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20 Best Things To Do on Long Island December 2024 with Kids

Luminous, Long Island's only drive-in laser light show, takes visitors on a one-hour journey through a world of stunning lights and music. Photo courtesy of the event
Luminous, Long Island's only drive-in laser light show, takes visitors on a one-hour journey through a world of stunning lights and music. Photo courtesy of the event
11/29/24 - By Jaime Sumersille

Christmas lights and holiday activities are back this December, and that's just the beginning of things to do on Long Island this month.

We're kicking off our holiday celebrations at Winter on Wellwood in Lindenhurst. With free entertainment, our first peek at Santa, carousel rides, and more, you can't go wrong at this holiday festival. 

We're also really looking forward to watching Santa fly over the Fire Island Lighthouse, one of the most unique holiday experiences on Long Island. Another festive highlight for us includes playing dress up and heading to Castle Gould at the Sands Point Preserve at the Holiday Tales event. 

You'll find plenty more seasonal fun in our Holiday Guide for Long Island Families.

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Top Things To Do on Long Island With Kids – December 2024

Winter on Wellwood

Lindenhurst – FREE
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Kick off the holidays with a visit to the Lindenhurst Village Square for Winter on Wellwood. This free, family-friendly day includes a visit from Santa, carousel rides, a holiday market, parade and more.  READ MORE

Old-Fashioned Babylon Village Christmas

Babylon – FREE
Friday, December 6, 2024
Join the Babylon Chamber along Deer Park Avenue for an evening of old-fashioned Christmas fun. Enjoy s'mores, hot chocolate, ice skating, a carousel, and more.  READ MORE

Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers Open House

Levittown – FREE
Weekends from Friday, December 6-Sunday, December 15, 2024
Take a peek at Long Island's largest operating O-gauge train layout when the Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers holds its annual holiday open house. READ MORE

Riverhead Holiday Parade and Bonfire

Riverhead – FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Frosty temps are no match for downtown Riverhead’s annual holiday parade and riverfront bonfire. Join the fun along the scenic Peconic Riverfront and watch for Santa to arrive by boat.  READ MORE

Port Jefferson Village Annual Charles Dickens Festival

Port Jefferson – FREE
Saturday, December 7-Sunday, December 8, 2024
The Village of Port Jefferson magically transforms into the Dickens era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the town crier, and the beloved chimney sweeps. READ MORE

Lights & Ice at Firefighters Park in Great Neck

Great Neck – FREE
Saturday, December 7-Sunday, December 8, 2024
Holiday entertainment, fire pits, ice skating, igloo dining and more highlight the two-day Lights & Ice event in Great Neck this season. READ MORE

Railroad Museum of Long Island Holiday Open House with Visit From Santa

Riverhead & Greenport – FREE
Saturdays, December 7 & 14-Sundays, December 8 & 15, 2024
The Railroad Museum of Long Island invites guests to its free Holiday Open Houses with a special visit—via the rails—from Santa himself. READ MORE

Holiday Tales at Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Bring the kids for holiday tales and more afternoon fun at the Sands Point Preserve. Castle Gould’s Great Hall serves as the perfect setting for holiday family fun.  READ MORE

Holiday Festival in Stony Brook Village

Stony Brook – FREE
Sunday, December 8, 2024
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Annual Holiday Festival features celebrations, live entertainment, children's activities, a train and more.  READ MORE

Reenactment of the Flying Santa at the Fire Island Lighthouse

Fire Island – FREE
Saturday, December 14, 2024
In 1953 Pilot Snow (a.k.a. “Flying Santa”) flew his plane past the Fire Island Lighthouse and left packages of holiday gifts for the lighthouse keeper and his family. Relive this historic event and expect a special guest in a red suit. READ MORE

Home for the Holidays Festival at Coe Hall

Oyster Bay
Saturday, December 14-Sunday, December 15, 2024
Join the annual two-day, family-friendly Home for the Holidays celebration at Coe Hall. Experience the magic of the season with live holiday music, crafts, activities, and more. Plus, snap a photo with the Grinch.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden

Westbury – FREE
Saturday, December 14-Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Clark Botanic Garden has been transformed this holiday season into an idyllic winter wonderland where guests will find themselves immersed in all that makes the season special. Meet Santa and other special guests, enjoy holiday lights and scenery, crafts for kids, a holiday pajama party, Santa Paws, and more.  READ MORE

Menorah Candleboxes at The Whaling Museum

Cold Spring Harbor
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Travel back to a time when whales lit up the world and make a special storage box for your Menorah candles at The Whaling Museum. READ MORE

Luminous Drive-In Holiday Light Show

Riverhead
Thursday, December 21-Saturday, December 23, 2023
Luminous, Long Island's only drive-in laser light show, takes visitors on a one-hour journey through a world of stunning lights and music that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. READ MORE

Holiday Trail of Lights at the Smithtown Historical Society

Smithtown
Friday, December 20-Sunday, December 22, 2024
Step into the holiday spirit by walking the dazzling Holiday Trail of Lights at the Smithtown Historical Society. Its beautifully illuminated pathway features festive holiday trees from the tree contest, sparkling lights, and whimsical decorations.  READ MORE

Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Old Bethpage
Select Days, Saturday, December 20-Sunday, December 29, 2024
Enjoy the holidays in a place where the clock is always turned back to the 19th century. The evening features a candlelight procession each night. See chestnuts roasting on an open fire, broom making, visit Santa, and more.  READ MORE

Dinosaur Carnival at The Center for Science

Rockville Centre
Saturday, December 22-Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Step right up and get your ticket to the Dinosaur Carnival at The Center for Science. The event makes the holiday break an ideal time to celebrate everything roar-tastic. READ MORE

Chanukah Parade & Experience in Merrick

Merrick – FREE
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Celebrate Hanukkah with the Chabad Center for Jewish Life. Meet at the Merrick LIRR station for the lighting of the 12-foot menorah and other holiday festivities.  READ MORE

Countdown to 12 at LICM

Garden City
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Celebrate the new year in the style of New York’s famous Times Square festivities. This year’s event is sure to be “Out of This World!” as the Long Island Children's Museum prepares for the arrival of the “Moon to Mars” exhibit in January. READ MORE

LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park

East Meadow
Through Saturday, January 4, 2025
LuminoCity returns to Long Island for its fifth year, setting up this season's show, titled Sweet Dream, at Eisenhower Park. Sweet Dream delivers a state-of-the-art production that brings art, light, and color to life through remarkable displays. READ MORE

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