The Nai-Ni Chen Dance company celebrates Lunar New Year in a Jersey City performance this weekend. Photo courtesy of the dance company
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Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
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Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
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It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
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The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
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Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
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Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
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'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
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Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
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Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
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Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
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Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
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Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
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Things To Do in Long Island this Weekend: Holiday Boat Parade, Disney on Ice

Kids will love getting into the holiday spirit at the Riverhead Holiday Light Show. Photo courtesy of the event
Kids will love getting into the holiday spirit at the Riverhead Holiday Light Show. Photo courtesy of the event
11/20/19 - By Jaime Sumersille

Glow all weekend with these holiday light show spectaculars across Long Island. Enjoy a Thanksgiving Native American Feast at the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve. Check out the St. James Model Railroad Club winter train display that includes an operating subway, city scenes, a circus, a haunted old West town, animated accessories and more. 

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice Road Trip Adventures.

See our Holiday Family Fun Guide for the best in seasonal entertainment, including our Christmas tree cutting guide, breakfast with Santa events, Hanukkah fun guide, ice skating rinks and plenty of FREE events and activities. As always, our Event Calendar and November and December GoLists are loaded with fun, daily happenings for Long Island kids.

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Thrill to the pageantry of the season at Magic of Lights at Jones Beach. Photo courtesy of the event
Thrill to the pageantry of the season at Magic of Lights at Jones Beach. Photo courtesy of the event

Things to Do on Long Island All Weekend

Port Jefferson Village Annual Charles Dickens Festival

Port Jefferson — FREE
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

Jones Beach Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Show

Wantagh
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
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
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

Thanksgiving Native American Feast

Glen Cove
This celebration of northeastern Native American culture has been held the weekend before Thanksgiving for more than 25 years. READ MORE

Holiday Model Train Exhibit at Town of Babylon History Museum

Babylon — FREE
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

St. James Model Railroad Club Winter Train Display

St. James
This annual exhibit includes an operating subway, city scenes, a circus, a haunted Old West town, animated accessories, and more.  READ MORE

Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theatre Three

Port Jefferson
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

Disney On Ice Road Trip Adventures

Uniondale
Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice Road Trip Adventures. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and you, embark on a wild ride to your favorite Disney destinations.  READ MORE

Pinkalicious at The Showplace at Bellmore Movies

Bellmore
Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. READ MORE
Look for adorable seals at the Seal Walk at Montauk State Park. Photo courtesy of Montauk State Park
Look for adorable seals at the Seal Walk at Montauk State Park. Photo courtesy of Montauk State Park

Things to Do on Long Island Saturday, November 23

Fall Book Swap at Children's Museum of the East End

Bridgehampton — FREE
Bring a book, take a book! READ MORE

Seal Walk at Montauk State Park

Montauk
Experience seals in their natural habitat. Join a park naturalist on a 3 mile round trip hike to the seal haul-out, where migrating pinnipeds rest on rocks.  READ MORE

Giving Thanks- Basic Children’s Etiquette Class at Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury
Give thanks for terrific table manners! READ MORE

Real Pirates Don't Wear Tiaras

Syosset
If ye be searching for a true fish-out-of-water story, then this here be the play for thee! READ MORE

Junie B. Jones at the Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts

Merrick
The Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts will present Junie B. Jones Saturdays at 2 pm through November 30. READ MORE
See boats decked out in holiday lights at the Patchogue Boat Parade. Photo courtesy of the parade organizers
See boats decked out in holiday lights at the Patchogue Boat Parade. Photo courtesy of the parade organizers

Things to Do on Long Island Sunday, November 24

Patchogue Village Christmas Holiday Boat Parade

Patchogue — FREE
Watch the decorated boats sail along the Patchogue River as they are decked out for this year's theme of Rock Star Christmas. There are many viewing spots along the riverfront. READ MORE

14th Annual City Council Turkey Trot

Long Beach
Day-of-race registration and T-shirt pickup will be held from 6:30am-8am. The one-mile children's race begins at 8:30 am and the 10K (6.2 Miles) Race begins at 9am. READ MORE

Kids Skate Free at United Skates of America

Seaford — FREE
Free admission coupon can be shown at the door during the days/times listed on coupon. READ MORE

Investigating Clouds at SoFo

Bridgehampton
Scientists study clouds from space using powerful instruments like satellites to collect information about cloud formations, dust particles, and severe weather patterns. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Story Time & Craft at The Dolphin Bookshop

Port Washington — FREE
Join in the fun for a Thanksgiving Story Time & Craft at The Dolphin Bookshop & Cafe.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Garvies Point Museum and Preserve
Town of Babylon History Museum
The Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts
Long Beach Catholic Regional School Gymnasium