Whether you live on Long Island, or call North Jersey or Westchester County home – there is plenty to see and do in the tri-state area during the holiday season.
From drive-through light shows and festivals to themed activities and holiday markets, there is something for everyone in this family fun guide. We are sharing some unique ways of celebrating the holidays this year – grouped by geographic location.
New York Holiday Events
Long Island
Bayville Winter Wonderland
Bayville Adventure Park transforms each November, welcoming the holiday season in grand fashion. Bayville Winter Wonderland offers plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy, including light displays, holiday characters, ice skating, train rides, and more. There’s even a Haunted Christmas section for those who want to include a little mischief with their merry-making.
The park is open on select dates in December. View their Facebook page for current hours and weather closures.
Magic of Lights at Jones Beach
A favorite for family fun in Nassau County, the Magic of Lights at Jones Beach is one of Long Island’s largest drive-thru light shows. Set to music, the show features a 200-foot light tunnel and more than 40 holiday-themed light displays. Visitors will spot the 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland, The Night Before Christmas, and more as you drive the 2.5-mile route.
The light show is open on select dates from November to January. View their website for tickets and pricing information.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
Mixing oversized holiday light scenes with hundreds of unique displays, the Riverhead Holiday Light Show is Suffolk County’s largest drive-through holiday light show. Located in Calverton, the light show is set to music – creating an immersive experience for visitors.
The light show is held on select dates from November through December. Visit their website for more information and to buy general admission or season pass tickets.
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s Holiday Light Show
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s Holiday Light Show is brighter and larger each year. Located in Southaven County Park, this popular walk-through Enchanted Forest and Holiday Village features 20 displays designed by the Girl Scouts and a unique chill zone area where you can warm up by the fire and enjoy a hot beverage. Proceeds from the show benefit Girl Scout programs across Suffolk County.
The light show is open on select dates from November to December. Visit their website or Facebook page for further details and ticket information.
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
LuminoCity partners with Nassau County to offer a stunning, interactive light and art show. Drawing inspiration from the lantern festivals the show’s co-founder attended as a child in China, LuminoCity relies on a team of artisans and more than 10,000 LED light bulbs to bring their sculptures to life. Attendees will travel through Eisenhower Park in East Meadow for an unforgettable holiday experience.
The LuminoCity Festival is open on select dates from early November to January. Visit their website for a map and ticket information.
New York City
Winter Village at Bryant Park
The Winter Village at Bryant Park has been a New York City holiday tradition for years. Featuring a European-style holiday market, the Winter Village is also home to the city’s only free ice skating rink.
Additionally, The Lodge is on-site and offers hungry shoppers (and skaters), a place to relax and enjoy a casual meal or hot drink.
The Winter Village is open from the end of October through early March. Hours and ticket prices vary — see their website for more information.
Westchester County
Keeler Christmas Light Display
Located in Putnam Valley, the Keeler Christmas Light Display uses one million lights for its incredible show. Hosted by the Keeler family, it takes three months – and many elves – to set up the display. Visitors will spy Santa on the roof, a holiday train, and lots of familiar holiday characters.
The light display is open daily — weather permitting — from the end of November to early January. Visit their Facebook page for a current schedule.
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is a drive-thru holiday light extravaganza held in Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. Visitors enjoy over one mile of lights and attractions, including dancing trees, glowing snowballs, a candy cane lane, light tunnels, and more.
The show begins at the end of November and runs through early January. Purchase tickets and see current hours on their website.
Northeast New Jersey
Light Show and Christmas Village
Located at Skylands Stadium in Sussex County, New Jersey, the Light Show and Christmas Village offers a variety of holiday-themed activities. Starting with a scenic drive-thru light show, visitors enter the Outdoor Village and Winter Carnival. There, they can enjoy one of the carnival rides, pose for a photo with Santa, or take a spin around the skating rink. Refreshments are also available.
The Light Show and Christmas Village are open in November and December on select dates. Visit their website for additional details and to purchase tickets.
PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights
From the creators of the Magic of Lights at Jones Beach, the PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights also has a drive-thru light tunnel. There are over 40 scenes using holiday lights, including illuminated mega trees, which use over 240 feet of lights!
The light show is open on select dates in November and December. Visit their website or Facebook page for more information.
Winter Wonderlights
Winter Wonderlights has been a favorite of East Brunswick locals for over two decades. The Middlesex County Fairgrounds venue offers ample space for over 1.5 million lights animated to your favorite holiday tunes. There are 30 ft. Christmas trees, magical tunnels, and larger-than-life holiday-themed displays.
Winter Wonderlights is open daily from the end of November through December. View their website or Facebook page for more details and to buy tickets.
Your Guide to Events in the NYC Tri-State Area
Looking for more family-friendly activities to enjoy in the area? We’ve created a variety of guides to help you enjoy every season.
This blog was originally published in December 2020. It was updated in November 2023.
