From tree and menorah lightings to boat parades and holiday train rides, get into the spirit of the season with these holiday events.
Charles Dickens Festival | Port Jefferson
December 1 &2, 10:00am
Watch “A Christmas Carol” come to life in downtown Port Jefferson. You can see characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge and the Town Crier, along with a horde of chimney sweeps. There’s also ice skating at the Port Jefferson Village Center, a cappella performances by musical groups, Nutcracker performances, magic shows and other shows.
The Magical Polar Express | Riverhead and South Hampton
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 23 from 7pm-9:30pm
Travel via trolley to “The North Pole,” where you can grab hot chocolate and cookies and meet Santa and his elves. The trolley ride features music and storytelling.
Holiday Lights Spectacular | Jones Beach
Every day through December 30
Drive through over a mile of festive light displays celebrating the holidays. After the drive stop by the heated Holiday Village for pictures with Santa, make your own s’mores, check out some holiday vendors and take a hay maze ride.
Winter on the Bay | Tanner Park, Copiague
Dec 14-16 & 21-23
Enjoy holiday shopping, drinking and eating and other holiday themed activities inside a lighted and heated tent. There will also be ice carving, make-your-own ornaments, and an ice skating rink.
Nautical Mile of Lights Holiday Boat Parade | Freeport
Saturday, Dec 1 6-8pm
After the village tree lighting you can see boats adorned with decorations and lights parade along the Nautical Mile. There is also ice carving, carolers, hot chocolate and an appearance by Santa. Non-boat owners can hop on one of two commercial party boats, The Starstream & The Miss Freeport.
Annual Reenactment of the Flying Santa | Fire Island Lighthouse
December 8, 11:30am-12:30pm
Relive the historic event when Pilot Snow (a.k.a “Flying Santa”) flew his plane past the Fire Island Lighthouse in 1953 and left a package of holiday gifts for the lighthouse keeper and his family.
Electric Light Parade | Long Beach
December 8, 6:30pm
Watch this parade of antique cars, firetrucks, floats and bikes wrapped in holiday lights. Restaurants will be offering specials and hot chocolate will be served along the parade route.
Santa Brunch at the Long Island Aquarium | Riverhead
December 16, 10am, 12pm and 2pm
Santa will be visiting the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center. There will be a buffet brunch in the Sea Star Ballroom, guests can make a holiday craft and take photos with Santa.
Through December 30
John W. Engeman Theater is hosting an adaptation of the 2003 hit movie starring Will Ferrell. The play tells the hilarious tale of Buddy the Elf’s journey to New York City to find his dad.
December 22, 1pm
Dress up in your best Santa and Holiday attire and fill Rockville Centre will some merry cheer. Taking place at the villages best bars and eateries to raise money for those in need through a partnership with Toys of Hope.