Take in the show at the Ridge Hill menorah lighting. Photo courtesy of Ridge Hill
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Untermyer Gardens Conservancy's Grand Holiday Illumination has become a Yonkers tradition. Photo courtesy of the conservancy
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Enjoy the free holiday parade and drone show at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown. Photo courtesy of the event
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The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
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The holiday market at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts features more than 75 craft and food vendors. Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
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Cirque Dreams' festive acrobats never fail to amaze. Photo courtesy of Cirque Dreams
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Celebrate the holiday spirit at the Snow Ball with the Snow Sisters at FASNY Museum of Firefighting. Photo courtesy of FASNY
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Enjoy glorious views on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Photo by Fred Schaeffer/courtesy of the Walkway.
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Kids can run, swing, slide, and even make music at Sally’s Dream Playground in Montgomery. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
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Roam the the cedar walk and gardens at Caramoor for a free, fun outing. Photo by Gabe Palacio
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Enjoy water sports at Westchester Summer Day in Mamaroneck. Photo courtesy of the camp
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Palisade Center's Climbzone features themed rock walls as high as 40 feet. Photo courtesy of Climbzone.
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Kids explore the great outdoors Hudson Highlands Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the center
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At Moe's Southwestern Grill, kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entree. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
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Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 on Long Island: Turkey Trots, Light Shows, and Santa

Trek to The End for the Montauk Lighthouse tree lighting this weekend. Photo courtesy of the Montauk Lighthouse
Trek to The End for the Montauk Lighthouse tree lighting this weekend. Photo courtesy of the Montauk Lighthouse
11/28/25 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

Work up an appetite for your Thanksgiving feast by participating in a family-friendly turkey trot on Thursday morning. Or, get some activity in by driving through the Jones Beach Magic of Lights. For a throwback feel, check out how Christmas was celebrated in 1863 at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration.

Find more seasonal fun in our Long Island Kids Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events!

Looking for even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Long Island Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week—and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Things To Do on Long Island Thanksgiving Weekend 2025

Garden City Turkey Trot

Garden City
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Walkers, runners, and strollers are welcome to participate in the Garden City Turkey Trot, held on Thanksgiving morning. READ MORE

Bellmore-Merrick Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk

Bellmore
Thursday, November 27, 2025
This Thanksgiving Day run around Bellmore-Merrick includes a kids 1/4 mile fun run to start! READ MORE

Islip Fire Department Turkey Trot 5K

Islip
Thursday, November 27, 2025
The Islip Fire Department Turkey Trot 5K is a great way to burn off the Thanksgiving Day calories.  READ MORE

Santa Meet & Greet and a Free Movie in Bellmore

Bellmore–FREE
Friday, November 28, 2025
The Bellmore Chamber of Commerce ushers in the holiday season with its annual Santa visit, making five stops throughout the town, followed by a free movie. READ MORE

West Island Model Railroad Club Open House

Hicksville
Friday, November 28-Sunday, November 30, 2025
West Island Model Railroad hosts its annual open house on three weekends this winter. View its 5,600-square-foot model railroad, operating on 11 miles of double tracks. READ MORE

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show and Enchanted Forest

Bayport
Opens Friday, November 28, 2025
See the sparkling lights up close as you walk through this trail in the woods filled with larger than life displays, some that were even designed by Girl Scouts. Take pictures at special photo spots, like the giant Christmas tree. Hang out in the Chill Zone and enjoy giant lawn games. Don't forget to visit Santa at his winter cabin for a group photo. READ MORE

Christmas House Long Island

Hicksville
Opens Friday, November 28, 2025
Christmas House Long Island is an indoor, fully immersive 45-minute walk-through experience celebrating Christmas. Get ready to snap some festive selfies in rooms like the Christmas Carnival, Polar Bar, North Pole Movie Theater, Christmas House Video, Harry Potter Christmas, and more.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderland in Wantagh

Wantagh–FREE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Enjoy raffles, music, Irish step dancing, the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band, a holiday lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa Claus. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Open House + Puppet Workshop at SoFo

Bridgehampton – FREE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
This open house at the South Fork Natural History Museum provides a day of family-centered hands-on activities that explore the arts, science, technology, entertainment, and educational exhibits. READ MORE

Sayville's Miracle on Main Street

Sayville – FREE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Get in the holiday spirit during this annual Miracle on Main Street celebration throughout Sayville, complete with old fashioned fun, ice skating, trolley rides and much more.  READ MORE

The Polar Express & A Visit With Santa at the Patchogue Theatre

Patchogue
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Join the Patchogue Theatre for a screening of Warner Bros.’ The Polar Express, the groundbreaking festive favorite starring Tom Hanks. Following the screening, the stage will transform into a magical Christmas scene where children can meet with Santa Claus while grown-ups have the opportunity to take photographs. READ MORE

Jolly Jamboree at LICM

Garden City
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Get ready to make memorable memories this holiday season at LICM with one of many themed activities at the Jolly Jamboree.  READ MORE

Vintage Holiday Parade in Huntington

Huntington – FREE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
The Town of Huntington’s annual Vintage Holiday Parade spreads festive joy along the streets. READ MORE

Lighthouse Lighting & Santa Visit at the Montauk Lighthouse

Montauk – FREE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
The annual tradition returns to the Montauk Lighthouse to get the entire family into the holiday spirit. Christmas music fills the air as the lighthouse is adorned with beautiful lights. Hang around or revisit on Sunday to meet Santa Claus as well! READ MORE

1863 Thanksgiving Celebration at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Old Bethpage
Saturday, November 29- Sunday, November 30, 2025
Old Bethpage Village Restoration turns back the clock to 1863 to celebrate Thanksgiving like never before. A Civil War–era Thanksgiving, filled with period food, customs, and reenactments, helps capture the spirit of the season. READ MORE

Mr. Grump Christmas Pop Up Bar Experience at Alibi

Farmingdale
Saturday, November 29- Sunday, November 30, 2025
Step into the Mount Crumpit hideout where Christmas meets mischievous fun at The Alibi in Farmingdale. Inspired by The Grinch’s legendary holiday heist, this immersive pop-up is a one-of-a-kind interactive cocktail and entertainment experience. Expect whimsical décor, themed bites and cocktails, and a live visit from the Grinch himself. READ MORE
Check out the light displays at LuminoCity in Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy of the the LuminoCity
Check out the light displays at LuminoCity in Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy of the the LuminoCity

More Things To Do on Long Island this Week with Kids

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All the best fall fun for Long Island kids, from harvest fests to Halloween! READ MORE

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Start getting into the holiday spirit at these awesome LI events. READ MORE

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Celebrate autumn with these great seasonal activities on LI. READ MORE

What's Open on Thanksgiving 2025 on Long Island? Family-Friendly Places and Stores

Here's our roundup of family-friendly things to do on Turkey Day. READ MORE
Take in one of the seasonal productions of
Take in one of the seasonal productions of "The Nutcracker." Photo courtesy of the Tilles Center

Holiday Fun on Long Island for Kids

Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids

Find all the best local holiday events and activities for kids and families, from Santa to ice skating. READ MORE

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Theses are our picks for the best in holiday fun on Long Island. READ MORE

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Here's where to pose for photos with Santa on LI this holiday season. READ MORE

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Enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank at these LI events. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jaime Sumersille
Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.
Recent Articles By Jaime Sumersille:
Read more articles by Jaime Sumersille.