Long Island's outdoor ice skating rinks are ready to welcome visitors for wintertime fun, so don't let winter's chill scare you away from outdoor recreation. 

We've put together a list of terrific outdoor ice skating rinks on Long Island that are open for the season or are opening soon. Most are inexpensive and offer skate rentals as well as lessons for those still mastering their steps and stops. Weather permitting, most of these rinks are open until the beginning of spring, and all are public.

If the weather doesn't cooperate, there are plenty of indoor rinks across Long Island, too, that give families a chance to skate all year long. Find more fun seasonal destinations in our Winter Fun Guide.

Winter sports fans take note: A brand-new ice skating rink complex debuted outside UBS Arena in late December 2023. The Park at UBS Arena is a new wintertime destination for hockey enthusiasts, show-goers, and local families alike.

The Park at UBS Arena, a partnership between the arena, the New York Islanders, and Northwell Health, is located adjacent to the historic and entertaining Belmont Park and aims to take advantage of this unique setting to create something special for visitors of all ages.

Many great Long Island restaurants are open for dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which is for those who would rather not spend hours preparing a feast. A number of these restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

So take a look at this list and see which spots have the right menu for you. When it comes to holiday dining, it's best to play it safe and call ahead for reservations. For other seasonal activities and events this month, check out our Long Island Holiday Fun Guide and list of top things to do with kids in December.

Nonprofits like Toys for Tots offer donation spots throughout Long Island where you can lend a hand to families that are struggling to provide toys for their children. Read on for various opportunities to give back by making donations this holiday season. 

 Be sure to also check out our rundown of holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities on Long Island and many other seasonal ideas in our Holiday Guide. 

Want to take pictures with Santa this holiday season? Check out our roundup of the best spots for your kids to pose for pictures with Santa on Long Island. 

Santa has the magical ability to be in several places at once, so we've rounded up 12 Long Island venues where old St. Nick is holding court regularly and posing for pictures this holiday season. It's time to get out your most festive Christmas sweater and plan a date to share your wish list and snap photos with Santa on Long Island.

For more seasonal adventures, check out our roundup of the top holiday and Christmas events in the region, and bookmark our Holiday Fun Guide for all the can't-miss seasonal happenings.

Finding the perfect Long Island Christmas tree is the next logical holiday ritual after you've finished Thanksgiving turkey and completed your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping.

From Huntington to Riverhead and points farther east, Long Island has many great tree farms where enthusiastic families can cut a gorgeous tree for a modest cost. These farms range from simple roadside acreage to full-fledged holiday destinations. 

These farms are all located in Suffolk County, where farmland is more abundant, and are listed by town. If you want to get away, consider a day trip to a Christmas tree farm in New Jersey or the Hudson Valley. And, as always, find more ways to celebrate in our Holiday Fun Guide.