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7 Best Resources for Christmas Events on Long Island 2025
516 Update
October 30, 2025
As the holiday season gets underway in Nassau County, NY, our communities are preparing for a festive lineup of light shows, markets, and performances. For residents from Garden City to Great Neck, finding the best local activities can be a challenge. This guide offers a clear, friendly look at the top online resources to help you plan your holiday outings.
This article provides direct links and useful tips for finding the most popular Christmas events on Long Island. Whether you're planning a family trip to the spectacular drive-through light display at Jones Beach or looking for a charming local theatre production, these resources are essential for a stress-free holiday. For Nassau County residents, this means less time searching and more time enjoying the season with loved ones.
Here, you'll find a breakdown of the best websites for booking tickets and planning your holiday fun. We provide screenshots and direct links for each, so you know exactly where to look for everything from the Bayville Winter Wonderland to major arena shows. For the latest local information, be sure to visit our events page and subscribe to our newsletter for community updates.
1. Discover Long Island (Official tourism site)
Discover Long Island is the official tourism website for Nassau and Suffolk counties, making it a comprehensive starting point for finding local Christmas events. The site provides a central calendar that gathers a wide range of holiday activities, from the grand light displays at Jones Beach State Park to charming village tree lightings in towns like Garden City and Port Washington.
For Nassau County residents, this official resource is invaluable for mapping out a festive weekend or finding a last-minute activity. It features everything from ticketed theatrical performances to free community markets, ensuring you won't miss out on the season's best offerings right here in our community.
How to Use It Effectively
The platform is designed for planning rather than direct booking. When you find an event you’re interested in, Discover Long Island provides all the essential details-dates, times, locations, and descriptions-before directing you to the official venue or ticket seller’s website. This ensures you are always purchasing authentic tickets directly from the source.
Insider Tip: Check the "Holiday" section on their blog. It often features curated guides like "Top 10 Holiday Light Shows" or "Must-Visit Christmas Markets," which provide a great overview of the season's premier attractions across Nassau County and beyond.
Key Features and Details
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Coverage | Comprehensive listings for both Nassau & Suffolk counties. |
Event Types | Light shows, markets, concerts, mansion tours, family fun. |
Cost | Mix of free and paid events; links out for ticket purchases. |
Updates | Content is refreshed regularly throughout the holiday season. |
While you can't purchase tickets directly on the site, its role as an official, trustworthy aggregator makes it an essential first stop. It cuts through the clutter, presenting a clear picture of the holiday landscape.
2. LongIsland.com Events (Local event listings)
LongIsland.com's event calendar is a key resource for finding hyper-local happenings across Nassau County. This platform excels at capturing the community pulse, featuring hundreds of seasonal listings from major productions to smaller, charming Christmas events on Long Island. It's the perfect place to find a Santa photo op in Levittown, a craft fair in Roslyn, or a festive concert at a local church.
For residents, the website's main advantage is its detailed local coverage. While other sites focus on premier attractions, LongIsland.com is where you'll discover the neighborhood tree lighting or a local fire department's "Santa Express" tour. This makes it an essential tool for those seeking authentic, close-to-home festive experiences.
How to Use It Effectively
The platform is designed as a straightforward, searchable database. Users can filter events by category, such as "Holiday," "Family & Kids," or "Festivals," to quickly narrow down their options. Each listing provides key information like dates, times, location, and cost. For ticketing, the site includes a "Visit Website" button that directs you to the organizer’s official page, ensuring a secure transaction.
Insider Tip: Use the search bar with specific town names like "Garden City" or "Huntington" along with "Christmas" to uncover hidden gems that might not be promoted on larger tourism sites. This is a great strategy for finding unique, less-crowded events.
Key Features and Details
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Coverage | Extensive listings with a strong focus on local and community events. |
Event Types | Holiday markets, Santa visits, lightings, family activities, and parties. |
Cost | Mostly free to browse; event prices vary and tickets are purchased externally. |
Updates | Listings are added continuously by local organizers. |
While the detail and quality of each event post can vary, the site's comprehensive, grassroots approach makes it a go-to for residents across Nassau County, NY. It's the digital equivalent of a town's community bulletin board, offering a rich tapestry of local holiday spirit.
Website: https://events.longisland.com/
3. Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a ticketing marketplace that lists a variety of grassroots and independent Christmas events on Long Island. The platform is a great source for discovering unique holiday happenings, from pop-up Christmas markets in Port Washington to intimate concerts and festive workshops hosted by local businesses across Nassau County.
For local residents, Eventbrite is convenient for making last-minute plans because it allows for instant checkout and delivers mobile tickets straight to your device. This is ideal for anyone in towns like Mineola or Long Beach looking for a spontaneous holiday night out, or for families in Garden City seeking a local craft fair without a complex booking process.
How to Use It Effectively
The platform's search and filter functions are key. You can narrow down events by date, location (e.g., "Hempstead," "Roslyn"), and category to quickly find what you're looking for. Since Eventbrite is an open marketplace, the quality and reliability of events can vary. Always check the organizer's profile, read event descriptions carefully, and understand the refund policy before purchasing tickets.
Insider Tip: Follow your favorite local venues or organizers on Eventbrite. You’ll receive notifications when they post new holiday events, ensuring you get first dibs on tickets for popular activities like Breakfast with Santa or exclusive holiday-themed workshops that often sell out quickly.
Key Features and Details
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Coverage | Wide range of events, particularly strong for independent and local organizers. |
Event Types | Markets, pop-ups, concerts, workshops, family fairs, and nightlife. |
Cost | Direct ticket sales; prices set by organizers, often with added service fees. |
Updates | New events are added daily by thousands of organizers. |
While you'll need to be mindful of service fees and the organizer-dependent nature of the listings, Eventbrite is an invaluable tool for finding and instantly booking a diverse array of Christmas events on Long Island.
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/
4. Magic of Lights – Jones Beach (Official site)
The Magic of Lights at Jones Beach State Park is one of the most popular drive-through Christmas events on Long Island. The official website is the direct source for this holiday tradition, providing all the information needed to plan a visit, including securing tickets, checking the seasonal schedule, and understanding the car-load pricing options.
For families in Nassau County towns like Merrick and Levittown, using the official site ensures you get authentic passes at the correct price without third-party markups. The platform clearly lays out different ticket types, such as weekday-specific passes versus "any day" options, allowing you to choose the best value for your schedule.
How to Use It Effectively
The Magic of Lights website is built for straightforward ticket purchasing. You select the Jones Beach location, choose your ticket type, and complete the transaction online. It’s crucial to purchase in advance, especially if you plan to attend on a peak weekend night, as this can help streamline your entry process. The site will also detail any on-site attractions, like a holiday village, that may be available in a given year.
Insider Tip: Always check the website for weekday discounts. Attending on a Monday through Thursday is often cheaper and almost always less crowded, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable drive-through experience. Traffic can build up significantly on Fridays and Saturdays.
Key Features and Details
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Coverage | Official information and ticketing for the Jones Beach State Park event. |
Event Types | Drive-through holiday light show with themed displays. |
Cost | Car-load pricing; tickets are often cheaper on weekdays. |
Updates | The site is updated annually with the new season's dates, hours, and prices. |
While you should prepare for potential traffic on popular nights, the convenience and spectacle make it a Nassau County favorite. The official Magic of Lights page remains the single best source for planning this particular festive adventure.
Website: https://magicoflights.com/locations/
5. Bayville Winter Wonderland (Official site)
The Bayville Winter Wonderland is a popular all-in-one holiday destination in Nassau County. Its official website is the direct portal to the event, which transforms Bayville Adventure Park into a festive village with activities like ice skating, a holiday express train ride, and photos with Santa.
For families from towns like Jericho and Roslyn, the site is a useful planning tool. It clearly outlines general admission inclusions, special event packages, and add-on attractions. This helps visitors budget and customize their trip before leaving home, which is a major benefit when planning Christmas events on Long Island for the whole family.
How to Use It Effectively
The website is designed for direct booking and streamlined planning. Visitors can purchase general admission tickets online, often at a discount compared to gate prices, and review the full schedule of operating hours. Before visiting, check the "Attractions" tab to see everything included with your ticket and what might require an additional purchase. The site also consolidates all necessary logistical information, including directions and parking details.
Insider Tip: Weekday visits are often less crowded than weekends. Check the website's calendar for specific dates and consider bundling your trip with a festive dinner package, which can be booked directly on the site for a complete evening experience.
Key Features and Details
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Coverage | Specific to the Bayville Adventure Park destination in Bayville, NY. |
Event Types | Holiday village, ice skating, train rides, Santa photos, festive dining. |
Cost | Paid admission; online ticket purchases available with package deals. |
Updates | Hours and special events are updated seasonally on the main page. |
While the experience is weather-dependent due to its outdoor nature, the website's direct ticketing and clear information make it an essential tool for planning a visit to this immersive holiday park.
6. The Gateway – Holiday Spectacular on Ice (Official Box Office)
The Gateway in Bellport offers a unique holiday production, its "Holiday Spectacular on Ice," which combines musical theater with professional ice skating on a rink built on the stage. The theater's official box office website is the direct portal for buying tickets to this beloved Suffolk County tradition.
For residents of Nassau County, purchasing tickets directly from the venue supports local arts and eliminates the risks of third-party resellers. The site provides a seamless experience for families from towns like Garden City and Merrick looking for a special holiday outing, offering everything from seat selection to secure payment in one place.
How to Use It Effectively
The Gateway's website is built for direct ticket purchasing. You can view the entire performance schedule, choose from multiple family-friendly showtimes, and use the interactive seating chart to pick your exact seats. The platform clearly displays pricing for different sections, making it easy to find tickets that fit your budget. After selecting your seats, the checkout process is straightforward and secure.
Insider Tip: Plan ahead and book early, especially for weekend matinees or performances closer to Christmas, as they sell out quickly. Also, check for multi-show discounts if you plan on seeing other productions at The Gateway during the season.
Key Features and Details
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Coverage | Tickets for the "Holiday Spectacular on Ice" in Bellport, Suffolk County. |
Event Types | Professional musical theater production on a real ice rink. |
Cost | Direct ticket purchases with varied pricing based on seating. |
Updates | Showtimes and availability are updated in real-time. |
While the Bellport location may be a bit of a drive for some Nassau County residents, the one-of-a-kind production value makes it a worthwhile trip. By booking directly, you guarantee authentic tickets for a spectacular performance that has become a cherished holiday tradition for many Long Island families.
7. Ticketmaster – Long Island arenas and tours
Ticketmaster is the primary ticketing platform for major venues like the UBS Arena at Belmont Park in Nassau County, NY. This makes it the essential source for securing seats at large-scale Christmas events on Long Island, including holiday concerts by world-famous artists and major touring productions.
For local residents, purchasing directly from Ticketmaster eliminates the risk of counterfeit tickets for high-demand events. It provides a transparent, secure process for anyone, from families in Levittown looking for a big show to young professionals in Great Neck planning a festive night out at a major local venue.
How to Use It Effectively
Ticketmaster is designed for direct booking. Use its powerful search and filtering tools to find events at specific venues like UBS Arena or by artist name. The interactive seat maps are a standout feature, allowing you to see the view from your chosen section before you buy. For highly anticipated shows, be sure to check for presale opportunities, which often require a specific code or credit card.
Insider Tip: Create a Ticketmaster account and "favorite" artists or venues like the UBS Arena. This will enable you to receive email notifications about upcoming on-sales and exclusive presale codes, giving you a crucial head start before tickets are released to the general public.
Key Features and Details
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Coverage | Primary ticketing for major arenas (UBS Arena) and touring shows. |
Event Types | Large-scale holiday concerts, touring family shows, major productions. |
Cost | Varies by event; tickets are sold at face value plus service fees. |
Updates | Real-time inventory and instant mobile ticket delivery. |
While service fees can add to the final cost, Ticketmaster’s reliability and official verification make it the go-to choice for Long Island’s premier holiday spectacles. It ensures your entry to the season's most sought-after shows is guaranteed and hassle-free.
7-Item Comparison: Long Island Christmas Events
Item | Implementation (🔄) | Resources / Access (⚡) | Expected quality & impact (⭐📊) | Ideal use cases (💡) | Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Discover Long Island (Official tourism site) | 🔄 Low — browse & curated listings, no checkout | ⚡ Low — free to use; links out for tickets | ⭐⭐⭐ — broad regional coverage 📊 good planning overview | 💡 Initial trip planning across Nassau & Suffolk | Official, regularly updated hub; consolidated event types |
LongIsland.com Events (Local listings) | 🔄 Low — searchable calendar, variable detail | ⚡ Low — free browsing; may require follow-up | ⭐⭐⭐ — deep local coverage but variable completeness 📊 neighborhood-level | 💡 Finding small or last-minute neighborhood events | Extensive local listings; useful for hyperlocal finds |
Eventbrite | 🔄 Medium — ticketing marketplace with filters | ⚡ ⚡ Fast — instant checkout & mobile tickets (fees may apply) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — convenient purchase flow 📊 good for grassroots events | 💡 Buying tickets for indie markets, pop-ups, community events | Direct ticketing, mobile entry, organizer pages |
Magic of Lights – Jones Beach (Official) | 🔄 Low–Medium — single attraction with date-specific tickets | ⚡ Moderate — car-friendly drive-through; peak-night delays | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — high-impact spectacle 📊 major seasonal draw | 💡 Drive-through family/group outings for light shows | Large recognized attraction; car-load pricing; clear seasonal dates |
Bayville Winter Wonderland (Official) | 🔄 Medium — multi-activity village with packages | ⚡ Moderate — ticketed attractions; weather-dependent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — strong family-oriented impact 📊 consolidated experiences | 💡 Full-day family visits with packaged activities | Multiple attractions in one spot; online packages and add-ons |
The Gateway – Holiday Spectacular on Ice (Box office) | 🔄 Medium — venue-managed seat selection & secure checkout | ⚡ Moderate — box office purchase; travel to venue | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — high production value 📊 unique theater-on-ice experience | 💡 Theater families seeking specialty holiday shows | Direct venue sales, reduced reseller risk, family scheduling |
Ticketmaster – Long Island arenas & tours | 🔄 Medium — standardized primary-market ticketing | ⚡ ⚡ Fast — mobile entry & presales; fees can be high | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — most reliable for big concerts 📊 best for arena-level events | 💡 Purchasing verified tickets for major touring shows & VIPs | Verified primary inventory; interactive seat maps; presales & VIP options |
Stay Connected to Nassau County's Best
Nassau County, NY, truly comes alive during the holidays with dazzling lights, joyful music, and community gatherings. This guide provides the digital tools to navigate the wealth of Christmas events Long Island has to offer. From the comprehensive calendars on Discover Long Island to targeted platforms like Ticketmaster, you have the resources to plan a perfect holiday.
We've covered how to secure your spot at major attractions like the Magic of Lights at Jones Beach and find tickets for spectacular performances. For Nassau County residents, strategic planning using these resources is the best way to create magical holiday memories close to home.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Holiday Hunt
Selecting the right platform depends on the kind of holiday experience you're seeking. To make the most of your search, consider these factors:
For Broad Exploration: If you're starting your search and want a full overview of what's available across Nassau County, begin with Discover Long Island and LongIsland.com. These sites are excellent for getting a bird's-eye view of everything from small-town tree lightings in Roslyn to larger festivals.
For Niche and Community Events: For more intimate, hyper-local gatherings like craft fairs in Port Washington or school holiday concerts in Garden City, Eventbrite is often your best bet. It excels at listing smaller, community-focused events that larger tourism sites might overlook.
For Major Attractions and Concerts: When you have a specific, large-scale event in mind, always go directly to the source. The official websites for Magic of Lights and Bayville Winter Wonderland provide the most accurate details and direct ticket links. For arena shows at Belmont Park's UBS Arena, Ticketmaster remains the primary, authoritative platform.
By using this multi-tool approach, you can craft a holiday season that perfectly aligns with your family's traditions and interests. Whether you're a young professional looking for festive nightlife in Long Beach or a family seeking kid-friendly fun in Levittown, these resources will guide you to the heart of Nassau County's holiday cheer.
Stay ahead of the holiday rush and discover hidden gems all year round. The 516 Update newsletter delivers curated lists of local happenings, community news, and exclusive event guides directly to your inbox, ensuring you never miss the best Christmas events Long Island has to offer. Subscribe to the 516 Update today and become a true Nassau County insider.