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New Year's Eve Weekend 2025 on Long Island: Fireworks, Ball Drops, Drone Shows, Noon Years Eve

Celebrate counting down to the new year at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Celebrate counting down to the new year at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
12/27/24 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island on New Year's Eve weekend to ring in 2026? From fireworks to drone shows to balloon drops, here are our top activities to add to your list this holiday weekend.​

Close out the year with some good, old-fashioned family fun. Marvel at a free holiday train display in Dix Hills or Babylon. Or wear your favorite pajamas and immerse yourself in a world of Grinchy mischief and holiday cheer at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

New Year's Eve falls on a weekday, but you can pick whatever time works for your family. Ring in Noon Year’s Eve at the Long Island Explorium or Long Island Children's Museum. Or combine your celebration with a meal at the Fishes and Wishes New Year's Eve Dinner at the Long Island Aquarium, which includes meet and greets with cute animal ambassadors. 

And, through the new year, drive through the Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Show at Jones Beach. 

Happy 2026 Long Island families, from all of us at Mommy Poppins. We can't wait to keep exploring with you in the new year.

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Family New Year's Eve Party at Bayville Winter Wonderland

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Countdown to 12 at Long Island Children's Museum

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Noon Year’s Eve at the Long Island Explorium

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Gather your little ones for a morning filled with excitement, creativity, and festive fun at the Long Island Explorium. This unique Noon Year's Eve event offers an unforgettable experience for kids and their parents to ring in the New Year together, well before bedtime. READ MORE

The Spectacular New Year’s Eve Drone Show at the Huntington Holiday Spectacular

Huntington - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Huntington Village is hosting a sky-high celebration from the team behind the Huntington Village Business Improvement District’s beloved Huntington Holiday Spectacular events. Keep your eyes on the skies as an impressive drone show launches just before midnight. READ MORE

New Year's Day Hike at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

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Thursday, January 1, 2026
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First Day Hike at Jones Beach State Park

Wantagh – FREE
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Winter visitors are welcome at Jones Beach. Kick off the new year with a short walk along the shoreline with great views of the seals in the bay.  READ MORE

Dinosaur Carnival at CSTL

Rockville Centre
Friday, January 2 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
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

Holiday Model Train Exhibit at Town of Babylon History Museum

Babylon – FREE
Friday, January 2 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
If your little conductors can’t resist a choo-choo, this annual favorite is a must-do! The 240-square-foot interactive model train display includes miniature versions of historic Babylon landmarks. Kids can marvel at the trains as they zip through tiny towns, and grown-ups will love spotting familiar places in pint-size form. READ MORE

TMB Model Train Club Open House

Dix Hills – FREE
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Escape into a realm where imagination takes center stage at the TMB Model Train Club. Nestled in the heart of Dix Hills, visitors can embark on a captivating journey through its newly expanded 6,000-square-foot train room. READ MORE

Frozen Jr. Musical - Live On Stage at The Showplace

Bellmore
Saturday, January 3 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
Celebrate the winter season with the cast of Frozen Jr, playing live on stage at the Bellmore Movies and Showplace! Frozen Jr. brings Elsa, Anna, Olaf and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage. READ MORE

Jones Beach Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Show

Wantagh
Through Saturday, January 3, 2026
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

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About the Author

Jaime Sumersille
Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.
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