Santa has the magical ability to be in several places at once, but often for only a few hours.
To help you pin down St. Nick, here's a sample of fun venues where he will appear on a regular basis throughout the holiday season. 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 winter wonderlands are still open after Christmas, Santa returns to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, December 24. For more seasonal month, check out our LI holiday guide for information on dining with Santa, holiday light displays, and more.
Nassau
Bayville Adventure Park's Winter Wonderland — Bayville
Come meet Santa at this beachside winter holiday park. Admission includes a fun house, train ride, skating, and a light show. A photo with Santa and a letter from Santa are available for an additional charge. The outdoor miniature golf and rope-bridge climbing areas are open weather permitting.
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Tell Santa your secret wish list at Hicks Farms. Photo courtesy of Hicks Farms
Hicks Nursery — Westbury
Santa is in store Mondays-Fridays 1-4pm and 5-8pm; Saturdays and Sundays 10am-1pm and 2-6pm from November 24th through December 23rd. Guests can also visit live reindeer at the Reindeer Sanctuary. Enjoy a walk-through animated holiday story through December 31 as well as a store with wonderful displays of holiday villages. FREE admission. 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.
Old Westbury Gardens — Westbury
Head over to this beautiful Long Island spot to start a new Christmas tradition. On most Saturdays and Sundays in December, meet Santa, eat some cookies, drink some cider, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Room at the Westbury House are adorned in period decorations.
Roosevelt Field Mall — Garden City
Santa has officially landed. Located in the north court of the mall, children can pop by for a visit, whisper their wish list in Santa's ear, and take a keepsake special photo.
Suffolk
Dart's Christmas Tree Farm
— Southold
Dart's opens up the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend and remains open through Christmas Eve. Kids can sit on Santa's lap on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4pm.
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Meet Santa and penguin Pam at the Long Island Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Long Island Aquarium — Riverhead
631-208-9200
Families and children can come alone or bring their pets to the aquarium for pictures. 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. Sessions are 10am-4pm December 1, 2, 9, 15,16.
Take a playful train ride around the grounds at Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm
— Mattituck
The farm is open from Black Friday through Christmas Eve, seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. Santa visits every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5pm, and kids can enjoy a train ride and Charlie Brown Land.
Smith Haven Mall — Lake Grove
Through Christmas Eve, guests can sit on Santa's lap. Times vary by day so check for up-to-date information.
Walt Whitman Mall — Huntington Station
Visitors to Walt Whitman can make their appointment to see Santa online. Santa will be there most days from just after 10am to about 8pm.
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Santa is but one part of the holiday celebration at White Post Farms. Photo courtesy of White Post Farms
White Post Farms — Melville
Children who visit here can meet Santa and the "Mensch on the Bench." There are also candy cane hunts and holiday train rides. The farm only accepts cash; there is an ATM on the premises.
Top photo: Santa is everyone's favorite celebrityhh this time of year. Photo via Bigstock
This post is updated annually.
