Watch your little ones' faces light up as they see the glow coming off a spectacular holiday or Christmas light show across Long Island. Is there a better way to usher in the holiday season?

We've rounded up our favorite holiday light shows in Nassau and Suffolk counties, including a big update to a Long Island favorite. Most of these destinations are complete with hot cocoa, ice skating, and photo-ops with Santa.

For more seasonal fun, see our Long Island Holidays Guide. Our events calendar is packed with up-to-date holiday activities for kids of all ages, including more holiday lights at private houses around Long Island.

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Nassau

Meet your favorite holiday characters at the Bayville Winter Wonderland celebration. Photo courtesy of Bayville Winter Wonderland

Bayville Winter Wonderland — Bayville
November 29, 2019-January 1, 2020; dates and times vary.
Captain Bay's Yo-Ho Holiday Light Show tells the story of a pirate's first Christmas. Santa's Toy Factory Fun House boasts bright flourescent-colored walls that can be seen in 3D with glasses.  Wander through a tricky hall of mirrors and then to Santa's workshop as you listen to sounds from the North Pole. Other attractions include Blizzard Bay's Arctic Skating Adventure, the Holiday Express train ride, and a magical meeting with Santa. Tickets are $23.75 for adults and $20.75 for children 8 and younger. Santa experience costs extra.

RELATED: Holiday shows and Nutcracker performances across LI 

Stroll the Long Beach boardwalk for a festive holiday illumination. Photo courtesy of Command Electric

Boardwalk Lights - Long Beach
Thanksgiving weekend to mid-January 2020
Boardwalk Lights is a nautical-themed holiday light display on the Long Beach boardwalk. New lights appear this year thanks to relief funds from Superstorm Sandy. The six-week event is highlighted by special evenings that include a tree lighting, menorah lighting, holiday music, and more. FREE

RELATED: Holiday volunteering opportunities for Long Island kids


The nautical-themed Festival of Lights ushers in the holiday season in Freeport. Photo courtesy of Freeport's Nautical Mile of Lights Annual Boat Parade

Festival of Lights — Freeport
December 7, 2019
Boat owners go all out, adorning their vessels with lights and decorations, in a parade along the Nautical Mile in Freeport. Homes along the parade route also join in with backyards adorned with lights. Bundle up for some FREE holiday fun. The festivities officially begin at 7pm.

RELATED: Great things to do with LI kids during the holiday season

The amazing display at Magic of Lights at Jones Beach is a Nassau County holiday tradition. Photo courtesy of Live Nation

Magic of Lights — Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh
November 22, 2019-January 4, 2020
The much-celebrated event is back with all of your favorite holiday characters and a spectacular tunnel of lights. Pile the family into the car and drive through 2½​ miles of light displays with animation that captures the imaginations of young and old. New for 2019 is the Toyota Jolly Holiday Festival Village. Families can walk through sipping hot cocoa, get pictures with Santa and on certain nights even meet festive Samoyed dogs. Price per car is $25 Mondays through Thursdays, and $30 Fridays through Sundays. For those who dread the long line, a dash pass is available for an additional fee.

West End Electric Light Parade — Long Beach
Saturday, December 14, 2019
From antique cars to fire trucks, and even bicycles, get ready for a parade of vehicles wrapped in holiday lights. Parking is available at Long Beach Catholic Regional School with shuttle buses to the West End starting at 4:30pm. Enjoy free hot chocolate along the parade route, and restaurants will offer specials and kids' activities after the parade. FREE

Suffolk

Proceeds from the Brookhaven Ecology Site's display support its many animal residents. Photo courtesy of the site

Brookhaven Town Holiday Spectacular — Brookhaven Ecology Site, Holtsville
December 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 2019
This indoor, walk-through holiday light show supports care for the animals at the Town of Brookhaven Ecology Site. There are opportunities to participate in raffles and photos with Santa for additional fees. Tickets are $6 per person and can be pre-purchased here or at the door the day-of.

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Lights Show — Smith Point County Park, Shirley
December 1-December 30, 2019
Enjoy almost two miles of dazzling light displays at the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's 16th annual holiday display. Note: Tickets are sold at the gate only via debit or credit cards; no cash or advance sales. Tickets are $20 per car.

RELATED: Where kids can meet Santa on LI in 2018

Thrill to a tunnel of spectacular snowflake lights at the Town of Riverhead Holiday Light Show. Photo courtesy of the show

Town of Riverhead Holiday Light Show — Calverton
November 22-December 29, 2019
Now in its second year, you can experience this dazzling light show from the warmth of your car. About 20-25 minutes long, this is the longest drive-through light show in Suffolk County. Prices at the gate are $25, but can be purchased at a discount online. 

Writer Gina Massaro contributed to this post, which was updated for 2019.