15 Best Family Christmas Activities on Long Island for 2025
Long Island transforms into a magical winter wonderland every Christmas season. From dazzling light shows at Jones Beach to enchanting Victorian festivals in Port Jefferson, discover the most memorable holiday experiences for your family in 2025.
- Jones Beach Holiday Light Show
- Port Jefferson's Charles Dickens Festival
- Old Westbury Gardens – Shimmering Solstice
- Christmas House Long Island
- Bayville Winter Wonderland
- Tanger Outlets – Holiday Festival and Santa's Arrival
🎁 Quick Guide to Long Island Christmas Events
- Stunning light shows like LuminoCity and Magic of Lights create unforgettable family memories
- Immersive festivals including the Port Jefferson Dickens Festival feature live performances and holiday traditions
- Interactive experiences at Christmas House Long Island offer something for every age group
- Outdoor adventures at Santa's Christmas Tree Farm include tree picking and activities for kids
- Pro tip: Purchase tickets early for popular events to ensure a stress-free holiday season
LuminoCity Fantasy & Winter Fairyland
Step into a breathtaking 14-acre wonderland where art, light, and music merge to create pure holiday magic. LuminoCity transforms Eisenhower Park into one of Long Island's most spectacular Christmas destinations, featuring massive illuminated sculptures and immersive walkthrough experiences.
There is plenty of time to visit. You can plan your trip with other holiday events or pop-ups on Long Island.
Festival Highlights
| Unique Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Immersive Experience | Walk through 14 acres of glowing displays and sculptures |
| Notable Attractions | 50-foot 'Castle in the Sky' and four-story Christmas tree |
| Community Involvement | Kids' art from Long Island Children's Museum becomes real sculptures |
Why Visit
Do you want to feel the magic of Christmas? LuminoCity makes it real. The festival mixes art, lights, and music for a special time. You can look at creative displays, take pictures, and make memories with your family. If you want a holiday event that is different, this is the place to visit.
Magic of Lights at Jones Beach
Experience the holiday season from the warmth and comfort of your own vehicle. This beloved drive-through light show transforms Jones Beach State Park into a glittering corridor of festive displays, animated scenes, and sparkling tunnels that the whole family can enjoy together.
Why Visitors Love It
- The event is a great way to kick off the Christmas season
- Magnificent and visually impressive displays
- Smooth, efficient traffic flow through exhibits
- Safety-focused staff ensures comfortable experience
- Two-lane setup allows photo stops without blocking others
- Giant snowmen, sparkling tunnels, and Santa displays
Why Visit
You will love Magic of Lights if you want a simple, joyful way to celebrate Christmas. The drive-through style makes it easy for everyone, even little kids or grandparents. You get to see an immersive world of lights without leaving your car. This event stands out among holiday light shows because it is both safe and fun.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
You can find the Riverhead Holiday Light Show in the heart of Suffolk County. This holiday light show brings the magic of Christmas to life with bright displays and festive scenes. You drive through a glowing path filled with twinkling lights, giant decorations, and animated figures. The whole experience feels immersive, making you feel like you stepped into a winter wonderland.
Experience Details
- The experience lasts about 20 to 25 minutes
- Stay warm and cozy in your car throughout
- Multiple themed sections from classic Christmas to playful snowmen
- Tune your radio to hear synchronized holiday music
- Sparkling tunnels, glowing reindeer, and Santa displays
Why Visit
The Riverhead Holiday Light Show does more than just light up the night. It creates a festive environment that brings families and residents together. You will feel the community spirit as you join others in celebrating the season.
Sayville Falls Light Show
You will find the Sayville Falls Light Show to be one of the most cheerful Christmas events on Long Island. This holiday light show brings you into a world of twinkling colors and festive scenes. You can walk through the park and see creative light displays that cover the trees, bridges, and even the water.
Must-See Attractions
- Animated tunnels that sparkle as you walk through
- Giant snowflakes and glowing candy canes
- Santa's Workshop area for photo opportunities
- Synchronized music that matches the light displays
- Charming walkways along bridges and water features
Waterdrinker Winter Wonderland
When you walk into Waterdrinker Winter Wonderland, you feel the season's magic right away. This place is different from other Christmas events on Long Island. It mixes old holiday fun with local traditions at the Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden.
Unique Attractions
- Vintage Airstream Christmas Village
- Grinch Lair for silly photos and laughs
- Synthetic ice skating rink (no experience needed!)
- Merry Market with local crafts and treats
- Barnyard animals to visit and meet
- Fire pits for roasting s'mores
- Giant Santa sleigh and reindeer photo ops
- U-pick Christmas trees
- On-site brewery for adults
Why Visit
You want a holiday trip that feels fun and new. Waterdrinker Winter Wonderland gives you both. You can look at the lights, meet barnyard animals, and take photos in the Airstream Village. The Grinch Lair is silly and fun. The Merry Market is a good place to shop for special gifts.
Christmas House Long Island
When you walk into Christmas House Long Island, you see holiday magic everywhere. This indoor event has themed rooms and fun displays. You can touch things and find surprises in every room. Most families spend about 45 minutes here, though some stay longer.
Room-by-Room Experiences
| Room/Feature | Experience |
|---|---|
| Tropical Christmas Room | Sand, beach fun, and Nog Pong with friends |
| Character Meet & Greet | Meet Jack, Sally, Zero, plus tarot card readings |
| Blockbuster Christmas | VHS tapes and Christmas Movie Poster Trivia |
| Real Snow Experience | Indoor snowball fights with actual snow |
| Santa Tracker | Track Santa's activities and write notes to him |
| Elf Movie Experience | Watch Elf on a 25-foot screen (no time limits) |
| Christmas Eve Room | Elvis singing, cookies for Santa, decorated tree |
| Christmas House Jeopardy | Play festive Jeopardy with a live host |
| Christmas Carnival | Unlimited carnival games and prizes |
Bayville Winter Wonderland
Transform your holiday season with Long Island's most activity-packed Christmas destination. Bayville Adventure Park becomes a festive playground featuring everything from a Toy Factory Fun House to holiday movies, ice skating, and even Santa's Axe Throwing!
Available Activities
- Holiday Lights and Decorations throughout the park
- Toy Factory Fun House
- Snowman Bounce and Gingerbread Slide
- Holiday Express Train
- Holiday Movies screening area
- Skating Adventure rink
- Holiday Arts and Crafts
- Character Meet-and-Greets with Santa and friends
- Santa's Axe Throwing (for adults)
- Miniature Golf
- Professor Burton Bay's Arcade of Amusements
Why Visit
You want a place where Christmas feels big and exciting. Bayville Winter Wonderland gives you that feeling. You get to see lights, play games, make crafts, and eat holiday treats. If you want a holiday outing that feels classic and new, this is the place for Christmas magic.
Milleridge Village Christmas
When you visit Milleridge Village, it feels like a storybook. The village shines with bright holiday lights and decorations. You hear carolers singing and smell fresh bread from the bakery. Milleridge Village brings families together with its old-fashioned charm.
Village Highlights
- Carolers at the Milleridge Inn sing live music from Nov 24th through Christmas Eve
- Games, gift shopping, and delicious food
- Holiday photos with Santa in mini-sessions
- Dinner with Santa at the Carriage House (select nights)
- Beautiful holiday lights throughout the village
Village Attractions
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Costumed Characters | Meet Mother Goose and Santa Claus during holidays |
| Balloon Artists & Magicians | Entertainment for families and children |
| Pony & Carriage Rides | Explore the village in style |
| Mini Train Rides | Perfect for families with children |
| Bread & Jam Bakery | Fresh baked goods and holiday treats |
| Christmas Shop | Holiday merchandise year-round |
Mr. Grump Christmas Pop-Up Bar
You might think pop-up bars are only for adults. But Mr. Grump Christmas Pop-Up Bar is fun for everyone. The Alibi Lounge transforms into a playful holiday wonderland with themed decorations and live performances.
Event Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Family-Friendly Times | Weekends at 2 PM and 4 PM (all ages welcome) |
| Adults Only | Fridays and evenings (18+ only) |
| Entertainment | Live shows, costumed characters, themed activities |
| Refreshments | Special drinks and snacks for all ages |
Old-Time Christmas at Oakwood Historical Park
Step back in time and experience the charm of an Old-Time Christmas. This event features live reindeer, horse-drawn wagon rides, a live nativity scene, and the magical lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree.
Traditional Activities
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Meet Santa & His Reindeer | Kids can enjoy a special moment and pet live reindeer |
| Live Nativity | Experience the true meaning of Christmas |
| Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides | Cozy rides through the festive grounds |
| "Twas the Night Before Christmas" | Special reading by Santa's elves |
| 50-Foot Tree Lighting | Magical lighting ceremony |
| Holiday Characters | Meet Frosty, the Grinch, and Rudolph |
| Christmas Photo Booth | Capture the perfect family moment |
Christmas at Westbury House
Enter a world of Gilded Age elegance at Old Westbury Gardens. The historic Westbury House is decorated in period style, offering a glimpse into how grand celebrations were held a century ago.
Event Highlights
- Walk through beautifully decorated period-style rooms
- Enjoy holiday treats including cookies and warm cider
- Meet Santa during his special mansion visits
- Listen to live holiday music in the grand hall
- Participate in craft workshops for all ages
Santa's Christmas Tree Farm
Create lasting memories at this beloved Cutchogue destination where picking out your tree becomes an adventure. Beyond the evergreen rows, discover a petting zoo, haystack play area, pony rides, and the chance to meet Santa himself.
Farm Activities
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Petting Zoo | Meet goats, rabbits, and alpacas (included free!) |
| Giant Haystack | Climb and play in the free play area |
| Pony & Horseback Rides | Gentle rides for children |
| Santa Photos | Capture memories with the big guy |
| Holiday Shop | Ornaments, gifts, and hot cocoa |
Check out all the fun activities waiting for your family at this charming North Fork destination.
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
There's something magical about gliding across the ice under an open sky surrounded by twinkling holiday lights. Long Island offers numerous outdoor rinks throughout the season—perfect for a classic winter activity the whole family can enjoy together.
Popular Long Island Rinks
Rink Rules to Know
- No speed or figure skating
- No sitting or lying on the ice
- No horseplay on or off the ice
- No littering
- No sleds, hockey equipment, bicycles, or skateboards
- No sitting on the barrier walls
- No food or smoking on ice or rink area
- Ice skates must be worn on ice
- Skate counterclockwise and keep moving
- Obey rink attendants and report hazards
Broadway Holiday Performances
Experience the magic of live theater this holiday season at Long Island's premier venues. Seeing a Broadway holiday show on Long Island brings the spirit of Christmas to the stage with professional productions the whole family can enjoy.
Featured Venues & Shows
- LIU Post's Krasnoff Theater (Brookville) — "The Secret Diary of Mrs. Santa" starring Melissa Errico
- The Argyle Theatre (Babylon) — Holiday musicals and performances
- Modern Classics Theatre Company — Classic and contemporary productions
- Over 23 holiday concerts across Long Island venues
- Many shows feature sing-alongs, live music, and Santa visits
"I always felt like I had a little destiny to be a Christmas fairy for eternity."
Why Visit
You want your holiday season to be special. Broadway holiday shows let you laugh, listen to music, and hear stories with your family. These shows help local arts and culture. Enjoy some holiday fun at one of these memorable performances.
Port Jefferson Dickens Festival
Transport yourself to Victorian England in the heart of Long Island. The charming village of Port Jefferson transforms into a scene straight from Charles Dickens, complete with costumed carolers, horse-drawn carriages, street performers, and the unmistakable aroma of roasted chestnuts filling the air.
Festival Highlights
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Victorian Caroling | Groups in period costume sing holiday songs on every street |
| Street Performances | Live scenes from "A Christmas Carol" and other Dickens tales |
| Horse-Drawn Carriages | Romantic rides through the decorated village |
| Family Crafts | Kids make ornaments and holiday cards |
| Festival of Trees | Beautifully decorated trees light up the main square |
| Grand Parade | Costumed characters and live music |
| Historic Tours | Learn about Port Jefferson's fascinating history |
Make This Christmas Unforgettable
With so many magical experiences across Long Island, you have endless opportunities to create lasting holiday memories with your loved ones.
- 🎄 Explore different events each weekend
- 📸 Capture every magical moment
- ❤️ Share this guide with friends & family
Wishing you a joyful Christmas filled with laughter and memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to outdoor Christmas events on Long Island?
Dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable shoes. Bring your camera or phone for photos. Some venues allow snacks or hot drinks—always check the event's website for specific rules before you go.
Are Long Island Christmas events suitable for young children?
Yes! Most events welcome children of all ages and offer kid-friendly activities like crafts, games, character meet-and-greets, and visits with Santa. Check each event's description for specific family-friendly highlights.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Long Island Christmas events?
Many popular events require advance tickets, especially for weekend visits. Light shows and interactive experiences like Christmas House Long Island often sell out quickly. Purchase tickets online early to guarantee your spot and save time.
Is food available at Long Island holiday events?
Most venues offer food stands or holiday treats. You'll typically find hot cocoa, cookies, and seasonal snacks. Larger festivals and villages often have full meal options available.
| Event Type | Food Available? |
|---|---|
| Light Shows | Usually |
| Festivals | Always |
| Indoor Experiences | Often |
What happens if it rains or snows during an outdoor event?
Some events move indoors or offer covered areas during inclement weather. Others may close temporarily for safety. Always check the event's official website or social media channels for weather updates before heading out.