From sparking light shows to ice skating and pictures with Santa, Long Island at Christmas is a winter wonderland. Here is a look at local festive events for family and friends.
LIGHT SHOWS
Light shows on Long Island include the Magic Of Lights in Jones Beach, which is shown through December 30th. It’s a drive-through light show where you can see the displays from inside the warmth of your car. The Lumino Festival, on November 9th, has teamed up with The Long Island Children’s Museum to bring light to life through their displays. Tickets are around $35, and it’s open from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Luminous Laser Light show in Riverhead is a drive-through laser light show, friendly for all ages, with music and stunning colors. It shows from December 21 until December 23. There are two shows each night, one at 6 p.m. and one at 8:30 p.m., each one hour.
These light shows are full of art and color, making beautiful displays of light for all ages. There are many more festive shows for your family and friends to visit throughout December as well.
https://magicoflights.com/events/jonesbeach/
https://www.luminocityfestival.com/reserve-tickets
https://www.luminouslightshow.net/
ICE SKATING
Ice skating is a wintertime favorite, and there are so many rinks across Long Island. One of these rinks is The Rinx, an indoor skating rink in Hauppage. Over the holiday break, the tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children, and $7 to rent a pair of ice skates.
Another popular rink is The Southampton Ice Rink, which is open for public skating all week until 5 p.m. except on Fridays and Saturdays. They also have their light show, which starts at 5 p.m. during public skating. Tickets here are $15 for adults and $12 for children, but during the holiday break on weekends, it’s 20 for adults and $15 for children.
https://southamptonicerink.com/
PICTURES WITH SANTA!
Every child should get to sit on Santa’s lap at least once and wish for their favorite toys. Here are some opportunities to see Santa. Waterdrinker Family Farms in Manorville is open Wednesdays through Sundays through December 24, 2023. This farm has its Winter Wonderland Event, where you can take photos with Santa and enjoy hot cocoa, s’mores, and more. The Smith Haven Mall and The Walt Whitman Mall also offer pictures with Santa. Be sure to make a reservation!
