Your Cheerful Guide to the Best Christmas Events in Long Island 2025

Long Island truly comes alive during the holidays, transforming into a winter wonderland brimming with festive cheer. From the sparkling shores of Nassau County to the charming towns scattered eastward, the air fills with the scent of pine and the sound of carols. Why is Long Island one of the best places to celebrate Christmas? It's the unique blend of grand light displays, cozy community traditions, and activities for every member of the family. Whether you're searching for "holiday lights Nassau County" or wondering about "things to do this Christmas weekend," you've come to the right place.

This guide is your key to unlocking a season filled with joy and unforgettable moments. We'll show you exactly where to find the most magical Christmas events in Long Island, from spectacular tree lightings in Rockville Centre and Huntington to Santa meet-and-greets in Garden City. Let's dive into the most enchanting experiences the island has to offer this holiday season.

Dazzling Drive-Through Light Shows

Experience the magic from the warmth of your car with these spectacular drive-through events. Pro tip: Bring a thermos of hot cocoa for the ride!

Magic of Lights — Jones Beach

A beloved Long Island tradition, this drive-through spectacle at Jones Beach State Park features over a mile of dazzling light displays synchronized to holiday music. It's a perfect, cozy outing for the whole family.

• Dates: Typically mid-November through December.

• Venue: Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh.

• What Makes It Special: Family-friendly and convenient. The per-car pricing offers great value for groups. Arrive early on weekends to avoid long lines.

Website: https://magicoflights.com/locations/jonesbeach/

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

Head east for another incredible drive-through experience at Splish Splash Waterpark. Millions of twinkling lights illuminate a festive path, creating a magical journey for all ages.

• Dates: Select nights from late November through December.

• Venue: Splish Splash Waterpark, Calverton.

• What Makes It Special: Offers flexible ticket options, including passes that can be used on any night. A fantastic choice for a spontaneous holiday adventure.

Website: https://www.holidaylightshow.com/riverhead

Festive Winter Festivals & Villages

Step into a real-life Christmas village with these immersive walk-through experiences. Helpful tip: Bring a blanket for outdoor shows or seating areas!

Bayville Winter Wonderland

Bayville Adventure Park transforms into a complete holiday village with ice skating, a train ride, Santa's workshop, and festive light displays. It’s an entire evening of fun packed into one location.

• Dates: Weekends and select weekdays in December.

• Venue: Bayville Adventure Park, Bayville.

• What Makes It Special: A perfect weekend outing for families, offering a wide variety of activities beyond just lights. Timed entry helps manage crowds.

Website: https://bayvillewinterwonderland.com/

Christmas House Long Island

Escape the cold at this indoor, immersive wonderland in Hicksville. Walk through multiple themed rooms, from a Gingerbread Room to the North Pole, each offering incredible photo opportunities.

• Dates: Daily from late November through early January.

• Venue: Broadway Commons, Hicksville.

• What Makes It Special: Climate-controlled and weather-proof! A great option for a rainy or cold day, and ideal for capturing perfect holiday photos.

Website: https://christmashouselongisland.com/

Community Tree Lightings & Holiday Markets

Embrace the local spirit at charming town events and markets, perfect for finding unique gifts and enjoying community cheer.

Oyster Bay Tree Lighting & Holiday Market

The historic town of Oyster Bay hosts a quintessential holiday celebration with a beautiful tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, and a market featuring local artisans.

• Dates: Typically the first weekend of December.

• Venue: Downtown Oyster Bay.

• What Makes It Special: Free entry and a warm, small-town atmosphere make this a cozy and authentic holiday experience.

Garden City & Rockville Centre Festivities

Many towns, including Garden City and Rockville Centre, host their own festive tree lightings and holiday strolls. Check local village websites for dates and times for caroling, hot chocolate, and Santa sightings.

• Dates: Varies by town, usually late November or early December.

• Venue: Village centers and main streets.

• What Makes It Special: These events are often free and offer a wonderful way to support local businesses while celebrating with neighbors.

Where to Find More Holiday Fun

Planning your festive season is easier than ever with these comprehensive resources for Christmas events Long Island.

Discover Long Island

The official tourism site for the region, Discover Long Island features a comprehensive calendar of holiday events, from grand festivals to local concerts. It’s a reliable starting point for any search.

• What It Offers: A broad overview of events across Nassau and Suffolk counties with direct links to organizers.

• Best For: Getting a complete picture of all the major holiday happenings.

Website: https://www.discoverlongisland.com/events/christmas-holiday/

Eventbrite

For unique and hyper-local events, Eventbrite is a fantastic tool. Discover pop-up holiday markets, gingerbread decorating workshops, festive concerts, and more, all organized by local businesses and groups.

• What It Offers: A user-friendly platform to search for niche events by date, location, and price (including free ones!).

• Best For: Finding hidden gems and last-minute weekend plans.

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/

7 Best Sources for Long Island Christmas Events in 2025

For a curated, stress-free guide, this roundup from 516 Update pulls together the best resources into one convenient article. It saves you time by highlighting the most reliable and exciting platforms for finding holiday cheer.

• What It Offers: A vetted list of top sources for events, saving you from endless searching.

• Best For: A strategic, all-in-one planning tool.

Website: Learn more about the 7 Best Sources for Long Island Christmas Events in 2025

Make New Holiday Memories on Long Island

From the grandest light displays to the coziest village celebrations, Long Island offers endless opportunities to create cherished holiday memories. Whether you're planning a fun-filled family outing or a quiet, festive evening, the perfect event is waiting for you. This season, we encourage you to explore the local charm, enjoy the twinkling lights, and make new traditions right here in our community. Happy holidays!

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