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Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 on Long Island: Turkey Trots, Light Shows, and Santa

Trek to The End for the Montauk Lighthouse tree lighting this weekend. Photo courtesy of the Montauk Lighthouse
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11/26/24 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

Work up an appetite for your Thanksgiving feast by participating in a family-friendly turkey trot on Thursday morning. Or, get some activity in by driving through the Jones Beach Magic of Lights.  For a throwback feel, check out how Christmas was celebrated in 1863 at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration.

Find more seasonal fun in our Long Island Kids Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events!

More Things to Do on Long Island This Week With Kids

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Best Things To Do on Long Island Thanksgiving Weekend 2024

Garden City Turkey Trot

Garden City
Thursday, November 28
Walkers, runners, and strollers are welcome to participate in the Garden City Turkey Trot, held on Thanksgiving morning. READ MORE

Port Washington Thanksgiving Day Run

Port Washington
Thursday, November 28
This 5-mile loop runs through four Port Washington villages on Thanksgiving Day morning, beginning and ending at Manorhaven Park, overlooking Manhasset Bay. READ MORE

Huntington Turkey Run

Huntington
Thursday, November 28
The fun run begins at 8:30am. READ MORE

Santa Meet & Greet and a Free Movie in Bellmore

Bellmore–FREE
Friday, November 29
The Bellmore Chamber of Commerce ushers in the holiday season with it annual Santa visit, making five stops throughout the town, followed by a free movie. READ MORE

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

Bayport
Opens Friday, November 29
See the lights up close as you walk through this trail filled with displays, some designed by Girl Scouts.  READ MORE

Ice Skating on the Port Jefferson Harbor

Port Jefferson
Opens Friday, November 29
The Rinx outdoor ice skating rink is a seasonal experience along the majestic Port Jefferson harbor. Drop in for public skating or schedule a private/group lesson. READ MORE

West Island Model Railroad Club Open House

Hicksville
Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1
West Island Model Railroad hosts its annual open house on three weekends this winter. View its 5,600-square-foot model railroad, operating on 11 miles of double tracks. READ MORE

Sayville's Miracle on Main Street

Sayville–FREE
Saturday, November 30
Get in the holiday spirit during this annual Miracle on Main Street celebration throughout Sayville. READ MORE

Wantagh Chamber of Commerce Winter Wonderland

Wantagh–FREE
Saturday, November 30
Enjoy raffles, music, Irish step dancing, the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band, a holiday lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa Claus. READ MORE

Polar Express Screening & Santa Photos at the Patchogue Theatre

Patchogue
Saturday, November 30
Enjoy a screening of Warner Bros.’ The Polar Express at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, followed by photos with Santa.  READ MORE

Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand!

Midtown West, NYC
Saturday, November 30-Sunday, December 1
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

Tree Lighting at the Montauk Lighthouse

Montauk–FREE
Saturday, November 30
The annual tradition returns to the Montauk Lighthouse to get the entire family into the holiday spirit. Christmas music fills the air as the lighthouse is adorned with beautiful lights.  READ MORE

Sunrise Hi Railers Train Display at The Shoppes at East Wind

Wading River
Opens Saturday, November 30
Every weekend through December, the Sunrise Hi Railers presents a miniature train layout. New, intricate train layouts come to life as toy trains chug along the tracks. READ MORE

1863 Thanksgiving Celebration at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Old Bethpage
Saturday, November 30-Sunday, December 1
Enjoy the holidays in a place where the clock is always turned back to the 19th century. Historical demonstrations include an open fire roasting and traditional music. READ MORE

A Family Hip-Hop Dance Party at LICM

Garden City
Saturday, November 30-Sunday, December 1
Dive into a world of rhythm and melody showcasing a variety of musical styles from around the globe at this fun family dance party.  READ MORE

LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park

East Meadow
Through Saturday, 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

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