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Christmas Vacation Ideas for Long Island Families

1. Tour the Neighborhood Lights

Plan a drive to see some of Long Island's most spectacular home holiday light displays before they go dark. Bring some snacks along for the kids and cue the Christmas tunes for the ride. 

2. Bayville Winter Wonderland

Walk in Bayville Winter Wonderland to meet Santa, ride the holiday train, enjoy some arts and crafts, and check out the skating rink. There is also a snowman bounce castle, inflatable gingerbread slide, mini-golf, and rock climbing. Dress for the weather as many attractions are outdoors. 

3. Magic of Lights

Plan a holly jolly adventure to see the Magic of Lights drive-thru spectacular at Jones Beach with the kids. The lights display is open through Saturday, January 4, 2025. 

4. Visit The Christmas House

Immerse the family in the Christmas season for a bit longer at The Christmas House, an interactive walk-through experience where guests explore a Christmas-themed wonderland. This experience is open through Thursday, January 2, 2025. 

5. Visit With Santa

Schedule a time to get your last-minute gift requests in and snap a picture with Santa before he flies off for final Christmas preparations.

6. Visit Milleridge Inn

Peruse the beautifully decorated holiday village and shops, then have dinner at Milleridge Inn or warm up with a hot chocolate and bakery treat in the village. 

7. Long Island Aquarium 

Ring in the new year with Long Island Aquarium's Fishes & Wishes party, where adults and kids enjoy a DJ, buffet dinner, and unique animal encounters.

8. Swing by the Playground

Explore one of the many destination-worthy playgrounds on Long Island for the kids to run around and get some fresh air. 

9. Create a Work of Art

Get creative and check out one of Long Island's best kids' art classes for your little artist.  

10. LuminoCity

Eisenhower Park is illuminated with fantastical light displays during LuminoCity, a special light display running through Sunday, January 5, 2025.

11. Catch a Movie

Movie theaters have lots of family-friendly films that hit the big screen this season. Kids and adults alike will enjoy a "Moana 2" or "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" movie day. 

12. Explore A Nature Center

Get up close with nature at one of these local nature centers. Many run programs for kids year-round so check the websites ahead of your visit. 

13. Root for the Islanders

Check out the UBS Arena and cheer on the Islanders at one of their scheduled home hockey games over the Christmas break. 

14. See a Live Show on Long Island

Plan a fun day with the kids at the theater. "The Happy Elf" and "Frosty" are being performed live on Long Island stages.

15. Cradle of Aviation Museum

Check out the Cradle of Aviation Museum with the kids over Christmas break. The Junior Jet Club is a great soft play space and the full-dome planetarium is a treat. 

16. Go Bowling

If you're looking for a little indoor fun, grab a ball and hit the bowling lanes at one of Long Island's best bowling alleys for families.  

17. Sip Hot Cocoa

Brrrr, baby, it's cold outside. Warm up with some of the best hot cocoa spots on Long Island.

18. Go Ice Skating

Grab your skates and take a spin on the ice at one of these wonderful outdoor rinks.

19. Hit Up the Arcade

Rack up the tickets and beat some high scores at one of Long Island's arcades.

20. Bounce and Play Indoors

Let the kids blow off some energy at one of Long Island's top family fun centers. 

21. Long Island Children's Museum

Plan a day to explore the Long Island Children's Museum and check out the Snowflake Sock Skating exhibit before it closes on Saturday, January 5, 2025.

22. Walk the Beach

Go for a stunning winter beach walk along our picturesque shorelines.

RELATED: Toys for Tots Donation Spots on Long Island and More Places to Donate Toys

Nothing beats a trip to Manhattan to see the famous Rockefeller Center tree. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer

Things to Do Over Christmas Vacation Near Long Island

23. Catch a Broadway Show

There are many kid-friendly shows on Broadway, including "Back to the Future," "Aladdin," and "The Lion King." 

24. See the Rockefeller Center Tree

Day trip into NYC to check out the Rockefeller Center tree or visit the Winter Village at Bryant Park.

25. Go Skiing

Head off to a nearby family-friendly ski mountain to beat the cabin fever.

26. Getaway for the Weekend

Book a weekend getaway to one of our favorite nearby winter destinations.

27. Go Snow Tubing

Bundle up and take a day trip to a nearby snow tubing spot.

28. Swim at an Indoor Water Park

Pretend it's summer and splash away at these indoor water parks.

29. Visit Mystic

Spend a day on the other side of the Long Island Sound exploring Mystic, Connecticut.

30. Tackle Some Bucket List Items!

Attempt a few of our top 100 things to do on Long Island with kids.

This article was originally posted in 2017 and was updated in December 2024.