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Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows on Long Island
Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on
For a touch of holiday magic on Long Island, it's hard to beat the glow of a spectacular Christmas lights display or holiday lights drive-thru.
While we really enjoy the immersive walk-through displays across Long Island, such as the Smithtown Historical Society's Holiday Trail of Lights or LuminoCity at Eisenhower Park, sometimes we prefer to grab our hot cocoa and set out on the road. Driving through the Town of Islip Holiday Lights or Jones Beach Magic of Lights Show has become an annual tradition that even my older kids anticipate.
However, this year we also can't wait to catch some new holiday lights attractions. Sayville Falls has transformed into a magical walk-through experience with its Light Show and Winter Garden. Plus, we found out that Clark Botanic Garden is bringing back its FREE Winter Wonderland Walk-Through.
Find all our top picks for holiday fun—including Long Island's best Christmas activities—in our Long Island Christmas Guide.
Your Holly Jolly Guide to Visiting Santa's Christmas Tree Farm with Kids
Submitted by Jennifer Voit on
A visit to one of Long Island's local Christmas tree farms is a perfect holiday adventure to enjoy this season, and a day at Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm in Cutchogue on the North Fork is magical for the whole family. Enjoy festive entertainment at every turn and memorable experiences to share.
Our family visits this East End gem every year. My kids cannot get enough of the interactive, seasonal activities. From a visit with Santa to ice skating under twinkling lights to choosing our own Christmas tree, the destination-worthy farm has it all.
Read ahead for all the details to plan your own holly, jolly trip to Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm. For even more merry festivities, check out our Long Island Guide to Holiday Fun, which includes our gift to you: this bucket list of Christmas events and holiday activities on Long Island.
Jones Beach Magic of Lights and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids
Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on
Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.
We're full steam ahead toward the holiday celebrations on Long Island and one of our favorite annual traditions—the Jones Beach Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Show—opens this weekend and features an animal display this year!
Sayville Falls debuts a new holiday attraction we can't wait to check out, transforming its mini-golf course into a Holiday Light Show and Winter Garden, complete with igloos.
Theater is in full swing as well, with Frosty at The Engeman Theater and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus at the Staller Center for the Arts.
Read on for more great events across LI this weekend.
Holiday Train Shows on Long Island for Families
Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on
Holiday train shows are a festive way to kick off the Christmas season with the kids. Long Island offers several interactive spots to see model train magic in action.
Train-loving kids and adults alike will be mesmerized and delighted by the sights and sounds of these model train shows and the charming mini villages they navigate. Many holiday open houses even host the man of the season–Santa for a jolly visit with the whole family.
If all this train watching makes your family eager to climb aboard a railroad car, read our roundup of Polar Express and other Santa trains near Long Island and NYC. For even more ways to enjoy the season check out our Guide to Holiday Fun on Long Island.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights on Long Island
Submitted by Ian Stark on
Visiting Christmas lights near me on Long Island is an annual holiday tradition. Long Island homes sparkle bright with spectacular displays, Santa and his reindeer, nativity scenes, jolly inflatables, merry music, and an abundance of Christmas cheer.
From Nassau County to the East End, we've rounded up a list of homes that light up in a big way to dazzle the littlest ones and delight the whole community year after year. Some homes collect money for charities so you can contribute to a good cause when you visit.
Read ahead for all the details to plan your Christmas lights viewing adventure with the kids. For more seasonal fun, check out our Holiday Guide.
Breakfast with Santa on Long Island
Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on
Breakfast with Santa is a great way to celebrate the holiday season, and several Long Island venues are serving up the opportunity to hang with St. Nick over pancakes and eggs.
These events allow the whole family to fill their tummies while enjoying a festive atmosphere. Kids can sit on Santa's lap, whisper toy requests in his ear, and snap a photo with the jolly old fellow himself. Be sure to snag reservations early, because some of these Long Island Santa stops fill up fast!
Find all our top picks for holiday fun–including Long Island's best Christmas activities–in our Long Island Christmas Guide. And check out our constantly updated Family Activity Calendar for even more fun things to do.
Test Your Luck at Long Island's First Claw Arcade
Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on
Long Island's first claw machine arcade, ClawCADE, is a new addition to Roosevelt Field Mall. My family recently visited, had a blast, and walked away with quite the prize haul!
Read on for all the details about this new venue and gaming craze. If you're looking for more indoor fun, check out our roundup of Long Island's Best Family Fun Centers.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids on Long Island
Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on
If your child is nuts about The Nutcracker, several top-notch companies perform the holiday favorite right here on Long Island, so ring in the holiday season by taking in a theatrical performance or two. Some of the standout shows this year include the New York Dance Theatre's staging at Hofstra, which features a cast of 80 children. Ballet Long Island's staging, meanwhile, includes select performances of only Act II of the ballet, and the abbreviated runtime is helpful if your kiddos sometimes get squirmy in their seats.
You can also check out some other great holiday-themed shows hitting Long Island stages this season, like The Happy Elf and Frosty.
Read on for amazing holiday show options for families on Long Island in 2024. And be sure to check out our events calendar and Holiday Guide for more seasonal family fun.
