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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s nothing better than the holiday season on Long Island. From magical Christmas tree lightings to dazzling holiday markets, we’ve got just what you need to keep you and your family in the holiday spirit all December long.
1) Enjoy one of the many pop-up light show festivals happening all over Long Island
From drive-through experiences to walkable winter wonderlands, these are surely some spirited events you do not want to miss. Check out all of the holiday light experiences on and around Long Island.
Must-Attend Events
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ChristmasLand Experience at Tanger Outlets is open now through December 29.
- Magic of Lights at Jones Beach runs until January 4.
2) Catch live performances of holiday favorites at the John W. Engeman Theater
Through December 29, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be playing at the historic John W. Engeman Theater in Northport. Other seasonal performances include “Frosty”
Playing now through December 29) and “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” (showtimes begin on January 25 and run through March 2). Ticket prices range from $20 to about $100, depending on the show.
Event dates: Now through March 2.
3) Join CRESLI scientists and educators for Seal Walks at Cupsogue Beach
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…CRESLI (Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island) Seal Walk season is back! Running now through April 5, CRESLI invites you to join its team as they observe, photograph, and learn about Long Island’s seal population.
Since these walks started in 2006, CRESLI has recorded over 32,000 seal encounters! The walk leaves from Cupsogue Beach County Park (975 Dune Road in Westhampton Beach; the far western end) and extends for just over one mile, takes roughly one to one-and-a-half hours from start to finish, and is perfect for families. The suggested donation for entry is $5 for adults and $3 for those under the age of 18. Registration is required but donations are not. Please see the CRESLI site to register or for more information.
Event dates: Now through April 5
4) Support local small businesses and get your holiday shopping done at one of the many pop-up holiday shops
The Southold Historical Museum is hosting its Holiday Fair at the Southold Town Recreation Center on December 7. Here, guests will find unique holiday gifts from local vendors as well as a bake sale, an auction, and free photos with Santa.
Event date: December 7
The Holiday Bazaar at Gallery North is the place to be if you’re looking to fill your holiday gift quota. Here, the works of local artists, musicians, eateries, and other Long Island artisans will be on display and available for purchase. Shoppers will find a diverse selection of affordable and exciting, original paintings, prints, photography, ceramics, pottery, woodwork, glassware, artisan-created jewelry, handmade crafts, decorations, clothing, and so much more.
Event date: December 14
Long Island’s downtown villages come to life with holiday tree lightings, caroling, and other events to celebrate the season this time of year. Huntington Village lights up with illuminated displays, decorations, and music. Every day now through January 2, businesses on Wall St. in Huntington will help turn the town into a winter wonderland and offer shoppers the chance to score some seriously sweet deals.
Event dates: November 30 to January 2
5) Walk with wallabies at the Long Island Game Farm
On weekends in November and December, the Long Island Game Farm invites you and your family to take a walk with a wallaby! This adorable marsupial meet-and-greet is $40 and is a phenomenal educational opportunity for kids, tweens, and even adults.
Event dates: Weekends in November and December
6) Holiday House Tours at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Great River
It's December, which means the property at Bayard Cutting Arboretum has officially transformed into a sensational seasonal masterpiece! To tour the historical building, the grounds, and the outrageous decorations, visit the arboretum on Tuesdays through Sundays in December, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas. The hour-and-a-half-long tours will take guests through all 30 rooms and touch upon the milestones made in the 135 years of history at the manor.
Event dates: Tuesdays-Sundays in December
7) 23rd Annual Charles Dickens Festival, Port Jefferson
And not to be missed, the Charles Dickens 28th Annual Festival happening the first weekend of December when the Village of Port Jefferson magically transforms into the Dickensian era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier, and the beloved chimney sweeps. The cherished tradition December 7-8 features live performances, theatrical presentations, artisan vendors, and the eye-catching Festival of Trees.
Event dates: December 7-8
8) Enjoy seasonal farm-to-table fare at the North Fork Table & Inn
From gospel, rockabilly, and blues, to Celtic and classical, there’s a Christmas music concert performed by top talent at the Suffolk, a restored art-deco theater. The big screen also is playing holiday movie hits, from kid favorites such as “Frozen” and “The Polar Express,” to classics such as “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Sit back with appetizers and drinks and enjoy the show. Tickets range from $15 for movies to $135 for shows.
Event dates: Now through December 22
9) Home for the Holidays at Coe Hall, Oyster Bay
If you love to reminisce about the glamor of turn-of-the-century America, come to Coe Hall’s Home for the Holidays event taking place December 14 and 15. The family-friendly celebration will have you mesmerized by extraordinary holiday decorations, including natural materials sourced from the Planting Fields, and an Indigenous Tree. The event includes music, crafts, activities and photos with the Grinch. General admission is $15, free for children ages 5 and younger.
Event dates: December 14-15
10) Take a trip back in time with the Long Island Garden Railway Society's Holiday Display
Bring the whole family down to the Cradle of Aviation and reminisce on recent history by watching period large-scale steam and diesel trains traversing the 40’ by 40’ modular display containing various scenic vignettes, including a model drive-in theater, carousel, and a Grumman hanger! This event is perfectly spirited and ideal for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
