OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne, and all of their friends as the tale of Barnaby Saves Christmas unfolds on the Theatre Three stage. Photo courtesy of Theatre Three
Jones Beach Magic of Lights and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids
Seasons 52's Thanksgiving meal celebrates seasonal variety.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving on Long Island
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
Photo bt Skyler Ewing via Pexels
GUIDE
LI Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
LuminoCity returns to Long Island for its fifth year, setting up this season's show, titled Sweet Dream, at Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity
20 Best Things To Do on Long Island November 2024 with Kids
The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze features hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns in elaborate displays at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Fall Bucket List for Long Island Kids: 35 Top Things To Do
Take in the splendor of the season with a fall getaway to Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. Photo courtesy of Mononk Mountain House
22 Fall Weekend Getaways near NYC for Families
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island
The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
Best Cute Towns on Long Island with Walkable Main Streets
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Speed down the slides at Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island
Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.
The Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Suffolk County
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
GUIDE
Long Island Summer Camp Guide
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free.
Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Indoor Places to Play on Cold and Rainy Days
Discover the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge for a day of free, outdoorsy fun. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
100 Free Things To Do on Long Island with Kids
Free meals for kids are available on Tuesdays at most Moe’s Southwest Grill locations on Long Island.
Kids Eat Free: Top Long Island Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families
Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things to Do with Long Island Kids
Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum.
Best Science Museums on Long Island for Families
Learn to surf at Montauk's SurfLuca or another surf school. Photo courtesy of the school.
100 Things To Do on Long Island Before Kids Grow Up
Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island
Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Museums for Kids on Long Island
Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island

LuminoCity returns to Long Island for its fifth year at Eisenhower Park. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
LuminoCity returns to Long Island for its fifth year at Eisenhower Park. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
11/8/24 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best holiday activities and Christmas events on Long Island for kids? Read on for our top picks.  

We've rounded up dozens of family-friendly holiday activities worth adding to your calendar this season, including lantern shows, drive-thru light shows, and more.

Walking through the annual LuminoCity and driving through the Jones Beach Light Show attractions are always highlights of this season. There's something about the warm, bright lights that puts me in a ho-ho-holiday mood.

Of course we also love the freebies too, like the Animated Story at Hicks Nurseries and Huntington Holiday Spectatular. These are are must-visit for us. 

We've got plenty more ways to make seasonal memories in our Long Island Guide to Holiday Fun.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses, times, and recommended ages. And keep in mind: Really cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Top Holiday Activities and Christmas Events on Long Island in 2024

LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park

Manhasset
Friday, November 8, 2024-Sunday, January 4, 2025
LuminoCity returns to Long Island for its fifth year, setting up this season's show, titled Sweet Dream, at Eisenhower Park. Sweet Dream delivers a state-of-the-art production that brings art, light, and color to life through remarkable displays. READ MORE

The Polar Express in Port Jefferson Station

Port Jefferson Station
Thursday, November 14-Sunday, December 22, 2024
Take a magical journey on the Polar Express at the Port Jefferson Station rail car and enjoy popcorn, cookies, and hot cocoa as this timeless tale unfolds on a movie screen. READ MORE

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

Calverton
Friday, November 15-Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Visitors enjoy an incredible drive-thru experience featuring a mile of holiday light displays at the Riverhead Holiday Light Show.  READ MORE

Christmas Animated Story at Hicks Nurseries

Westbury – FREE
Saturday, November 16-Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Visiting the Christmas Children’s Story at Hicks Nurseries has been a family tradition on Long Island for generations. The walk-through Christmas story features Santa, his elves, and friends preparing for the holiday. READ MORE

The Happy Elf at The Argyle Theatre

Babylon
Saturday, November 16-Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Happy Elf is a musical comedy that follows Eubie, the happiest elf at the North Pole. More than anything else, Eubie longs to be a part of Santa's sleigh team. Watch this holiday tale unfold on The Argyle Theatre stage. READ MORE

Jones Beach Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Show

Wantagh
Friday, November 22-Saturday, January 4, 2024
The Magic of Lights drive-thru spectacular returns to Jones Beach and Nassau County's South Shore this holiday season. The display is stacked with themed LED lighting displays and digital animations, plus plenty of returning favorites. READ MORE

Sayville Falls Holiday Light Show & Winter Garden

Sayville
Friday, November 22-Saturday, December 21, 2024
Sayville Falls brings a new holiday attraction to Long Island this winter, using thousands of lights to transform its mini-golf course into a holiday light show. Once you've enjoyed the walk-thru light show, visit the on-site Winter Garden or enjoy the comfort of a heated igloo. READ MORE

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

Shirley
Friday, November 29-Saturday, December 21, 2024
See the lights up close as you walk through this trail filled with displays, some designed by Girl Scouts.  READ MORE

Polar Express Trolley Ride in Riverhead - SOLD OUT

Riverhead
Friday, November 29-Monday, December 23, 2024
*This venue posted on November 6 that it was completely full.   All aboard the North Shore trolley for a true seasonal treat: a one-hour trip to meet Santa on the North Fork of Long Island. Hot chocolate and delicious cookies are served at the North Pole, and passengers read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.    READ MORE

Santa Parade in Port Jefferson Village

Port Jefferson – FREE
Sunday, December 1, 2024
This jolly ol' parade begins at the Patchogue LIRR train station on Main Street at 3pm and includes floats, vintage cars, and more. READ MORE

Old-Fashioned Babylon Village Christmas

Babylon – FREE
Friday, December 6, 2024
Join the Babylon Chamber along Deer Park Avenue for an evening of old-fashioned Christmas fun. Enjoy s'mores, hot chocolate, ice skating, a carousel, and more.  READ MORE

Bayville Winter Wonderland

Bayville
Friday, December 6, 2024-Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Bayville Winter Wonderland, Long Island's winter holiday park, returns for another season of fun. Enjoy tons of over-the-top holiday attractions, including Santa's Toy Factory Funhouse, a holiday train ride, an ice skating rink, rock climbing, character meet-and-greets, holiday stories, a build-a-bear experience, axe-throwing, and more.  READ MORE

Holiday Boat Parade in Freeport

Freeport – FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
This unique event showcases festively decorated boats along Freeport's Nautical Mile. Boat owners go all out decorating their vessels, and homeowners along the route adorn their yards with lights, too. READ MORE

Santa at the Longwood Estate

Ridge
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Santa visits the Longwood Estate for photos and holiday fun on December 7. View train displays before joining the elves for hot cocoa, roasted chestnuts and a sleigh ride.  READ MORE

Port Jefferson Village Annual Charles Dickens Festival

Port Jefferson – FREE
Saturday, December 7-Sunday, December 8, 2024
The Village of Port Jefferson magically transforms into the Dickens era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the town crier, and the beloved chimney sweeps. READ MORE

Railroad Museum of Long Island Holiday Open House with Visit From Santa

Riverhead
Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, December 7-Sunday, December 15, 2024
The Railroad Museum of Long Island invites guests to its free Holiday Open Houses with a special visit—via the rails—from Santa himself. READ MORE

Holiday Festival in Stony Brook Village

Stony Brook – FREE
Sunday, December 8, 2024
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Annual Holiday Festival features celebrations, live entertainment, children's activities, a train and more.  READ MORE

Holiday Farm Tour with Mrs. Claus at Spirit's Promise

Riverhead
Sundays, December 8, 15, and 22, 2024
Visit Spirit's Promise for a special 90-minute holiday tour at the farm. Meet equine reindeer and other farm animals. Then head into the barn for story time with Mrs. Claus.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden

Westbury - FREE
Saturday, December 13 - Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Clark Botanic Garden has been transformed this holiday season into an idyllic winter wonderland, where guests will find themselves immersed in all that makes the season special. Meet Santa and other special guests, enjoy holiday lights and scenery, crafts for kids, a holiday pajama party, Santa Paws, and so much more! READ MORE

Reenactment of the Flying Santa at the Fire Island Lighthouse

Fire Island – FREE
Saturday, December 14, 2024
In 1953 Pilot Snow (a.k.a. “Flying Santa”) flew his plane past the Fire Island Lighthouse and left packages of holiday gifts for the lighthouse keeper and his family. Relive this historic event and expect a special guest in a red suit. READ MORE

Long Beach Electric Light Parade

Long Beach – FREE
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Marvel at antique cars, fire trucks, floats, and bicycles wrapped in Christmas lights at this festive holiday parade throughout the west end of Long Beach. READ MORE

Three Village Electric Holiday Parade

Setauket – FREE
Sunday, December 15, 2024
See a spectacular array of well-lit floats streaming down Setauket's Main Street during the annual Electric Holiday Parade. Santa makes an appearance and there is hot chocolate and cookies for all at the end. READ MORE

Eglevsky Ballet's The Nutcracker

Greenvale
Saturday, December 21-Sunday, December 22, 2024
Eglevsky Ballet presents special performances of the timeless holiday classic The Nutcracker. It promises to delight with visions of a Sugar Plum Fairy, her dashing Cavalier, angels, dolls, and a Christmas tree that grows right before your eyes. READ MORE

Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Old Bethpage
Saturday, December 21-Monday, December 23 & Thursday, December 26-Sunday, December 29, 2024
Enjoy the holidays in a place where the clock is always turned back to the 19th century. The evening features a candlelight procession each night. See chestnuts roasting on an open fire, broom making, visit Santa, and more.  READ MORE

Happy Hanukkah at LICM

Garden City
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Get ready for Hanukkah at the Long Island Children's Museum by learning all about dreidel. Discover the game’s history and rules and decorate your own dreidel to take home.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village
West Beech Street
X
Install this app: tapthen Add to Home Screen
X
To get notifications upgrade iOS.