15 Must-See Long Island Christmas Events 2025: Dazzling Lights, Santa Brunches, And Unique Holiday Markets
The 2025 holiday season has officially arrived on Long Island, transforming Nassau and Suffolk Counties into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with spectacular light displays, festive markets, and countless opportunities to meet Santa Claus. As of today, December 26, 2025, the most anticipated events are in full swing, offering fresh, unique experiences that go far beyond the standard Christmas fare. Whether you are a resident of the North Shore, the South Shore, or visiting from New York City, this curated list provides the essential, up-to-date guide to the best and brightest holiday happenings that you simply cannot miss this year.
From immersive drive-thru experiences to charming historical celebrations and local craft fairs, Long Island's Christmas calendar for 2025 is packed with activities perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers. We have gathered the latest details on the biggest light shows, where to find the most authentic Santa, and the hidden gem holiday markets to ensure your festive season is truly magical and memorable.
The Ultimate 2025 Long Island Holiday Light Spectaculars
Long Island is renowned for its colossal and creative holiday light installations. This year's lineup features both returning favorites with new themes and local community displays that have become annual traditions. These spectaculars are the cornerstone of the Long Island Christmas experience, drawing visitors from across the region.
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival: A Fantasy Land in East Meadow
The LuminoCity Festival at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow remains one of the most Instagrammable and talked-about Christmas events on Long Island. Running from November 2025 through early January 2026, this walk-through experience features colossal, custom-built light sculptures that follow a unique annual theme, which for 2025 is "Fantasy Land."
- What to Expect: A mile-long trail of LED installations, animated holiday scenes, and festive characters.
- Location Highlight: Eisenhower Park, a massive Nassau County hub, provides the perfect backdrop for this expansive festival.
- Topical Authority Entity: LuminoCity Festival, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow.
Magic of Lights at Jones Beach: The Iconic Drive-Through
For those who prefer the warmth and comfort of their car, the Magic of Lights at Jones Beach is the premier drive-through holiday light show. This tradition returns for its 2025 season, offering a dazzling mile-long trail of LED installations.
- Experience: Visitors drive through tunnels of twinkling lights, past animated scenes, and enjoy fan-favorite festive characters.
- Dates: Typically runs from late November 2025 to early January 2026.
- Topical Authority Entity: Magic of Lights, Jones Beach, Drive-Thru Holiday Lights.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show: Suffolk County's Dazzling Tradition
Located in Suffolk County, the Riverhead Holiday Light Show offers another fantastic drive-through experience. This event is a staple for families on the East End, providing a beautiful display of holiday cheer without leaving the car.
- Unique Feature: The show often features specific themed nights and benefits local charities, adding a community focus to the festive fun.
- Topical Authority Entity: Riverhead Holiday Light Show, Suffolk County.
Where to Meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in 2025
Meeting Santa is a non-negotiable part of the Long Island Christmas experience. This year, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are making appearances at major malls, local brunches, and unique venues across both counties. Securing a spot for a photo or a meal with the big man requires early planning, especially for the popular brunch events.
Brunch with Santa at Stew Leonard's East Meadow
A highly-anticipated event for Long Island families is the annual Brunch with Santa and his friend Wow the Cow at Stew Leonard's in East Meadow. These events are offered on specific dates in December 2025 and are known for selling out quickly.
- Details: Multiple seatings are typically offered, including 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, providing a festive meal and a personal meet-and-greet.
- Topical Authority Entity: Stew Leonard's, East Meadow, Brunch with Santa, Wow the Cow.
Mall and Outlet Santa Photo Experiences
For the classic photo opportunity, Santa is holding court at major retail destinations throughout the holiday season. These locations provide reliable, professional photo packages:
- Smith Haven Mall: A central location in Suffolk County for the traditional Santa Photo Experience.
- Tanger Outlets Riverhead: A convenient stop for East End shoppers looking to get their pictures taken.
- Topical Authority Entity: Smith Haven Mall, Tanger Outlets Riverhead, Santa Photos.
Bayville Winter Wonderland's Festive Fun
While known for its lights, Bayville Winter Wonderland often features a dedicated area for Santa and Mrs. Claus appearances, turning a visit into a full festive outing. This location is a staple in Nassau County for a comprehensive winter experience.
Other unique Santa encounters include the annual "Meet Santa at the Tree" events in various towns and special appearances by the Legendary Entertainment NY Santa Claus at public events across Long Island.
Unique Holiday Markets, Fairs, and Historical Experiences
Beyond the lights and Santa visits, Long Island offers a wealth of unique events that tap into local culture, history, and the artisan community. These provide perfect opportunities for holiday shopping and experiencing the area's charm.
The Holiday Market at East Wind Long Island
The Holiday Market at East Wind Long Island in Wading River is a must-visit for finding unique, handcrafted gifts. Scheduled for a specific Saturday in December 2025, this market brings together local vendors, artisans, and craftspeople.
- Location: East Wind Long Island, Wading River (Suffolk County).
- Focus: High-quality crafts, gourmet foods, and unique holiday decor.
- Topical Authority Entity: East Wind Long Island, Wading River, Holiday Market.
Art League of Long Island's Annual Fine Art & Craft Fair
Celebrating its 60th year in 2025, the Art League of Long Island's Holiday Fine Art & Craft Fair is a long-standing tradition. This event is perfect for art lovers looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, supporting local artists, and celebrating six decades of creativity.
- Topical Authority Entity: Art League of Long Island, Holiday Fine Art & Craft Fair.
Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage
For a step back in time, the Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration offers a historic and charming Christmas experience. Visitors can enjoy a holiday show set in the village's historic buildings, illuminated by candlelight.
- Atmosphere: A truly unique, old-fashioned holiday celebration, contrasting with the modern light shows.
- Topical Authority Entity: Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Candlelight Evenings, Historical Christmas Events.
More Essential 2025 Long Island Christmas Destinations
To round out your Long Island holiday adventure, several other attractions offer specialized seasonal programming that caters to all ages and interests.
Christmas House Long Island: An Immersive Indoor Experience
Christmas House Long Island offers an almost dozen unique, immersive indoor experiences, making it a perfect destination regardless of the weather. It brings all your favorite Christmas sights, sounds, and smells to life under one roof.
- Experience: A series of themed rooms and installations designed for maximum photo opportunities and holiday fun.
- Topical Authority Entity: Christmas House Long Island, Immersive Experience.
Fun-cation Winter Break at the Long Island Aquarium
The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead hosts a "Fun-cation Winter Break" program, offering holiday-themed activities and exhibits during the school break. This is an excellent option for families looking for educational and entertaining activities after Christmas Day.
- Topical Authority Entity: Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead, Winter Break Activities.
Cradle of Aviation's December Break Programming
The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City also offers special programming during the December 2025 break. Their events often combine seasonal themes with their fascinating exhibits on flight and space.
- Topical Authority Entity: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City, December Break.
The 2025 Long Island Christmas season is a vibrant tapestry of traditional charm and modern spectacle. By prioritizing these unique and up-to-date events—from the massive light shows in East Meadow and Jones Beach to the intimate markets in Wading River and the historical celebrations in Old Bethpage—you can ensure your holiday season is filled with unforgettable memories.
Checklist of Key Long Island Christmas Entities for 2025
- LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
- Magic of Lights (Jones Beach)
- Christmas House Long Island
- The Holiday Market at East Wind Long Island
- Stew Leonard's East Meadow
- Smith Haven Mall
- Tanger Outlets Riverhead
- Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead)
- Old Bethpage Village Restoration
- Cradle of Aviation Museum (Garden City)
- Art League of Long Island
- Eisenhower Park
- Nassau County
- Suffolk County
- Riverhead Holiday Light Show
- Bayville Winter Wonderland
- Jingle Bell Bash (Annual Tree Lighting)
- Misfit Island Christmas Spectacular (East Northport)
- Elwood Road Lights Show (Centereach)
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