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The Nutcracker, Dinosaurs, and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

Check out the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show and Enchanted Forest before it closes on Sunday. Photo courtesy of the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Check out the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show and Enchanted Forest before it closes on Sunday. Photo courtesy of the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
12/19/25 - By Jaime Sumersille

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

This weekend, Long Island is serving up family fun that leans hard into holiday merriment, from a free performance, Holiday on Ice Show at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, to the roaring opening of the Dinosaur Carnival at the Center for Science Teaching & Learning.

And because no December is complete without a Nutcracker moment, you’ve got three options: Eglevsky Ballet’s at the Tilles Center, the New York Dance Theatre at Hofstra University, or the kid-friendly The Nutcracker Act II at Ballet Long Island.

Looking for even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Long Island Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week—and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not getting our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Please share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

A Magical Night with Santa at Once Upon a Treetop

Plainview
Friday, December 19 & Sunday, December 21
Settle in for a night full of sing-alongs, parachute play, bubbles, food, and more with Santa. READ MORE

Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Old Bethpage
Friday, December 19 - Tuesday, December 23
Stroll the Old Bethpage Restoration Village by lantern light and enjoy Victorian carloers, crafts, and other holiday cheer.  READ MORE

Paris & Pups Holiday Paw-ty at the Paley

New York City
Saturday, December 20
A glitterally glamazing day of fun and festivities with Paris & Pups includes an exclusive screening of an unreleased episode of the show, giveaways, crafts, and more.  READ MORE

It's A Wonderful 5K Run/Walk & FREE Kiddie Dash

West Babylon
Saturday, December 20 (FREE for Kids)
It's a Wonderful 5K lets runners take in the scenic sights of Belmont Lake State Park, starting with a free kiddie dash! READ MORE

Christmas Starfish Ornaments at LICM

Garden City
Saturday, December 20
Learn about the importance of the Christmas star and create a Christmas starfish ornament to take home. READ MORE

Holiday on Ice Show at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center

Bethpage – FREE
Saturday, December 20
Catch this free Holiday on Ice Show at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center located in Bethpage Community Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to visit with children and take holiday photographs after the show. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Act II at Ballet Long Island

Ronkonkoma
Saturday, December 20
Audiences at Ballet Long Island's Nutcracker Act II will be transported by the Sugar Plum Fairy to The Land of Sweets and enjoy this family-friendly classic, set to the music of Tchaikovsky. READ MORE

Mrs. G's Brown Bag Charity Hosts Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Baldwin
Saturday, December 20
Enjoy a nice afternoon with music, crafts, pizza, a gift per child, and gingerbread house decorating at Coe's Neck Park. READ MORE

Central Operating Lines Model Train Open House

Bohemia – FREE
Saturday, December 20 - Sunday, December 21
The Central Operating Lines Holiday Train show and open house boasts a huge layout spanning 23 scale miles. As an added holiday bonus, Santa will be on hand! READ MORE

Eglevsky Ballet's The Nutcracker at The Tilles Center

Greenvale
Saturday, December 20 - Sunday, December 21
Eglevsky Ballet presents special performances of the timeless holiday classic The Nutcracker. It promises to delight with visions of a Sugar Plum Fairy, her dashing Cavalier, angels, dolls, and a Christmas tree that grows right before your eyes. READ MORE

The Nutcracker - New York Dance Theatre at Hofstra University

Hempstead
Saturday, December 20 - Sunday, December 21
This full production of "The Nutcracker" features guest artists from leading companies, a cast of 80 children, and semi-professional and professional dancers. READ MORE

Dinosaur Carnival at CSTL

Rockville Centre
Starts Saturday, December 20
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

Labubu Christmas Elf Paint Event at Key to My Art

Amityville
Sunday, December 21
Key to My Art hosts this fun, winter Labubu Elf character painting with step-by-step instruction for kids. READ MORE

Cinema for Kids at the Cinema Arts Centre

Huntington
Sunday, December 21: "The Polar Express"
The Cinema Arts Centre hosts a weekly Sunday afternoon showing of classic family-friendly films that include discounted tickets for kids! READ MORE

Christmas at Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury
Closes Sunday, December 21
For four weekends this holiday season, guests can experience Christmas at the Westbury House. Take a self-guided tour of Westbury House, beautifully decorated with holiday charm. See the festively adorned rooms, enjoy the gardens, and savor holiday treats like cookies and cider. Plus, enjoy special visits from Santa. READ MORE

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

Bayport
Closes Sunday, December 21
See the sparkling lights up close as you walk through this trail in the woods filled with larger than life displays, some that were even designed by Girl Scouts. Take pictures at special photo spots, like the giant Christmas tree. Hang out in the Chill Zone and enjoy giant lawn games. Don't forget to visit Santa at his winter cabin for a group photo. READ MORE
There's heaps of snowy fun in store this season. Photo courtesy of Camelback
There's heaps of snowy fun in store this season. Photo courtesy of Camelback

More Things To Do on Long Island This Week With Kids

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Check out a festive light displays to amp up the holiday cheer. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity
Check out a festive light displays to amp up the holiday cheer. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity

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Places featured in this article:

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.
Recent Articles By Jaime Sumersille:
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