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As the holiday season approaches, Long Island transforms into a winter wonderland, with dazzling lights celebrations that bring holiday cheer to neighborhoods across the island. From charming town squares fit for a Hallmark movie, to grand displays both indoors and out, these festive events are a beloved tradition for families and friends. Whether you are looking for the lighting of a tree, menorah, lighthouse, or even Big Duck, our team has compiled a list with it all - read along to find some of the best spots to celebrate the season!
Adelphi University:
Adelphi’s Winter Lighting Spectacular
December 2 | 6-8pm
Join the Adelphi community for the annual Winter Lighting! Connect with friends, enjoy festive treats, and witness the campus transform into a winter wonderland. Participate in the ice-skating rink, cozy up in an igloo, win prizes, and warm up at the hot chocolate bar.
Baron’s Cove:
Holiday Party and Tree Lighting
December 6 | 5pm
Eat, drink, and be merry with a traditional tree lighting and festive celebration at Baron’s Cove! Start the evening with eggnog, frozen hot chocolate, candy cane martinis, and warm gingerbread cookies in the lounge. At 6pm, gather around with family and friends as our Christmas Carolers serenade the evening with a plethora of classic tunes to get you in the Christmas spirit! Countdown to 7:30pm as we flip the switch and illuminate the gorgeous indoor and outdoor Tannenbaum trees.
Bay Shore:
December 7 | 4-8pm
Come see “Light the Town,” with luminaries aglow and enjoy the Bay Shore High School’s Harmonies caroling in Charles Dickens fashion strolling the downtown area. Santa will arrive by firetruck and then stay in the gazebo for pictures.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park:
December 6 | 6pm
Come see Santa light the tree outside the Victorian mansion at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park in Great River.
Photo courtesy of Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara.
The Big Duck:
Holiday Big Duck Lighting
December 4 | 7pm
Head to Long Island’s East End in Flanders to attend the annual ceremony to light the Holiday Big Duck! Santa and carolers will be in attendance.
Blue Point:
Celebrate Hanukkah at the menorah lighting in Blue Point at the base of Nicolls Road.
Brookhaven Town Hall:
December 26 | 6pm
The annual lighting of the menorah at the Brookhaven Town Hall will feature entertainment, hot latkes and doughnuts!
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County:
Enchanted Forest Holiday-themed Light Show at Camp Edey
November 29- December 30 | 5-9pm
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s walk-through Enchanted Forest holiday-themed light show at Camp Edey will get you into the holiday spirit. The light show is Fridays through Saturdays, closed December 24-25. Admission starts at $12 per person.
Greenport Village:
December 7 | 5pm
The village will host its annual Parade of Lights on Main and Front Streets, ending at Mitchell Park. Attendees will see Mr. and Mrs. Claus aboard a decorated fire truck. Immediately after the tree lighting, hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
Huntington Village:
Holiday Spectacular Parade & Tree Lighting
November 30 | 5:30pm
Visit Wall Street for dazzling light displays, holiday markets, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, all for free.
Menorah Lighting
December 30 | 5pm
Head to Wall Street after sundown in Huntington Village to attend the menorah lighting.
Photo courtesy of Great South Bay Images.
Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum:
November 30 | 4:30-5:30pm
The fun begins around dusk, with live holiday music from Sarah Conway and the Playful Souls, as the main event awaits. The lighting of the lighthouse will happen around 5:15pm, and visitors can enjoy hot chocolate donated from Hampton Coffee.
Northwell Health at Jones Beach:
Magic of Lights: Drive-Through Holiday Light Experience
November 22 - January 4 | Dusk–10pm
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Jones Beach’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price!
Northport:
Northport’s Annual Lighting of the Leg Lamp
November 30 | 6pm
Join the Firefly Artists for the annual Lighting of the Leg Lamp in Northport! Bringing the holiday classic movie to life, A Christmas Story, you can “see what it looks like from the street.”
Old Westbury Gardens:
First Night and Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 6 | 6:30-9pm
Experience the magic of Westbury House illuminated for the season! Take a self-guided tour through the beautifully decorated period rooms adorned with enchanting holiday floral displays. Enjoy cookies and warm cider on the West Porch, meet Santa, and capture a festive photo! There will be a Christmas concert at 7:30pm, followed by an outdoor tree lighting ceremony.
Orient Beach State Park:
December 7 | 6pm
The tree lighting at Orient Beach State Park entrance will include photos with Santa, hot chocolate, and cookies.
Patchogue River:
Annual Holiday Parade of Boats
November 24 | 5-7pm
Put on a Santa hat and dive into the festivities at the annual Christmas Holiday Parade of Boats on the Patchogue River! Check out the boats decked in icicle lights and holiday décor.
Port Jefferson Station:
Train Car Lighting and Visit from Santa
December 7 | 6-8pm
Enjoy refreshments, musical entertainment, and festivities galore at the Train Car Lighting at the Port Jefferson Terryville Chamber of Commerce Train Car. Be sure to snap a photo with Santa!
December 25 | 4:30-5:30pm
Head to the intersection of Routes 112 and 347 to celebrate Hannukah at the menorah lighting where refreshments will be served.
Photo courtesy of Newsday/John Paraskevas.
Oakdale LIRR Station:
Festival of Lights
December 26 | 8pm
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a menorah lighting at the Oakdale LIRR station; the corner of Oakdale-Bohemia Road and Montauk Boulevard.
Raynor Beach County Park:
December 26 | 7pm
Observe Hanukkah with a menorah lighting at Raynor Beach County Park in Ronkonkoma.
RGNY:
December 7 | 7pm
Join RGNY in Riverhead for their tree lighting ceremony in the Tasting Room. The event is free and children are welcome, but be sure to RSVP!
St. James:
Christmas Tree Lighting and Entertainment
December 7 | 4pm
Watch the tree glow and talk to Santa at Deepwells Farm! There will be entertainment, cookies, children’s crafts and a complimentary photo for each visitor.
Stony Brook Village:
45th Annual Holiday Festival
December 8 | 12-6pm
Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) for a magical day as its 45th Annual Holiday Festival returns to Stony Brook Village. This free community celebration will bring music, performances, and holiday cheer to the village, culminating in a Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony. Santa will make his appearance on a festive float, joined by local children, to light the holiday tree on the Village Green.
45th Annual Holiday Tree Competition
December 4-20
The 45th Annual Holiday Tree Competition invites community members, businesses, and organizations to decorate one of 40 balsam trees, lining the walkways of Stony Brook Village Center. The decorated trees will be on display from December 4 through January 2. Visitors are invited to vote for their favorite tree from December 4 to 20. The tree with the most votes will win a $150 gift certificate to be redeemed at any of Stony Brook Village’s shops and restaurants.
Southold Historical Museum:
Candlelight Tour & Tree Lighting
November 29 | 3-6pm
This beloved community event features magical holiday decorations in the historic houses at the complex; demonstrations by costumed volunteers; children’s games; and music. Join us for the tree lighting ceremony! You can also visit Santa in the barn! The event is free.
Station Yards:
November 30 | 5:30pm
Join Station Yards, the newest hub in Ronkonkoma, for their first annual Holiday Tree Lighting! Santa will be making a visit for pictures and storytelling with children.
Splish Splash:
November 15- December 31 | Hours vary
The drive-through Riverhead Holiday Light Show at Splish Splash is a great chance to spot festive light displays. Tickets are only available online, there are no gate sales available.
Sag Harbor:
December 6 | 4:15pm
Sag Harbor will host its festive “Light Up the Harbor" event on Long Wharf at the Bay Street Theater courtyard. Accompanied by holiday music, watch the lighthouse and tree light up in celebration of the season at 5pm.
December 25 | 6pm
Attend Temple Adas Israel for the menorah lighting on Long Wharf Village Pier in Sag Harbor. There will be hot chocolate, doughnuts, blessings, and festive songs.
Shoppes at East Wind:
Holiday Tree Lighting at The Shoppes
December 7 | 4-8pm
The annual holiday tree lighting at The Shoppes features live DJ entertainment, dance performances by All Star Dance Academy and more. Santa will arrive on a fire engine at 6pm to light the tree.
