LongIsland.com’s 2014 December Family Fun Guide: Festive Fun, Holiday Cheer, and Joyous Tidings
Time sure flies when you’re having fun! It’s hard to believe we’ve already made it into December, and this last month of the year is sure going to be a fun one! From start to finish, December is packed with all sorts of fun things to do, including festive family fun, holiday photo ops, exciting nightlife, and so much more.
It can be tempting to want to stay cooped up under blankets and in the warmth all Winter, but with so much family-friendly fun, holiday events, and Winter specific activities going on around the Island, it's time to bundle up, get out there and have some fun! From ice skating to Christmas parades, winter crafts to Menorah lightings, there are countless things to do here on Long Island during the month of December.
Check out these great activities, events and holiday happenings going on across the Island!
Holiday Craft Shows
If you’ve still got holiday shopping to do, then you’re in luck! This December, there are lots of wonderful Craft Fairs happening across the Island where you can pick out perfect handmade gifts for everyone on your Holiday Shopping List!
Holiday Craft Fair & Gift Show - FREE
Bellmore American Legion Hall, 2750 Royle St., Bellmore, NY 11710
Friday, December 5th from 10AM - 7 PM and Saturday, December 6th from 10AM - 4PM
631-988-5319
Holiday decorations, jewelry, baby items, candles, chocolate and more will be up for sale at this craft fair and gift show.
St. James Holiday Market & Model Railroad
Mills Pond House, 660 Rte 25A, St. James, NY 11780
Friday, December 5th from 6PM - 9PM, Saturday, December 6th from 11AM - 5 PM & Sunday, December 7th from 11AM - 5PM
631-862-6575
$2 for adults and 50 cents for children
Don’t miss out on the St. James Model Railroad Open House Holiday Market and Grannys Attic!
Tree Lighting and Craft Fair - FREE
Shelter Island Library, 37 N. Ferry Road, Shelter Island, NY 11964
Saturday, December 6th from 10AM -2PM
631-749-0042
Join in the fun of this library craft fair including a tree lighting to be held at 2:30 p.m.
Snowflake and Bake Sale - FREE
Bay Shore Historical Society Gibson-Mack-Holt House
22 Maple Ave., Bay Shore, NY 11706
Saturday, December 6th from 10AM - 4PM
631-665-1707
The event will feature baked goods donated by members, collectibles and goodies from the 1820's Shoppe, and a visit from a Victorian Santa!
Oyster Bay Tree Lighting & Christmas Market - FREE
The Town of Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Saturday, December 6th from 11AM - 6:30PM
516-802-0368
Come out to Oyster Bay to enjoy carriage rides, tree lighting festivities, a holiday market and an autograph session by actress Karolyn Grimes who played Zuzu Bailey from “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Holiday Boutique - FREE
First Presbyterian Church of Levittown
474 Wantagh Ave., Levittown, NY 11756
Saturday, December 6th from 10AM - 4PM
516-731-3808
Shop around, grab a bite to eat then come meet Santa and Elsa and Anna from Frozen!
St Rose of Lima School Christmas Fair - FREE
St Rose of Lima School
4704 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11758
Saturday, December 6th from 10AM - 4PM
516-754-0096
Enjoy a day of shopping while browsing vendors selling items like beautiful gift baskets, fresh baked goods, live wreaths and more!
Cookie Walk and Christmas Fair - FREE
First United Methodist Church of Port Jefferson
603 Main St., Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Saturday, December 6th from 10AM - 4 PM
631-473-0517
Check out all of the baked goods, crafts and Christmas items being sold at this Christmas fair then go meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
Wooden Wonderland: Carvers Holiday Show & Sale - FREE
Suffolk County Historical Society
300 W. Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901
Saturday, December 6th from 10AM - 4:30PM
631-727-2881
Join this holiday event featuring handmade carvings and wooden items made by Long Island craftspeople plus carving and woodworking demonstrations.
Christmas Market - FREE
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Seaford
2025 Washington Ave., Seaford, NY 11783
Saturday, December 6th from 9AM - 4PM
516-781-6374
Shop around the handmade crafts, live plants, jewelry, wreaths, antiques, gift baskets, and more!
The Whaling Museum and Education Center's Winter Wonderland
301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Every Saturday through Saturday, December 27th from 1PM - 4PM
631-367-3418
Free with paid museum admission
Enjoy self serve snow-tastic crafts for all ages and a winter-themed scavenger hunt in the “Frozen” themed Winter wonderland.
Rocky Point PTA Holiday Boutique - FREE
Rocky Point Middle School
76 Rocky Point-Yaphank Road, Rocky Point, NY 11778
Saturday, December 6th from 9AM - 3PM
631-744-1600
Shop around and get some gift ideas at the annual holiday boutique!
Sankofa Holiday Market
Merrick Gold Clubhouse
2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, NY 11566
Saturday, December 6th from 1PM - 8PM
917-535-7970
Call for questions about cost
Shop and Celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Africa and its diaspora with art, crafts, fashion, food, entertainment and more!
Holy Trinity Christmas Craft Fair - FREE
Holy Trinity Diocesan High School
98 Cherry Lane, New Bridge Road & Steward Ave, Hicksville, NY 11801
Saturday, December 6th from 10AM - 4:30PM
Over 100 vendors will be selling their christmas crafts, clothing, bags, candles and more! Visitors can also enjoy breakfast and lunch, 50/50 and Chinese auction raffles.
51st Holiday Fine Arts & Crafts Fair - FREE
Art League of Long Island
107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746
Saturday, December 6th & Sunday, December 7th from 10AM - 5PM
631-462-5400
Paintings, sculpture, woodcraft, ceramics, mosaics, fiber art, photography, jewelry, wearable art, and other unique handcrafted items made by the artist will be displayed and available for sale.
Deepwells Farm Holiday Boutique
Deepwells Farm Historic Park
Route 25A and Moriches Road, St. James, NY 11780
Saturday, December 6th & Sunday, December 7th - Saturday, December 13th & Sunday, December 14th from 10AM - 5PM
631-563-8551
$5
Enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate as you browse the hand-crafted gifts, stained glass, jewelry, handmade dolls, painted Santas, pottery, candles, organic soaps, and more!
The Northport Craft Fair - FREE
Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Rd., Northport, NY 11768
Saturday, December 6th & Sunday, December 7th from 10AM - 5PM
631-846-1459
This large indoor craft fair will feature fine art, photography, crafts and many unique gifts from 200 exhibitors.
Temple Tikvah's Hanukkah Sale - FREE
Temple Tikvah of New Hyde Park
3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Sunday, December 7th from 10AM - 12:30PM
516-746-1120
Highlights of this holiday fair include handcrafted jewelry, toys, books and gift items for Hanukkah and other occasions for both kids and adults.
Indoor Craft & Gift Show - FREE
American Legion
51 Juniper Ave, Smithtown, NY 11787
Sunday, December 7th from 10AM - 5PM
516-209-7386
Enjoy the raffles, prizes and vendors that encompass this indoor craft and gift show.
Green Acres Mall Holiday Craft & Gift Fair - FREE
Sunrise Highway, Valley Stream, NY 11581
Wednesday, December 10th through Sunday, December 28th from 10AM - 9PM
718-241-4630
Shop around this indoor mall fair that is open daily for unique gifts and handmade crafts.
West School Craft & Vendor Fair - FREE
West Elementary School Gym
91 Maryland Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561
Friday, December 12th from 6PM - 10PM
516-697-9788
Skip the mall and go shop around this craft and vendor fair! Raffle proceeds go to support the 5th grade graduating class.
New Beginnings of Kings Park Holiday Shopping Boutique - FREE
180 Lawrence Rd, Kings Park, NY 11754
Friday, December 12th from 4PM - 8PM
631-663-5437
Shop from a variety of different vendors including, Tupperware, Lia Sophia, Thirty-One, Scentsy, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Avon and more at this holiday boutique.
Ronkonkoma Holiday Craft and Gift Fair - FREE
Clarion Hotel and Conference Center
3845 Veterans Memorial Highway, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Saturday, December 13th from 9AM - 4PM
631-730-0522
Browse unique items such as ornaments, jewelry, bags, personalized clothing, candles, lotions, knitted and crocheted gifts and more at this holiday craft fair!
Antique Historical Arms Show
Freeport Recreation Center
130 East Merrick Road, Freeport, NY 11520
Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th at 9 AM
631-722-3248
$6, children under 11 free with paying adult
This antique arms show will feature historic pieces like Revolutionary and Civil War collectibles, muskets, bayonets, swords, military rifles and sporting guns.
Smithtown Craft & Gift Extravaganza - FREE
Smithtown High School West
100 Central Road, Smithtown, NY 11787
Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th from 10AM - 4PM
631-846-1459
This big craft fair will feature jewelry, wood crafts, clothing, accessories, candles, soaps, hand made small batch pasta, pickles and more!
Levittown Town Hall Shopping Extravaganza - FREE
201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville, NY 11801
Sunday, December 14th from 10AM - 6PM
516-822-5966
The Joey Foundation along with KPTC, a Kiwanis Organization, are hosting their first Holiday Shopping Extravaganza! Have fun and shop around the various vendors!
Newfield High School Craft & Gift Fair - FREE
145 Marshall Drive, Selden, NY 11784
Saturday, December 20th and Sunday, December 21st from 10AM - 5PM
631-846-1459
Browse the over 150 vendors at this school run gift and craft fair!
Holiday Light Shows
Brighten up your holiday season by heading out to one of these big light show spectaculars on Long Island! Relax in the warmth of your own vehicle while you and your carload of friends and family drive and take in all of the clever, holiday-themed light displays. The perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!
The Girl Scout’s of Suffolk County’s 11th Annual Holiday Light Show
Camp Edey, 1500 Lakeview Avenue, Bayport, NY 11705
December 12th - 21st, 5 PM - 9 PM
$15 per vehicle Monday - Thursday, $20 per vehicle Friday - Saturday
Back for its 11th year is the GSSC’s Annual Holiday Light Show, featuring unforgettable displays, beautiful holiday vignettes, and tons of fun! You’ll even have the opportunity to meet Santa, and stop for hot cocoa in their Hall of Trees, where you can “adopt” a local family in need this Holiday Season.
The Jones Beach Holiday Light Spectacular
2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793
November 20th - January 4th
Monday - Thursday: Dusk until 10 PM, Friday - Sunday: Dusk until 11 PM
$20 per vehicle on weekdays, $25 per vehicle on weekends
Nothing puts you quiet in the spirit of the season like a holiday light show, and this year, LI’s beloved Holiday Light Spectacular is returning to Jones Beach! Now through January 4th, you can head over to Jones Beach for gorgeous light displays and lasting memories - this is one event you won’t want to miss!
Local Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Looking for a great way to get into the Spirit of the Season? Why not head over to one of the free local Tree Lighting Ceremonies, happening in Town Squares across Long Island this December!
Shelter Island Tree Lighting and Cookies - FREE
American Legion, 218 School St., Shelter Island NY, 11964
Wednesday, December 3rd at 6:00 PM
877-893-2290
Enjoy a tree lighting at the Town Circle, followed by cookies with Santa Claus in the American Legion.
Rockville Centre Christmas Tree Lighting - FREE
Rockville Centre Village Green, Maple Avenue, Rockville Centre NY, 11570
Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 PM
516-678-9238
Enjoy a Village Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa!
Babylon Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony - FREE
Babylon Town Hall Park, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst NY, 11757
Friday, December 5th at 7:00 PM
631-957-3000
Babylon holiday tree lighting ceremony with Santa Claus, gifts for children, costumed characters, musical entertainment, and refreshments.
Deepwells Farm Christmas Tree Lighting - FREE
Deepwells Farm County Park, Route 25A and Moriches Road, St. James NY, 11780
Saturday, December 6th at 4:30 PM
631-584-8510
Event will feature entertainment, best tree contest, bike raffle, refreshments and Santa Claus, all are invited, held on the great lawn.
Islandia Christmas Tree Lighting - FREE
Islandia Village Hall, 1100 Old Nichols Road, Islandia, NY 11749
Saturday, December 6th at 4PM
631-348-1133
Enjoy hot chocolate, candy canes, cookies and a heated tent visit with Santa! Don’t forget the camera!
Amityville Tree Lighting - FREE
Village Gazebo, Park Avenue and Route 110, Amityville, NY 11701
Saturday, December 6th at 5PM
631-264-6000
Join in the fun of a tree lighting ceremony along with hot cocoa, carols, candy canes and Santa going on a sleigh ride led by the fire department.
The Lighting of Malverne - FREE
All along Hempstead Ave., Malverne, NY 11565
Saturday, December 6th from 5PM - 9PM
516-599-1200
Prepare for a fun filled evening of face painting, ice sculptures, village tree lighting at the fountain, Frosty's Wonderland Danceland, hay rides, horse and buggy rides and more!
Orphans Tree Lighting- FREE
Islip Art Museum, 50 Irish Lane, East Islip, NY 11730
Sunday, December 7th from 12PM - 4PM
631-224-5420
Celebrate the orphans of Brookwood Hall with caroling, presentations, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Port Washington Christmas Tree Lighting- FREE
Blumenfeld Family Park, Main St., Port Washington, NY 11050
Sunday, December 7th at 4:30PM
516-883-7849
Enjoy live nativity, community singing, refreshments and a visit from Santa!
Syosset Holiday Lighting Spectacular- FREE
Astoria Bank Plaza, 50 Jackson Avenue, Syosset, NY 11791
Sunday, December 7th from 4PM - 5PM
516-802-4942
This event is highlighted by a 1-hour holiday concert, the lighting of the community Christmas tree and menorah, and a visit from Santa Claus!
Holiday Concert and Tree Lighting- FREE
Long Island MacArthur Airport, 100 Arrivals Ave., Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Monday, December 8th at 5PM
631-467-3210
Come listen to a concert in the Atrium featuring bands, orchestras and choruses at 5PM from several local junior/high schools, followed by a tree lighting ceremony at 7PM.
Tree Lighting and Visit From Santa - FREE
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Friday, December 12th from 6PM - 8PM
516-922-8678
Don’t miss out on caroling by a barbershop quartet, hot cocoa, refreshments, self-guided visits around the decorated Coe Hall and a visit with Santa!
Menorah Lightings
In addition to the Christmas Tree Lighting events happening across Long Island, there will also be many Menorah Lighting events happening this December in honor of Hannukah, which is December 16th - 24th this year.
Village Tree and Menorah Lighting - FREE
Massapequa Park Village Hall, 151 Front St., Massapequa Park, NY 11758
Saturday, November 29th at 5PM
516-798-0244
Join the village Christmas tree and Menorah lighting with entertainment at the Showmobile & an appearance by Santa.
Menorah Presentation and Tree Lighting - FREE
AHRC Suffolk, 2900 Veterans Memorial Highway, Bohemia, NY 11716
Wednesday, December 3rd at 6:30PM
631-585-0100
Join in the Menorah Presentation and Tree Lighting at AHRC Suffolk on December 3rd.
Westhampton Beach Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting - FREE
Westhampton Beach Great Lawn, Main Street, Westhampton, NY 11978
Saturday, December 6th at 6:30PM
631-288-1654
Don’t miss out on the Christmas tree and Menorah lighting ceremony on the village green.
Menorah and Christmas Tree Lighting - FREE
Nesconset Gazebo by the Fire House, Nesconset, NY 11767
Sunday, December 7th at 1PM
631-724-2543
This event will feature a Menorah and Christmas tree lighting, light refreshments including hot chocolate and cookies and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Syosset Holiday Lighting Spectacular - FREE
Astoria Bank Plaza, 50 Jackson Avenue, Syosset, NY 11791
Sunday, December 7th from 4PM - 5PM
516-802-4942
Enjoy a one-hour holiday concert, the lighting of the community Christmas tree and menorah, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Community Hanukkah Celebration
Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC, 15 Neil Ct., Oceanside, NY 11672
Sunday, December 14th from 11AM - 1PM
516-634-4165
$18 per family
Celebrate will feature live entertainment, a menorah lighting, holiday vendors, Hanukkah crafts, face painting, raffles, refreshments and more!
Menorah Workshop
The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Sunday, December 14th at 2:30PM
631-367-3418
$10 per child & $8 per sibling
See different oil lamps from our collection, try testing seeds for their oil content and create a wooden menorah for Chanukah!
Menorah Lighting Ceremony - FREE
Smithtown Library Kings Park Branch, 1 Church St., Kings Park, NY 11754
Sunday, December 14th at 4PM
631-269-9191
Head over to Veteran’s Plaza for a Menorah lighting ceremony.
Ronkonkoma Chanukah Menorah Lighting - FREE
Raynor Beach Park, Ronkonkoma Ave., Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Tuesday, December 16th please call for time
631-963-2796
Head over to Raynor Park in Ronkonkoma to enjoy a Chanukah Menorah Lighting.
Menorah Lighting - FREE
North Shore Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Rd., Mt. Sinai, NY 11766
Tuesday, December 16th at 4:30PM
631-928-4103
Enjoy singing, hot chocolate and doughnuts at this Menorah lighting hosted by Temple Beth Emeth.
Long Beach Menorah Lighting - FREE
Kennedy Plaza, 1 West Chester Street, Long Beach, NY 11561
Tuesday, December 16th at 5:30PM
516-432-6000
Head over to Kennedy Plaza in front of City Hall on West Park Avenue to view the first lighting of the Menorah.
Hanukkah Candle Lighting - FREE
Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills, NY 11548
Tuesday, December 16th - Tuesday, December 23rd at 5PM
516-484-1545
Enjoy the candle lighting along with crafts and songs in the JCC lobby.
St. James Menorah Lighting - FREE
The triangle at Route 25A and Lake Avenue, St. James, NY 11780
Tuesday, December 16th - Tuesday, December 23rd at 5:30PM
631-584-8510
The Menorah will be lit for 8 nights in a row with treats each night for visitors to enjoy.
Town of Islip Menorah Lighting - FREE
Islip Town Hall, 655 Main St., Islip, NY 11751
Wednesday, December 17th at 5PM
631-224-5430
Come out Wednesday night for the Town of Islip Menorah lighting.
Brookhaven Town Hall Menorah Lighting - FREE
Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738
Wednesday, December 17th at 6PM
631-698-4000
Bring the family out for the Lighting of the Menorah, entertainment, hot latkes and doughnuts!
Annual Community Menorah Lighting - FREE
Sinai Reform Temple, 26 N Clinton Ave. (annex of Bay Shore Jewish Center), Bay Shore, NY 11706
Friday, December 19th from 7PM - 9PM
631-665-5755
From 7:00 to 7:30PM enjoy a meet and greet followed by a Menorah Lighting. At 7:45PM Shabbat Services will begin and at the conclusion of services partake in traditional Chanukah snacks of Latkes, jelly, donuts and more.
Temple Beth El Community Menorah Lighting - FREE
Capital One Plaza, Main St., Patchogue, NY 11772
Sunday, December 21st at 7PM
Begin the Hanukkah season with prayer, song and the lighting of the Patchogue Community Menorah.
Illuminated Holiday Parades
If you grew up on Long Island, you’re sure to remember your local Fire Department’s holiday parade! The firetrucks decked out in glimmering Christmas lights, and firemen & community volunteers decked out in their holiday best handing out candy canes and other sweet treats - a Holiday Parade is a can’t miss event of the season for kids from one to ninety-two! If you were good this year, you might even get to meet Santa!
Holiday Parade and Miracle on Main - FREE
Main Street, Sayville, NY 11782
Saturday, November 29th from 9AM - 9PM
631-567-5257
Enjoy a parade down Main Street, Santa’s Workshop for kids, see beloved characters walking around town in Charles Dickens era clothing, model trains on display, as will ice sculptures, and many more festivities!
Santa Parade - FREE
Port Jefferson LIRR, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Saturday, November 29th at 3PM
The parade will go down Main Street, around East Main Street, to West Broadway and finish at the 'Drown-Meadow Cottage' on the corner of Barnum and West Broadway. Santa will also be there in 'Santa's Workshop' for photo opportunities.
Fire Truck Parade of Lights - FREE
Main Street and Jobs Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
Saturday, November 29th at 4:45PM
631-283-0402
Check out the convoy of fire trucks and cars decorated with Christmas lights and decorations!
Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony - FREE
New York Avenue by the Big H Shopping Center, Huntington, NY 11743
Saturday, November 29th at 7PM
631-351-3000
After the parade enjoy a holiday festival on Wall Street, where there will be a tree lighting ceremony where kids can meet Santa and have a picture taken.
Charles Dickens Festival
Port Jefferson Village, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Friday, December 5th - Sunday, December 7th, 12/5: 4-10PM, 12/6: 9AM-10PM & 12/7: 10AM-9PM
631-473-5220
Fee for some activities and events
Come to the Annual Charles Dickens Festival for an International craft fair, performances, "Grand Finale Parade," carriage and trolley rides, music, historic house tours, costumed characters, and more!
East Hampton Village Santa Parade - FREE
Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937
Saturday, December 6th at 10AM
631-324-0362
After the parade Santa will be greeting children and taking pictures, so don't forget to bring a camera!
Merry on Main Street - FREE
Main Street, Islip, NY 11751
Saturday, December 6th from 12PM - 6PM
631-224-5430
The parade begins at 2PM and ends at 4:30PM. Afterwards enjoy a tree lighting with Santa at Islip Town Hall, craft fair, photos with Santa, a holiday movie, family skating, a gingerbread competition and outside entertainment.
Bellport Village's Winterfest - FREE
Bellport Lane, Bellport, NY 11715
Saturday, December 6th at 3PM
631-307-2557
Winterfest will feature children's activities, tree decorating, trolley ride with Santa, photo opportunities with Santa and the Christmas parade of lights!
The Lighting of Malverne - FREE
Along Hempstead Avenue, Malverne, NY 11565
Saturday, December 6th from 5PM - 9PM
516-599-1200
This event will feature holiday storytime, a holiday parade with Santa and the Elves, face painting, ice sculptures, a village tree lighting at the fountain and more! Some activities have fees.
Annual Nautical Mile of Lights Boat Parade
Captain Lou Fleet, 28A Woodcleft Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520
Saturday, December 6th at 7PM
516-623-5823
$10 for adults, $5 for kids
Hop on board and enjoy holiday lights & DJ holiday music along with fresh hot chocolate.
The Lions Club of Riverhead Christmas Parade and Assembly - FREE
Downtown Riverhead, Main Street and along Peconic River, Riverhead, NY 11901
Sunday, December 7th at 1PM
Watch Santa lead the parade and join the holiday gathering afterwards that continue until 3PM.
Medford Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting - FREE
Tremont Avenue School, 143 Tremont Avenue, Medford, NY 11763
Sunday, December 7th at 4PM
The parade will form at Tremont Avenue School at 3:45 and be followed up by the tree lighting along with hot chocolate and cookies.
Bohemia Christmas Parade - FREE
Bohemia Rec. Center, 1 Ruzicka Way, Bohemia, NY 11716
Sunday, December 7th at 5PM
631-589-2555
The parade kicks off at the Bohemia Rec. Center and travels down Smithtown Avenue to the firehouse at Pearl Street. Don’t miss a special appearance by Santa!
Smithtown Fire Department Christmas Parade - FREE
Throughout Smithtown, NY 11787 - Route to be posted shortly here
Saturday, December 13th, Throughout the Evening
631-265-1503
Don’t miss out on the merry annual Smithtown Fire Department Christmas parade!
Center Moriches Fire Department Holiday Parade of Lights - FREE
Montauk Highway and Lake Avenue, Center Moriches, NY 11934
Saturday, December 13th at 6PM
631-878-0089
Don’t miss out on all the fire departments, ambulance companies, and local community groups all decked out in holiday lights!
Kings Park Fire Department Christmas Parade - FREE
Beginning at 2 E Main Street, and continuing through neighborhoods around Kings Park, NY 11754
Saturday, December 20th at 2:30PM
631-269-6846
The parade begins at the Firehouse at 2:30 PM. Canned goods will be collected at every stop for our annual food drive.
New Year’s Eve Fun
As December winds down, it’s time to begin thinking about how you’ll be welcoming the New Year! Whether you’d like to enjoy a night on the town with friends, you want to enjoy a romantic meal with that special someone as the clock strikes 12, or you’re looking for a fun way for the whole family to welcome 2015, we’ve got you covered! Below is a highlight of the best NYE Happenings here on Long Island - check back soon for our New Year’s Eve Guide, which will have the scoop on ALL the best ways to ring in the New Year!
Sag Harbor Cinema Comedy NYE Special
90 Main Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Tickets are $30 - $50, or $95 for VIP Seats!
Join the Sag Harbor Cinema's 1st Stand Up Comedy Night Kick Off on New Years Eve - if you love comedy, this show is not one to be missed! With showings at 8 PM and 10 PM, this Comedy Show features headliner Butch Bradley, as well as Marla Schultz and Matt McCusker, and is packed with laughs from start to finish!
NYE Ball of Confusion Masquerade at Revolution
190 Merrick Road, Amityville, NY 11701
Wednesday, December 31st from 8:30Pm - 4AM
$25
Party all the way into the New Year at Revolution in Amityville! This festive event will feature 2 rooms of music, DJs, live acts, sideshow performers, burlesque, food, drink specials and more! Be sure to mention LongIsland.com at the door for a $5 Discount!
New Years Eve at The Emporium
9 Railroad Ave. Patchogue, NY 11772
Wednesday, December 31st at 9:30 PM
631-627-8787
$15
Come out dressed to the nines and ring in the New Year at The Emporium! 21+ only.
6th Annual New Year's Laughin' Eve! at Madison Theatre at Molloy College
1000 Hempstead Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11571
Wednesday, December 31st at 6 & 8 PM
516-323-4444
$40 at 6 PM & $50 at 8 PM
Enjoy Live stand-up comedy, with Stevie G.B., Maria Walsh and Frankie Pace!
Long Island Philharmonic: New Year's Eve Spectacular
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Boulevard Brookville, NY 11548
Wednesday, December 31st at 7:00 PM
516-299-3100
Sing and dance along to this New Year's Eve Pops concert!
New Years Eve at Fox Hollow
7755 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury NY, 11797
Wednesday, December 31st
516-921-1415
$150 per person for Gala
Enjoy the Fox Hollow Gala with dinner, cocktails, an open bar and dancing all night!
Let's Celebrate the New Year with The Maritime Explorium
101 East Broadway Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Saturday, December 20th-Wednesday, December 31st from 1-5 PM
516-449-5662
$5, children under 1 are free
Explore the principles of geometry and design your own Times Square ball!
Countdown to 12 at the Long Island Children’s Museum
11 Davis Ave. Garden City, NY 11530
Wednesday, December 31st at 12PM
516-224-5800
Free with museum admission
Don't miss out on the "Noon" year's eve celebration featuring face painting, activities, a ball drop, and a dance party!
More Festive Winter Fun
After all of the Christmas parades, Menorah lightings, holiday light displays and Santa Claus appearances, there is still even more Winter wonderland fun to be had! Check out these fun events and activities perfect for the Winter season!
"The Nutcracker" Presented by Frank Ohman's New York Dance Theatre
John Cranford Adams Playhouse Hofstra University, Hempstead Turnpike, Hempstead, NY 11554
Friday, December 19th at 2 & 7PM - Sunday, December 21st at 12 & 5PM
631-462-0964
$20 - $40
If you love the holiday classic, "The Nutcracker" then you don't want to miss out on this production! Ohman's production is the largest Nutcracker on Long Island with added music, scenes and dances, and is the only one presented in the tradition of New York City Ballet's legendary George Balanchine.
Seiskaya Ballet's Nutcracker at Stony Brook University's Staller Center for the Arts
Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11790
Friday, December 19th at 7PM, Saturday, December 20th at 2 & 7PM, Sunday, December 21st at 1& 6PM and Monday, December 22nd at 7PM
631-632-ARTS
$34 -$40
Enjoy the lavish sets, beautiful music and superb dancing performed by Seiskaya Ballet's Nutcracker at Stony Brook University's Staller Center for the Arts this holiday season! Bring the whole family out to enjoy this wonderful holiday classic.
American Theater Dance Workshop Presents: Cracked
Darby Auditorium Chaminade High School, 340 Jackson Ave., Mineola, NY 11501
Saturday, December 20th at 2 & 7PM - Sunday, December 21st at 12 & 5PM
516-298-4474
$15 - $65
Come out and see Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker as you've never seen it before! Enjoy this production featuring the professional dancers of the NOMAD Contemporary Ballet and a pre-professional company of dancers.
NEFCU's Holiday Dreams on Ice
Twin Rinks Eisenhower, 200 Merrick Ave. East Medaow NY, 11554
Saturday, December 20th at 5:30 PM
212-600-4330
Free event
The show will star Long Island Native and 2014 Olympic & World Alternate Samantha Cesario, Olympians & US National Silver Medalists Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Olympian & Israeli National Champion Alexei Bychenko, along with Santa and his skating elves, who come together to light their Christmas tree and celebrate the holiday season.
Anti-Bullying Campaign: Fan for Life Wrestling and Meet & Greet Event
Deer Park Community Center, 41 Homer Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729
Sunday, December 21st at 1PM
978-337-0270
$15 - $30
Don't miss out on this wrestling show (7 great matches!) and autograph signing with some of the best indy guys in New England! Come down and meet Rob Van Dam aka Mr. Monday Night, Zach Gowen the one and only one-legged wrestler in the world, Gangrel aka The Vampire and Oscar from Men on a Mission!
Ice Skating (Indoor & Outdoor)
Looking for a fun way to get into the spirit of the season? Why not head over to the local ice rink for an afternoon of Ice Skating! There are plenty of Indoor and Outdoor Rinks where you can skate the day away, and get into the Winter Spirit!
Create Your Own DIY Ornaments
Whether you’re looking for a fun way to deck out your halls, or you’re considering making heartfelt gifts for those left on your list, creating your own DIY Ornaments is sure to be a fun filled afternoon!
Baking Christmas Cookies
When you think of Christmas Memories, what scent comes to mind? Christmas Cookies of course! Find out how to make all your favorite cookie classics, as well as some new cookies to add to your list of favorites this year!
Enjoy a Day at a Local Museum
Looking for a fun way to spend the day with the kids this December? Why not head over to one of Long Island’s local museums, where you can spend a day of educational fun, and take a break from the holidays. Many of the museums will be hosting special events this season - get the scoop here!
What December events & activities do you and your family plan on going to? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to send in your fun Winter photos to info@LongIsland.com to have them added to our Winter 2014 - 2015 Photo Gallery!