foodies, sprawling farms, and tons of terrific family-friendly destinations. Here are 15 spots perfect for memory-making during an Easton day trip with kids. Find more to do in the area with our guide to the Lehigh Valley.

In these digital days, typing has become an essential skill for kids. From emails to essays to online classes, the sooner young learners master touch typing on the good old QWERTY keyboard, the better (and the less likely they are to develop bad “hunt and peck” habits that quickly become very hard to break).

Brooklyn families have a brand new space to browse and check out books, read, and gather. The Brooklyn Public Library recently celebrated the opening of its 60th branch on Adams Street in Dumbo. The Adams Street Library is the first new branch in nearly four decades and the first library serving Dumbo, Vinegar Hill, and the Farragut Houses.

CAMP, the NYC-based family experience store that's part play space, part children's boutique is debuting a brand new 6,500-square-foot outpost in the Garden State Plaza today. Get all the details on this fun interactive shop and plus a sneak peek at the entertainment and goodies in store for visitors, including interactive play areas, arts and crafts, and plenty of super-cool, curated toys to take home.

The NYPL is flinging open its doors and beckoning New Yorkers to come inside with a series of activations meant to remind visitors of all the free services available at its branches from local neighborhood locations to destination-worthy spots, which all offer way more than shelves and shelves of books.

The first gift of the holiday season has arrived, and it's a big one: Santa Claus is landing his sleigh on 34th Street and again taking visits in-person at Macy's Santaland in the heart of NYC at Macy's Herald Square flagship store. If you want to share your wish list with him, though, take note: Reservations are required for all Santaland visits in 2021.

Read on for details on this trademark, must-do, only-in-NYC experience and mark your calendars: Macy's Santaland opens for the season on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Nestled in the charming North Shore community of Glen Cove, the new Garvies Point Playground is destined to become a family favorite. You can’t miss the massive sail-shaped climbing tower, a nod to Long Island Sound, that acts as a backdrop. With all of the sights and sounds, you and your kids will love this place.

The playground is located on Dickson Street along the eastern side of Hempstead Bay and is part of a $1.3 billion, mixed-use development. The area has been completely revitalized from idle industrial lots to a vibrant place to live and play. 

Read on for our review, and see our guide to Long Island parks and playgrounds for more outdoor inspiration.