The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! All month long, families will be getting into the holiday spirit and frequenting many of the holiday-themed events across Long Island. Santa will be making appearances and visiting with children, Christmas trees are being ceremoniously lit in almost every town, and holiday shows are popping up all over the Island. Read on to see Your Local Kids’ monthly compilation of the Best Events on Long Island to make planning family outings and getting in the holiday spirit a snap for you and your kiddos!
A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three
Location: Theatre Three – 412 Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Dates: 12/1-12/30 | Various Showtimes – Click here for full calendar
Theatre Three’s 33rd annual production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic. As described by Newsday, “there could scarcely be a finer tribute to [Dickens’} legend than A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three”.
Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theatre Three
Location: Theatre Three – 412 Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Dates: 12/1-12/30 | Various Showtimes – Click here for full calendar
Santa Claus invites you to our Winter Wonderland! As the littlest elf, Barnaby, and his reindeer friend Franklynne set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of the holiday season.
Holiday Light Show by the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Location: Smith Point County Park – 1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley, NY 11976
Dates: 12/1, 12/5-12/8, 12/12-12/15 from 5pm – 9pm
12/2-12/4, 12/9 – 12/11, 12/16-12/23 from 5pm – 11pm
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County present their 13th annual drive-thru Holiday Light Show! This year boasts even more lights & displays than previous years. No advance tickets, credit cards only at the gate. Prices are $20 per car, $70 per school or coach bus. This is the only light show on Long Island where proceeds go to direct services for children.
Ladies’ Night Holiday Shopping Psychic Event
Location: Darlings & Divas, 65 Merrick Road, Suite E, Amityville, NY 11701
Date: 12/1, 5-9pm
Join the ladies’ at Darlings & Divas for their annual Ladies’ Night Holiday Shopping Psychic Event. This is a FREE event. Wine and snacks will be served while you do some holiday shopping. Vendors include Initials, INC., Younique, Tashi Rose Boutique of Bellmore, Sky High Balloon Company, and many more! Psychic readings will also be provided by Ms. Vivian Karouzakis and Ms. Kathy Dempsey!
Holiday Tree Lighting at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park
Location: Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River, NY 11739
Date: 12/2, 5:30-7:30pm
Santa arrives at 6pm to light the tree and leaves to return to the North Pole by 7:30pm. Kiddos will have tons of fun singing along to traditional holiday carols delivered by Starlite Music. Hot chocolate will be served. Dress warmly, as all activities are outdoors. Arrive early as parking is limited.
Italian Christmas Eve Cooking Class
Location: A La Carte Cooking School, 32 Atlantic Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563
Date: 12/3, 6-10pm
Enhance your current repertoire or create a whole new one in this festive and amazingly delicious “Feast of the Seven Fishes”. We’ll help you organize yourself and understand how and what to prep ahead. Learn the secrets to properly handling and preparing the various fish as well as some classic traditions to make your Christmas Eve your own personal classic. Registration required. $140 per person.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Orient Beach State Park
Location: Orient Beach State Park, 4000 Main Road (Route 25), Orient, NY 11957
Date: 12/2, 6:30pm
Light up the Season with the 30th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Children from the local elementary school will be entertaining the crowd with festive holiday songs while Santa and his helpers hand out candy canes.
Italian Christmas Desserts Cooking Class
Location: A La Carte Cooking School, 32 Atlantic Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563
Date: 12/3, 11am-1pm
Our two favorite desserts are Struffoli and Cannolis… so let’s cut to the chase. This class will focus specifically on these two classic dessert traditions. Master your favorite, but watch out… it will most likely be requested by your family year after year! Registration required. $119 per person.
Countdown ‘Til Christmas – Painting Event
Location: Pinot’s Palette, 61 West Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706
Date: 12/2, 7-9:30pm
Everyone can have fun counting down to Christmas with this painting! All you need some chalk and each day you change the day to get closer to Christmas. This is one a specialty classes, featuring an illuminated painting. You can paint your painting and then at the end weave in a string of lights so you can turn your painting ON or OFF. This makes a great DIY holiday painting on your mantel or the wall. Bring the kids! This event is appropriate for all ages.
Madeline’s Christmas
Location: The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710
Date: 12/3, 12/10, 12/17, 12/18, 12/27, 12/28 | 11am, 12pm on Sundays
“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” So begins this delightful musical story of Madeline’s Christmas. On Christmas Day disaster strikes when everyone gets the flu! Everyone that is, except for the ever-resilient Madeline. Saddened that they may not be able to go home for Christmas, the girls and Miss Clavel take to their beds. But on Christmas Eve, the adventure begins when there is a knock at the front door…” Tickets $12
Santa is Coming!
Location: Wood Kingdom, 111 Milbar Boulevard, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Date: 12/3, 12/17 | 10am-12pm
Come visit with Santa, sing his favorite songs, and enjoy 1.5 hours of open play, juice, pizza and cookies! $16 per child, reservations are required and payment is due at booking.
Fire & Ice
Location: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 West Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
Date: 12/3 | 10-11:30am & 2-3pm
Using hot wax and cold ice, you will create a unique candle for yourself or a friend just in time for the holidays. We have lots of decorations to add, but you may bring some of your own from home too. Classes are limited, so book early!
Mooseltoe: A Holiday Moosical for Families
Location: The Gateway Playhouse, 215 S Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
Date: 12/3, Showtimes: 12pm, 2:30pm 5pm
It’s time to leave the Nutcracker and Ebenezer Scrooge behind and start a fresh Christmas tradition with an enchanting new holiday musical. Al Roker narrates the story, and celebrities from Broadway, TV, and the movies provide the voices of Moosletoe and his friends. This 21st century classic is the perfect vehicle to introduce toddlers to a new holiday tradition.
Mooseltoe, the Moose with a Dream, and his friends, come to life in this colorful, magical and whimsical musical tale. Mooseltoe wants to fly with Santa’s reindeer so he sets out to find the great wise Mooseking for advice. Along the way meets a variety of characters, all of whom teach Mooseltoe valuable life lessons. Meanwhile, there is trouble at the North Pole. Will Mooseltoe be able to save Christmas?
Santa’s Visit and Tree Lighting, Sag Harbor
Location: Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Date: 12/3 | 3-5pm
Santa comes to visit with all the children at the Windmill at 3pm! Tree is lit at 5PM at Long Wharf.
Heritage Country Christmas Fair
Location: Smithtown Historical Society, 293 Middle Country Road, Smithtown, NY 11787
Date: 12/3 | 3-7pm
Meet Santa and take pictures! There will be a Christmas Shadow Puppet Show, Wrath Raffle, Holiday Sing-A-Long, Bonfire, Winter Hat Ride, Seasonal Refreshments, and more! Admission: $3 Children, $5 Adults.
Belmont Holiday Tree Lighting
Location: Belmont Lake State Park, Southern State Parkway, Exit 38, North Babylon, NY 11703
Date: 12/3 | 4:15pm
Belmont Lake State Park will host its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. This popular event includes an ice sculptor, holiday songs sung by the local elementary schools, figurine displays, lighting of the tree by Santa, and a fireworks display.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Deepwells Farm County Park
Location: Deepwells Farm County Park, 2 Taylor Lane, St. James, NY 11780
Date: 12/3 | 4:30pm
Enjoy holiday music, pictures with Santa, and the lighting of the BIG tree on the Great Lawn!
Christmas Tree Lighting, Kings Park
Location: Veterans Plaza, 1 Church Street, Kings Park, NY 11754
Date: 12/3, 4:30pm
The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce presents the 2016 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
Location: CSH Fish Hatcher & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Date: 12/3, 5:30pm
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony! $6 Adults, $4 Seniors over 65 and Children 3-12. Children under 2 are FREE!
Sip & Paint on Wine Glasses
Location: The Tiny Artist, 129 New York Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758
Date: 12/4 | 1-3pm
Join us for creative and relaxing afternoon of painting Holiday Poinsettias on glassware while sipping your favorite wine or beverage. 2 wine glasses for $35 or 2 long stem shot glasses for $20. Professional instruction and all supplies included. Coffee, cake, and cookies will be available, and you may bring your own wine and snacks.
Holidays in the Harbor
Location: The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Date: 12/4 | 1pm – Sea Glass Ornaments & 2:30pm – Menorah Workshop
Sea Glass Ornaments: See 19Th Century glass artifacts and use sea glass to create a sparkly ornament!
Menorah Workshop: Learn about whale oil and olive oil, see oil lamps, and create your own titled menorah! Great for children and adults alike!
Meet Santa with Photo Opportunity
Location: Fun 4 All, 200 Wilson Street, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
Dates: 12/4 | 3-5pm
12/10 | 3-4pm
12/17 4-5pm
Come visit with Santa and take advantage of Photo Opportunities!
Holiday Celebration at Westbury House
Location: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY 11590
Date: 12/3 | 10-4pm
Tour the beautifully decorated rooms of this historic mansion. Enjoy visits with Santa, cookies, and hot cider on the West Porch. Brose our Holiday Gift Shop for unique presents and classic tree ornaments! $12 General Admission, $10 Seniors 62+ and full-time students with valid ID, $7 Children (7-17)
Take Ten! Cooking Class
Location: A La Carte Cooking School, 32 Atlantic Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563
Date: 12/6 | 6-9pm
Streamline your shopping and get creative as we show you how to buy 10 ingredients and create 5 exciting dishes (with guidelines for more!). This class will get you thinking creatively on how to use your ingredients to do something new every night. You’ll have a list of 10 non-perishables to have on hand, and another list of only 10 fresh ingredients to buy for the week. You won’t believe how much fun you’re going to have in the kitchen! You will be preparing Cappellini with Shrimp, Zucchini and Lemon Sauce, Flank Steak Roulade with Arugula and Parmesan, Broccoli Rice Pilaf, Stuffed Chicken Breasts, and Sauteed Chicken with Lemon Carrots! $115 per person.
Sip & Paint by The Tiny Artist – Bertucci’s Westbury
Location: Bertucci’s Westbury, 795 Merrick Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590
Date: 12/8 |7-10pm
Join us for a creative and relaxing evening of painting “A Cup of Cocoa” while sipping your favorite wine or beverage. Professional instruction and all supplies included. Complimentary light appetizers will be provided. Cash Bar, 1 drink minimum.
Kindermusik Classes
Location: Prodigy School of the Arts, 218 East Meadow Ave, East Meadow, NY 11554
Dates: Varies – See full schedule of classes here.
Prodigy School of the Arts offers a variety classes for every stage of early childhood. Depending on the age range, students will engage in both parent-child joint activities and child-focused activities. This is a great way for your little one to blow off steam & relax while learning and developing language & motor skills! Registration required.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Planting Fields Arboretum
Location: Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Date: 12/9 | 6pm
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. The festivities of the celebration commence with the lighting of the holiday tree by Santa. Patrons can view the first floor of Coe Hall’s exquisite interior and enjoy hot cider while they view the spectacular poinsettia display in the main garden.
Christmas in Tuscany Cooking Class
Location: A La Carte Cooking School, 32 Atlantic Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563
Date: 12/9 | 7-10pm
The flavors of Tuscany are especially worthy of holiday celebrations. This menu is deliciously over the top! You will be preparing Crostini Toscane, Tortellini in Brodo, Pollastrini Arrosti, Spinach and Parmesan Sformati, Oven Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic, and Tiramisu Cupcakes.
Sensitive Safari Morning
Location: The Safari Adventure, 1074 Pulaski St, Riverhead, NY 11901
Date: 12/10– 9 AM-10 AM
Safari Adventure is proud to host an exclusive special needs morning. It is a time open to families that care for a child with special needs to play, explore, and have fun! This is a sensory friendly time providing a quieter and more supportive environment. The Safari Adventure staff is trained by Missing Piece Awareness to meet the sensory needs of their customers! Families that stay less than 20 minutes will be given a courtesy pass to return and try again. Ages 1-12.
Kings Park Marching Band Presents: Breakfast with Santa
Location: Kings Park High School, 200 Route 25A, Kings Park, NY 11754
Date: 12/10 | 9am-12pm
Breakfast with Santa features a pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa, and holiday music from various King Park High School ensembles. $10 per person, FREE for children under 5. All benefits will be used towards planned Kings Park Marching Band Events.
Drop & Shop
Location: The Tiny Artist, 129 New York Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758
Date: 12/10 | 10am-12pm or 12:30-2:30pm
12/17 | 10am-12pm, 12:30-2:30pm, or 3-5pm
Drop your kids off to make gifts while you shop! Children create three dimensional characters that will be part of your Holiday table for years to come! $15-$20 per child, depending on the character. New characters have been added!
The Nutcracker Suite
Location: Patchogue Theatre, 71 East Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772
Date: 12/10| 1pm & 7pm
12/11 | 1pm & 6pm
Ovations Dance Repertory Company presents The Nutcracker Suite with a live symphony performed by The Atlantic Wind Symphony. Tickets start at $15.
Holiday Wreath
Location: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 West Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
Date: 12/10 | 9:30-11:30am & 1:30-3:30pm
Using a wide array of fresh greenery, create a lovely wreath for your door or to give as a gift when visiting for the holidays. Add a decoration or two from home to make it extra special! Space is limited so book early!
Scrooge
Location: The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710
Date: 12/11 | 12pm
12/24 |11am
his sixty minute holiday musical tradition, based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, A Christmas Carol, comes to life on the stage. Follow miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he learns the true spirit of the holidays! All Tickets $12.
Breakfast or Lunch with Santa
Location: Play Amusements, 229 Route 110, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Date: 12/11 | 9:30-11am or 12:30-2pm
Your child will enjoy a bagel and OJ for breakfast, or a slice of pizza and a soda or water bottle for lunch, photos with Santa, a toy-filled stocking, and time with Princess Elsa and Olaf for breakfast or Mickey and Minnie for lunch. Call 631-815-5355 to reserve spot, $25 per child. Special discounts available on game card purchases.
Brunch with Santa
Location: Long Island Aquarium, Sea Star Ballroom, 431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
Date: 12/11 | 10am, 12pm or 2pm
Celebrate the season at our annual Santa Brunch! Enjoy a delicious buffet brunch in the beautiful Sea Star Ballroom, make a special take-home holiday keepsake and don’t forget the camera to capture a family photo with Santa – we will have 5X7 photos available for purchase at a nominal fee! Then spend the day in the Aquarium. It’s family fun for everyone! Reservations required. $26.95 for children 3-12, $44.95 adults, FREE for children 2 & under.
The Chocolate Expo
Location: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, NY 11530
Date: 12/11 | 10am-7pm
Celebrate your passion… and celebrate life! Chocolate is truly one of life’s simple pleasures. Almost everyone loves chocolate! The Chocolate Expo, now one of the very largest chocolate events in the U.S., offers tastings & sales of chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, gelato, cheeses, wines and more from 35-100 local, regional and even some international vendors, depending on location and the size of the facility. Each Chocolate Expo event combines chocolate and food with a dash of fun such as unique exhibits, performances, demonstrations and/or celebrity appearances. The Chocolate Expo is unlike any other chocolate event.
Kid’s Winter Paint Night
Location: Key to my Art, 10 West Oak Street, Amityville, NY 11301
Date: 12/11 5-6:30pm
Drop off your youngster at our cozy studio to paint a wintery snowman’s portrait! $25 includes canvas, supplies, instruction & a goody bag! Reservations required in advance. You can book here.
Holiday Spectacular on Ice
Location: The Gateway Playhouse, Patchogue Theatre, 71 East Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772
Date: Various dates & showtimes – Click here to view full schedule
Capture the enchantment of the holiday season as we magically transform Patchogue Theater’s stage into a glistening ice rink for The Gateway’s Holiday Spectacular on Ice. Set to beloved classic and contemporary holiday songs, and starring your favorite figure skaters, singers, and dancers, this family-friendly musical celebration is literally the coolest show for all ages this season. Featuring stunning costumes, astonishing performance artistry, and dazzling production numbers, this heartfelt musical experience is the perfect gift and is sure to put you in the season’s spirit.
Holiday Baking Class
Location: Kitchen Time’s Party Place, 691 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758
Date: 12/15 | 4-6pm
Holiday baking class for kids 9 and up. Hands on cooking, baking, and cake decoration. Registration required. $45 per child.
Kids’ Movie Night
Location: Plasterkraze, 1310 Middle Country Road, Selden, NY 11784
Date: 12/16 | 6:30-9:30pm
Kids will enjoy a safe and fun filled night while parents have a few worry free hours. The night will include painting a plaster piece of their choice, pizza, drinks, snacks and a movie. Registration required.
Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker
Location: Staller Center for the Arts, SUNY Stony Brook, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794
Date: 12/16 | 7pm
12/17 | 2pm & 7pm
12/18 | 1pm & 6pm
12/19 | 7pm
The Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker has become a perennial holiday favorite on Long Island. This classical ballet rendition has earned praise from critics and audiences alike. Newsday called the production, “ENCHANTING,” “Polished,” “…child friendly – a storyteller’s Nutcracker…” And in another Newsday article the reviewer gushed: “…lavish… and …sumptuous…” Other reviewers proclaimed it: “…glorious… Dazzling… extraordinary…”
Christmas is Coming Paint Night for Kids!
Location: Key to my Art, 10 West Oak Street, Amityville, NY 11730
Date: 12/18 | 5-6pm
Make a Christmas gift for someone you love, or to decorate your own space! Children will be painting an adorable Snoopy Christmas piece! $25 includes canvas, supplies, instruction and a goody bag. Ages 5 and up. Must reserve seat in advance.
2016 Chanukah Celebrations
Location: Dix Hills Jewish Center, 555 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills, NY 11746
Date: 12/1-1/1 | Times vary – Call 631-499-6644 for details
Tradition Chanukah celebration for the whole family!
Menorah Lighting
Location: Triangle at Lake Avenue/Moriches Road/Route 25A, St. James, NY 11780
Date: 12/24-1/1 | 5:30 PM
Celebrate the eight nights of Chanukah as the St. James Menorah is lit! Goodies will be provided for all!
Grand Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration
Location: Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 2174 Hewlett Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566
Date: 12/24 | 5:15 PM
Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with family and friends at this years’ Grand Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration! Fun for the whole family!
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Location: Friendly Drugs Pharmacy, 1036 Main Street, Holbrook, NY 11741
Date: 12/26 | 6-7 PM
Join the community for the annual Holbrook Chamber of Commerce Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on the 3rd night of Hanukkah and celebrate the holiday season!
Make a Holiday Craft
Location: The Landyard Ladies, 464 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501
Date: 12/26 & 12/28 |
Make a holiday craft with The Lanyard Ladies! Walk-ins welcome@! $20 for an hour of crafting. Ages 6 and up.
Holiday Break Open Play
Location: Bouncers and Slydos, 1835 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Date: 12/26-1/2 | 10-11:45am & 12-1:45pm
Enjoy Open Play this Holiday Break in the 11,000 square foot facility on the newest and most unique inflatable rides in the industry!
Winter Glamour Diva Camp
Location: Darlings & Divas of Amityville, 65 Merrick Road, Amityville, NY 11701
Date: 12/27-12/29 | 10am-1pm
Camp includes dress up lounge, dance parties, services, daily themes and crafts, snacks and lunch. Thursday the 27th is PJ Movie Day, Wednesday the 28th is Paint N Play Day, and Thursday the 29th is New Years Makeover Spa Day! Reservations required and space is limited. $45 per day, per child.
Holiday Camp
Location: Kidnastics, 23 Frowein Road, Suite 2, Center Moriches, NY 11934
Date: 12/26-12/30 | 10am-1pm
Kidnastics will have a fun-filled camp with art, crafts, games, gym and music! $35 per day, per child.
Jack Frost
Location: The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710
Date: 12/29 & 12/30 | 11am
Related by the wise old groundhog Pardon-Me-Pete, this charming musical tale tells of a girl so beautiful she melted the heart of Jack Frost himself. The performance runs for one hour and is followed by a meet and greet with the cast. All Tickets $12.
New Year’s Eve-Eve Party
Location: Darlings and Divas of Amityville, 65 Merrick Road, Amityville, NY 11701
Date: 12/30 | 2-4pm & 5-7pm
Celebrate the New Year the Diva way at our annual New Year’s Eve-Eve Bash! New Year’s makeover with mini-manicure, hair style with hair accessory, and makeup application. Pizza, drinks and dessert. Dance party with a mock count-down to the New Year with noise-makers, confetti and balloon drop! $29.99 per child. Reservations required.
Pinkalicious
Location: The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710
Date: 12/31 | 11am
This is the tale, based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe – a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast! All Tickets $12.
New Year’s Bash for Kids!
Location: The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Date: 12/31 | 11am-12pm
Count down to 12 (noon!) with festive crafts and hot chocolate. A great way to usher in the “New Year” with your little one! Great for ages 3-6.
Fishes & Wishes – A Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Party
Location: Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center, 431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
Date: 12/31 | 6:30-11pm
Bring the kids and join us for our annual Fishes & Wishes New Year’s Eve Celebration! There will be plenty of great food and great fun, plus entertainment you won’t find anywhere else. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, buffet dinner (includes beer and wine), dancing, crafts for the kids, dessert and ice cream bar, plus a mock-Midnight champagne and sparkling cider toast (at 10:30), and of course the beauty of the Aquarium at night.
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