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From holiday tales to dreidel making, the Sands Point Preserve boasts an afternoon full of family fun. Photo courtesy of Sands Point Preserve
From holiday tales to dreidel making, the Sands Point Preserve boasts an afternoon full of family fun. Photo courtesy of Sands Point Preserve
11/29/24 - By Jaime Sumersille

Christmas lights and holiday activities are back this December, and that's just the beginning of things to do on Long Island this month.

Start off with some old-fashioned charm at the Babylon Village Christmas or step back in time at the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival, both lovely, free traditions to kick off the season.

Then, treat the kids to live music at the Laurie Berkner Holiday Hits Show at The Paramount, or let them move and groove with Blippi: Join the Band at the Tilles Center. 

And to close out the year? Don’t miss The Gateway’s Holiday Spectacular on Ice, starring ice-skating legend Nancy Kerrigan, for a truly unforgettable family finale for 2025.

You'll find plenty more seasonal fun in our Holiday Guide for Long Island Families. Plus, get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

 

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Kids can learn about Kwanza through fun crafts and activities at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
Kids can learn about Kwanza through fun crafts and activities at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Top Things To Do on Long Island With Kids – December 2025

Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical at The Tilles Center

Greenvale
Wednesday, December 3 - Friday, December 5, 2025
A classic from the writer of the musical theatre classic, The Music Man, and based on the movie of the same name, Miracle on 34th Street features a book and score by Meredith Willson. Watch this holiday tale unfold on the Tilles Center stage. READ MORE

Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers Open House

Levittown – FREE
December 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14, 2025
Take a peek at Long Island's largest operating O-gauge train layout when the Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers holds an open house. READ MORE

Old-Fashioned Babylon Village Christmas

Babylon – FREE
Friday, December 5, 2025
Join the Babylon Chamber along Deer Park Avenue for an evening of old-fashioned Christmas fun. Santa will be set up for photos. Enjoy a ride on the carousel and photos with Santa and his elves. Spot the Grinch running around and celebrate the holidays with Disney princesses. READ MORE

Holiday Trail of Lights at the Smithtown Historical Society

Smithtown
Friday, December 5 - Sunday, December 7, 2025
Step into the holiday spirit by walking the dazzling Holiday Trail of Lights at the Smithtown Historical Society. Its beautifully illuminated pathway features festive holiday trees from the tree contest, sparkling lights, and whimsical decorations.  READ MORE

Santa on the Long Island Game Farm

Manorville
Friday, December 5 - Sunday, December 7, 2025
Meet Santa at the Long Island Game Farm. Have your family holiday picture taken. Make holiday ornaments, crafts, and cards. Enjoy story time, games, and holiday movies. Each guest will be given animal treats to share with the animals. People snacks are available too. READ MORE

Port Jefferson Village Annual Charles Dickens Festival

Port Jefferson – FREE
Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 7, 2025
The Village of Port Jefferson magically transforms into the Dickens era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the town crier, and the beloved chimney sweeps. READ MORE

Railroad Museum of Long Island Holiday Open House with Visit From Santa

Riverhead & Greenport – FREE
Saturdays & Sundays, December 6-7, 13-14, 2025
The Railroad Museum of Long Island invites guests to its free Holiday Open Houses with a special visit—via the rails—from Santa himself. READ MORE

Laurie Berkner Holiday Hits Show at The Paramount

Huntington
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Best-selling artist Laurie Berkner performs a special holiday show at The Paramount. Playing hits from her albums, this pop concert will have families singing and swaying to seasonal classics. READ MORE

Holiday Tales at Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Bring the kids for holiday tales and more afternoon fun at the Sands Point Preserve that includes story times, crafts, music, games and a snow-dusted mountain train display. READ MORE

Blippi: Join the Band Tour at the Tilles Center

Greenvale
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Make music with Blippi at The Tilles Center during this brand new Join the Band Tour stop. Grab your drumsticks, tune up your guitar, and move those feet with Blippi. READ MORE

Hanukkah Glam & Sing-Along at Good Life Club Haus

Merrick
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Head to Good Life Club Haus for a magical way to celebrate Hanukkah — filled with creativity, sparkle, music, and other holiday magic. READ MORE

Children’s Christmas Party at Westbury House: Cookies, Crafts, and Claus

Old Westbury
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Step into the magic of Christmas at Westbury House and join in for a festive night filled with holiday fun! Explore the beautifully decorated mansion through a self-guided tour, with a special Christmas scavenger hunt! Get creative with these Christmas craft stations, making holiday keepsakes to take home. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden

Westbury – FREE
Opens Saturday, December 13, 2025
Clark Botanic Garden transforms this holiday season into an idyllic winter wonderland where guests will find themselves immersed in all that makes the season special. Meet Santa and other special guests, enjoy holiday lights and scenery, crafts for kids, a holiday pajama party, Santa Paws, and more.  READ MORE

Chanukah Parade & Experience in Merrick

Merrick - FREE
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Celebrate Hanukkah with the Chabad Center for Jewish Life. Meet at the Merrick LIRR station for the lighting of the 12-foot menorah and other holiday festivities.  READ MORE

Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Old Bethpage
Friday-Tuesday, December 19-23 & 26-29, 2025
Stroll the Old Bethpage Restoration Village by lantern light and enjoy Victorian carloers, crafts, and other holiday cheer.  READ MORE

Central Operating Lines Model Train Open House

Bohemia – FREE
Saturday, December 20-Sunday, December 21, 2025
The Central Operating Lines Holiday Train show and open house boasts a huge layout spanning 23 scale miles. As an added holiday bonus, Santa will be on hand! READ MORE

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at The Showplace in Bellmore & Bayway Arts Center

Bellmore & Islip
Sunday, December 21, 2025 & Saturday, December 27, 2025
Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn't feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Watch this classic holiday tale unfold on two stages across Long Island this December. READ MORE

Celebrate Kwanzaa at LICM

Garden City
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
During Kwanzaa, many African-American families get together to give thanks and enjoy the blessings of family. Join the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority at the Long Island Children's Museum to learn about the rich traditions and meaning behind Kwanzaa while you create festive symbols of this holiday. READ MORE

Fishes & Wishes: New Year's Eve Celebration at the Long Island Aquarium

Riverhead
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Ring in the new year at the Long Island Aquarium's Fishes & Wishes New Year’s Eve celebration with resident animals, festive foods, dancing and more - all family style. READ MORE

The Gateway's Holiday Spectacular on Ice

Bellport
Through Sunday, January 4, 2026
Experience the magic of the holidays as The Gateway’s stage is transformed into a sparkling ice rink for Holiday Spectacular On Ice, starring Nancy Kerrigan. This festive musical brings favorite seasonal songs to life with dazzling figure skating, stunning vocals, lively dancing, and breathtaking performance artistry.  READ MORE

More Holiday Fun on Long Island for Kids

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows on Long Island 2025

Check out these stunning holiday light displays throughout LI. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other 2025 Holiday Shows for Kids on Long Island

These are the best stagings of the timeless holiday ballet on Long Island. READ MORE

Where to Take Santa Pictures on Long Island in 2025

Here's where to pose for photos with Santa on LI this holiday season. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa on Long Island in 2025

Here's where LI kids can meet and eat with Santa. READ MORE

Holiday Fun For Kids at Home

101 Fun Christmas Crafts and Games for Kids to Do at Home

Keep kids busy until it's time to tear into stockings! READ MORE

101 Fun Christmas Crafts and Games for Kids to Do at Home

Keep kids busy until it's time to tear into stockings! READ MORE

50 Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2025: Easy & Funny Ideas to Delight Kids

Simple but hilarious Elf on the Shelf shenanigans that will delight your kids. READ MORE

8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History

Put on your yarmulkes, it's time for Hanukkah! READ MORE

A Charlie Brown Christmas and More Kids' Holiday Movies to Watch This Holiday Season

The only list you need for holiday cheer and laughs this holiday season! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo
Showplace at Bellmore Movies
The Gateway Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County
White Post Farms Animal Farm & Petting Zoo

About the Author

Jaime Sumersille
Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.
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