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Christmas Weekend 2023 on Long Island: Holiday Lights, Train Shows, and More Things To Do

The nightly festivities at the Huntington Holiday Spectacular include lights, music , and surprises. Photo courtesy of the event
The nightly festivities at the Huntington Holiday Spectacular include lights, music , and surprises. Photo courtesy of the event
12/22/23 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Christmas weekend? Here are some awesome events and activities for kids to add to your list for Christmas 2023.

Christmas weekend has arrived on Long Island, and holiday fun abounds. There's still time to enjoy seasonal treats like taking a picture with Santa at Santa Like Me or see a spectacular holiday show, like Frosty at the Engeman Theater. Don't miss Snowflake Sock Skating at LICM, which disappears at the end of the year!

Marvel at the Luminous Drive-In Holiday Lights Show in Riverhead or frolic through the Holiday Illuminations at the Smithtown Historical Society—both new attractions on Long Island this holiday season.

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See the family favorite Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theater Three. Photo courtesy of the theater
See the family favorite Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theater Three. Photo courtesy of the theater

Christmas Weekend Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Luminous Drive-In Holiday Light Show

Riverhead
Thursday-Saturday, December 21- 23
Luminous, Long Island's only drive-in laser light show, takes visitors on a one-hour journey through a world of stunning lights and music that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. READ MORE

Santa Like Me

Baldwin
Friday & Saturday, December 22 & 23
Celebrating diversity in Santa representation, Santa Like Me provides a unique opportunity to take a photo with Santa. READ MORE

Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theatre Three

Port Jefferson
Saturday, December 23
Join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne, and all of their friends for a holiday treat. The littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, meeting some new friends along the way and learning the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. READ MORE

Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand!

NYC
Saturday, December 23
The Paley Center's must-see holiday extravaganza fills five floors of the Paley with holiday fun and winter wonderland magic. Enjoy free hot chocolate, watch past and present holiday family specials on the big screen, discover the magic of a classic model railroad display, and so much more. READ MORE

Arcade Age Exhibit at the Cradle of Aviation

Garden City
Reopens Saturday, December 23
Learn all about the history of arcade games at the Cradle of Aviation's annual Arcade Age exhibit. Kids (and parents) learn about the origins of video games while getting to play more than 50 classic games. READ MORE

Breakfast/Brunch With Santa at the Glen Cove Mansion

Glen Cove
Saturday & Sunday, December 23 & 24
Breakfast with Santa is twice as nice at the mansion this season. Join the jolly fellow on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December until Christmas. READ MORE

Ice Skate with Santa Claus at the Buckskill Winter Club

East Hamptoon
Sunday, December 24
Ice skate with Santa Claus before he leaves to deliver Christmas packages. This fun afternoon at the Buckskille Winter Club is part of the Christmas Eve open skate sessions. READ MORE

Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Old Bethpage
Select dates through December 29
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

Jones Beach Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Show

Wantagh
Daily through December 30
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

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

Riverhead
Daily through December 30
Visitors enjoy an incredible drive-thru experience featuring a mile of holiday light displays at the Riverhead Holiday Light Show.  READ MORE

Holiday Model Train Exhibit at Town of Babylon History Museum

Babylon – FREE
Select dates through December 31
The Town of Babylon History Museum and Babylon Town Historical Society features an interactive 240-square-foot model train display highlighting historic points of interest from around the Town of Babylon.  READ MORE

Holiday Trail of Lights at the Smithtown Historical Society

Smithtown
Select dates through December 31
Step into the holiday spirit by walking the dazzling Holiday Trail of Lights at the Smithtown Historical Society. Its beautifully illuminated pathway features festive holiday trees from the tree contest, sparkling lights, and whimsical decorations.  READ MORE

Dinosaur Carnival at The Center for Science

Rockville Centre
Select dates through December 31
Step right up and get your ticket to the Dinosaur Carnival at The Center for Science. The event makes the holiday break an ideal time to celebrate everything roar-tastic. READ MORE

The Happy Elf at The Argyle Theatre

Babylon
Select dates through December 31
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

Huntington Holiday Spectacular

Huntington – FREE
Daily through January 5, 2024
Stroll through the streets of downtown Huntington, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland. The nightly festivities include twinkling lights, ice carving, Santa, and other  surprises. READ MORE

Snowflake Sock Skating at LICM

Garden City
Select dates through January 7, 2024
As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play at the engaging Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around the rink side “fire” pit as the whole family enjoys cozy winter fun. READ MORE

Frosty at The Engeman Theater

Northport
Select dates through January 7, 2024
Join Jenny and Frosty on an adventure as they try to save Chillsville from the mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that melts all the snow. Watch as the chilly tale unfolds on the Engeman Theater stage.  READ MORE

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