Holiday Light Shows: Drive-thru and Drive-by Christmas Displays on Long Island in 2020
For a touch of holiday magic, it's hard to beat the joy on little ones' faces when they see the glow coming off a spectacular holiday light installation or drive-thru Christmas display.
We've rounded up a trio of our favorite holiday light shows and drive-thru Christmas lights displays on Long Island, and we also found three immersive winter wonderlands for families to walk through to surround themselves in festive holiday decor.
For more seasonal fun, see our Holiday Guide for Long Island Families. Our Events Calendar is also packed with up-to-date holiday activities for kids of all ages, including more holiday lights at private houses around Long Island.
Editor's note: While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and maintaining an appropriate distance. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our Event Calendar to find something else to do.
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Drive-thru and Drive-by Christmas Displays Across Long Island in 2020
The amazing display at the 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
Daily through Saturday, January 2, 2021; closed on New Year's Eve
This much-celebrated annual event returns 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, which come to life with animation that captures the imaginations of visitors young and old. New in 2020 is an illuminating mega tree display with 240 feet of spectacular lights building a towering forest scene.
Holiday Drive-Thru Experience at Babylon Town Hall — Babylon
Tuesday, December 1
Drive through Town Hall between 6pm and 9pm on Tuesday, December 1 for a display of holiday lights, Santa, elves and other attractions. You can even drop off your letter to Santa!
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Lights Show – Smith Point County Park, Shirley
Tuesday, December 1 through Wednesday, December 30; closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Enjoy almost 2 miles of dazzling light displays at the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's 16th annual holiday display. Purchase tickets online in advance for a discount; if you choose to purchase on-site, only debit or credit cards are accepted.
RELATED: Must-Do Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids in 2020
The snowflake tunnel paints a spectacular sight at the Town of Riverhead's Holiday Light Show. Photo courtesy of the show
Town of Riverhead Holiday Light Show – Calverton
Thursday, November 19 through Sunday, December 20
The Riverhead Holiday Light Show has quickly become the East End's favorite holiday tradition. Visitors enjoy an incredible drive through more than 1 1/2 miles of holiday light displays, and it promises plenty of brand new installations for the 2020 season. The show is about 20-25 minutes long.
Spectacular Immersive Holiday Displays on Long Island
Plenty of holiday characters await for seasonal photo ops at the Bayville Winter Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bayville Winter Wonderland
Bayville Winter Wonderland – Bayville
Select dates from Friday, November 27, 2020, through Friday, January 1, 2021
Bayville Winter Wonderland is completing its seasonal transformation to a picture-perfect holiday destination overflowing with fun experiences for all ages. Explore the Christmas tree forest or Santa's Toy Factory Funhouse; hop aboard the Bayville Holiday Express train or glide across the on-site ice skating rink. Enjoy a socially distant visit with St. Nick and tons more seasonal photo ops.
Bright Nights at the Vanderbilt Museum – Centerpoint
Select dates from Saturday, November 28 through Sunday, December 20
This all-outdoor exhibit at the Vanderbilt Museum transforms the estate's grounds into a winter wonderland with holiday lights and themed decor. Festive food is sold and Santa Claus is on-site to take down holiday wishes. Enjoy live music, beautiful lights, and plenty of seasonal fun.
Suffolk County Farm Winter Wonderland - Yaphank
Saturdays and Sundays November 28 - December 13
Suffolk County Farm and Education Center is hosting its first-ever Farm Winter Wonderland this season. Holiday lights adorn the haybarn, a crafts will be available as well as photo opportunities throughout the area.
Christmas House Long Island – Riverhead
Daily through Sunday, January 10, 2021
This brand new attraction invites visitors to submit themselves to a magical journey through room after room of holiday charm. You can walk through a snowy Christmas tree forest, enjoy the intoxicating seasonal scents of the Gingerbread Room, see mountains of presents in the Christmas Eve room, plus explore seven more seasonal displays. Santa is taking requests and smiling for scrapbook-worthy pictures.
More Holiday Lights to Enjoy on Long Island
Holiday Boat Parade — Freeport
Saturday, December 5
Boat owners go all out with lights and decorations in this parade along the Nautical Mile in Freeport. The route the boats take goes past Sea Breeze Park, down Randall Bay, the canal between South Long Beach Avenue and Westside Avenue, and back again. Homes along the parade route also join in with backyards adorned with lights.
This post has been updated for the 2020 holiday season.