Santa has the magical ability to be in several places at once and often for only a few hours. To help you pin St. Nick down, here is a selection of fun venues where he will appear on a regular basis throughout the holiday season. Do remember, though, that Santa sometimes has to take a break for milk and cookies, so build a little extra time into your schedule. And while some of the winter wonderlands are still open after Christmas, Santa always returns to the North Pole on December 24th. And for more fun this month, check out our Holiday Guide.
If you are looking for a full day of entertainment, the White Post Farms Petting Zoo or the Bayville Adventure Park Winter Wonderland and the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery will certainly fit the bill:
White Post Farms Animal Farm & Petting Zoo
250 Old Country Road, Melville
631-351-9373
This farm is so full of activities for children it would be hard to do everything in just one visit. Santa and Fluffy the Snowman will visit every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas 10am-4pm, but the farm is open until 6pm, with last admission at 5pm. Admission is $12, and pictures with Santa and Fluffy are included, as well as the petting zoo, a giant free-flight aviary, a theatrical production of A Christmas Carol and unlimited time in the outdoor bouncy playground (bring warm socks!). Some activities are weather dependent so do call ahead. The park has a full refreshment stand, but guests are also welcome to bring food.
Bayville Adventure Park's Winter Wonderland
8 Bayville Avenue, Bayville
516-624-7433
Come meet Santa at this beach side winter holiday park. Admission includes Santa, a fun house, train ride, skating, and a light show. The outdoor miniature golf and rope-bridge climbing areas are open weather permitting. Please note that Santa departs at 9pm. Tickets are $21 per person and includes:
- Santa's Toy Factory Funhouse
- Captain Bay's Yo Ho Holida Light Show
- Bayville Holiday Express Train Ride
- A Magical Meeting with Santa
- Arctic Ice Skating Adventure
- Bradley Bay's Rock Climbing
- Holiday Character Meet and Greet
- Holiday Arts and Crafts
- Holiday Story Telling
Hicks Nursery
100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury
516-334-0066
Santa will be in the store daily, Monday-Friday 1pm-4pm and 5pm-8pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm from November 27th through December 23rd.
This year he has also brought two of his reindeer. There is also a walk-through animated holiday story and a store with wonderful displays of holiday villages. The nursery, a family business since 1853, is collecting nonperishable food items to donate to the Long Island Cares food bank. It sells fresh-cut Christmas trees and holiday greenery. Check Hicks's website for coupons.
Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm
20685 Main Road
, Mattituck
631-298-4619
Santa visits every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-4pm.
Dart's Christmas Tree Farm
2355 Main Bayview Road, Southold
631-765-4148
Kids can sit on Santa's lap on Saturdays and Sundays 12pm-4pm.
St. James General Store
516 Moriches Road, St. James
631-854-3740
Every year Santa visits the historic St. James General Store before Christmas to meet with children and hear their wishes. The General Store, built in 1857, is the oldest continuously operating general store in the country. Santa will be here every Saturday and Sunday before Christmas.
Long Island Aquarium
431 East Main Street, Riverhead
631-208-9200
Guests can come right to the Long Island Aquarium to get their pictures taken with Santa- families, children- or even pets! Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Aquarium Admission is not included (or required) with the purchase of the Santa Photo Package. Fridays-Sundays,10am-4pm, November 27-29, December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 2015
Originally posted on December 18, 2012.
Note that we are currently updating the content below for 2015, as information becomes available.
