2021 Christmas Activities for Families in NYC, Westchester, and Long Island
Check out these fun events and Christmas activities for families happening in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester, and Long Island this holiday season.
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A Magical Cirque Christmas
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 4pm and 8pm
WHERE: The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT
WHAT: Experience the enchantment of Christmas as magical hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live.
WANT TO GO? $27-$62. Advanced registration required.
Candlelight Tree Tours
WHEN: Dec. 10-23, daily, 4-9pm
WHERE: Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, 895 Shore Road, Bronx
WHAT: The mansion will be aglow during the evening hours. It's a magical time to visit the mansion and see the holiday trees!
WANT TO GO? $12. Evening Tree Tours are 45 minute long with the last one beginning at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased online.
13th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop
WHEN: Through Dec. 24: Monday-Sat, 8:30am-6pm; Photos with Santa: Monday-Friday, 12-6pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Dec. 24, 9am-3pm
WHERE: Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St., Greenwich, CT
WHAT: Santa and his LIVE reindeer are returning to Greenwich this year. The cherished town tradition continues for the 12th consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer, and enjoy the new Santa's Workshop, which provides more space for families while they wait in line for their photo with Santa.
WANT TO GO? Admission is free; prices vary for photos with Santa.
NYBG GLOW
WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022: See website for schedule.
WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
WHAT: See NYBG’s iconic sights and buildings come to life as dramatic, glittering canvases with the Haupt Conservatory and Mertz Library Building as the centerpieces. Washes of brilliant color, thousands of dazzling LEDs, illuminated plant stories, and whimsical, picture-perfect installations reflect the surrounding gardens and collections—creating a spectacle not to be missed!
WANT TO GO? $35; $20 children ages 2-12; Patron/Members: $25; $15 children ages 2-12. Advanced registration required.
Shark-Diving Santa
WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022: Friday-Sunday, 11am and 1pm
WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT
WHAT: Santa Claus will join the aquarium’s dive team to help demonstrate that sharks aren’t the blood-thirsty killers of myth. See Santa strap on his custom scuba outfit and enter the Aquarium’s 110,000-gallon Ocean Beyond the Sound exhibit, which is home to 7- and 8-foot sand tiger and lemon sharks. He’ll swim up to the exhibit window and pose with children, so bring your camera for a unique holiday photo.
WANT TO GO? Included with general admission: $28.95; $24.95 seniors ages 65 and older; $19.95 children ages 3-12.
Holiday Bricktacular
WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022: Monday-Friday, 12-5:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5:30pm
WHERE: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers
WHAT: Get in the Holiday Spirit with the help of the Holiday Bricktacular Event at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester! Explore a Bricktacular Winter Wonderland at the Ultimate Indoor LEGO Playground!
WANT TO GO? $24.99. Advanced registration required.
Westchester's Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza
WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022: Monday-Friday, 6pm to close; Saturday-Sunday, 5pm to close
WHERE: Kensico Dam Plaza, Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla
WHAT: Cruise along 1.2 miles of holiday lights with a new electrifying Elf Disco, a whimsical display of jubilant children from around the world, a breathtaking Peace on Earth LED display with animated trumpets and angels, and two new 30-foot snowflakes to light up the largest holiday Christmas tree in Westchester! Holiday classics will be simulcast through your vehicle’s FM radio, setting the mood from the moment you enter the park. Guests should allow 25-30 minutes to drive through the attraction. Additional attractions include favorite elves Ned and Albert, glittering angels of peace, 50-foot dove, dancing trees, glowing snowballs, candy cane lane, a spectacular 100-foot light tunnel, Westchester’s favorite 40-foot Christmas tree, Santa and friends, and more!
WANT TO GO? $25 per car off-peak; $35 per car peak. Advanced registration required.
The Great Holiday Train Show
WHEN: Through Jan 9, 2022: Saturday-Sunday, 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, and 3pm
WHERE: Horace Greeley House, 100 King St., Chappaqua
WHAT: See numerous vintage train sets, one dating back 100 years, running throughout the festively decorated rooms of the Horace Greeley House for the holidays. Children and adults alike can experience the magic of these heirloom items as they watch trains travel through such backdrops as a Bavarian countryside scene, the Rip Roaring 20s, or ride the rails with the rugged Jesse James Gang, and then take it East to the New York Central….and more!
WANT TO GO? $15; $10 members; $8 children 8 and younger. Advanced registration required.
Holiday Lights
WHEN: Through Jan. 9, 2022: See website for schedule
WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
WHAT: During the evenings, the park comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns, and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The outdoor celebration is complete with festive entertainment, seasonal treats, and classic holiday music. The walk-through experience is a beloved tradition, enchanting and fun for all ages.
WANT TO GO? $39.95; $34.95 seniors 65 and older; $24.95 children ages 3-12. Advanced registration required.
Holiday Train Show
WHEN: Through Jan. 23, 2022: See website for schedule.
WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
WHAT: Marvel at model trains zipping through an enchanting display of more than 175 famous New York landmarks each delightfully re-created from natural materials such as pine cones, acorns, and seeds. You’ll also discover a showcase of NYBG buildings such as the iconic Haupt Conservatory and—new for this year—the majestic LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building, both designated New York City Landmarks.
WANT TO GO? $32; $30 seniors 65 and older and students with ID; $18 children ages 2-12. Advanced registration required.
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Long Island Christmas Events
A Magical Cirque Christmas
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 2, 7:30pm
WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post/720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
WHAT: Experience the enchantment of Christmas as magical hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.
WANT TO GO? $43-$103. Advanced registration required.
FREE Village of Westbury Holiday Festivities
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4, 4:30pm
WHERE: Village Community Center, 360 Post Ave., Westbury
WHAT: Join neighbors and friends at this holiday celebration. Refreshments will be served (outside) as the Mayor, board, and village staff welcome everyone. The Atlantic Wind Symphony Band is scheduled to perform seasonal music, followed by the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree. Refreshments are compliments of the Westbury/Carle Place Chamber of Commerce.
WANT TO GO? 516-334-1700.
Christmas Meet & Greet Walkthrough
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4, 10:30am-12pm
WHERE: United Skates of America, 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford
WHAT: Walkthrough five stations and meet Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch, The Gingerbread Man, The Merry Minion, and The Red Nosed Reindeer, then mail your letter to Santa in our North Pole Mailbox! Admission includes Meet & Greets, Holiday Shutter Shades, Holiday Slime, LED Bracelet, LED Holiday Ring & Holiday Glow Stick.
WANT TO GO? $10. Advanced registration required.
FREE The 25th Annual Charles Dickens Festival
WHEN: Dec. 4-5; see website for schedule
WHERE: Various locations around Port Jefferson
WHAT: Celebrate beloved author, Charles Dickens, as this quaint seaport village is turned into a living Dickens stage. ?Visit the Artisan Square, showing how handcrafted works were made during Victorian England, and the spectacular Tiny Tim’s Train Station (a Toys for Tots location), presented by the Reed Family Train Project at the Harbormaster’s building, rounds out the big attractions. The restaurants offer Dickensian-inspired fare, while the wide range of shops in the village will stay open for extended hours for holiday shopping. The Village will be rich with a troupe of Dickens’ Street Characters and alive with a host of musical, magical and theatrical presentations sure to delight the Scroogiest of curmudgeons.
WANT TO GO? 631-473-5220.
Hot Chocolate and Santa
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm
WHERE: Ballet Long Island, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma
WHAT: Have hot chocolate and cookies during this Christmas themed performance, then decorate a Christmas ornament before you get to meet and take a photo with Santa!
WANT TO GO? $20; $10 children and seniors; additional fee for photos with Santa. Advanced registration required.
FREE The 42nd Annual Holiday Festival
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 12-6pm; 5:30pm, tree lighting
WHERE: Stony Brook Village Center, Main Street on the Harbor, Stony Brook
WHAT: Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization in its celebration of the 42nd Annual Holiday Festival! Vote for your favorite tree in the 42nd Annual Holiday Tree Competition, see Legends & Spies Puppet Procession, visit with Santa, and enjoy the Holiday Train Display at Wiggs Opticians and Carolers and live music before the Holiday Tree Lighting at 5:30pm on the Village Green.
WANT TO GO? 631-751-2244.
Seashell Celebration & Ornament Workshop
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 1pm and 2pm
WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor
WHAT: From clams to sea snails to nautilus squid, explore the wonderful world of shelled animals in this educator-led workshop. Find out how to identify shells local to Long Island, and decorate a special shell ornament to hang up at home during this festive time of year.
WANT TO GO? $10; $5 members, plus admission: $6; $5 seniors 62 and older and children ages 4-18; free for children ages 3 and younger and those with ?Active Military with ID.
Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 9, 7pm
WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury
WHAT: Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular brings the joy and excitement of the holiday season to the theater like never before. This all-new production features some of the greatest holiday songs of all time performed with the world-renowned cast of Cirque Musica.
WANT TO GO? $39.50-$189.50. Advanced registration required.
FREE Downtown Riverhead’s Holiday Parade & Riverfront Bonfire
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 3pm parade, 4pm bonfire, 5-7pm Santa House
WHERE: Downtown Riverhead, Main Street, Riverhead
WHAT: Watch the Riverhead Lions Club 69th Annual Holiday Parade begin on Main Street and loop south to the Peconic Riverfront, for Downtown Riverhead's bonfire. Santa awaits in the town's Gingerbread House, stop by to hand him your wish list and snap a photo with the jolly fella! Bring your own thermos for complimentary hot cocoa and treats.
WANT TO GO? Rain date: Dec. 18
Gingerbread Holiday Event
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 10-11:30am, 12:30-2pm, 2:30-4pm
WHERE: Old Bethpage Restoration Village, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage
WHAT: Each child will receive a gingerbread house kit, cookies, bottle of water, and craft. Plus, Santa will stop by and staff dressed in Victorian clothing. Each gingerbread house allows 1 child and 2 adults.
WANT TO GO? $25 per gingerbread house. Advanced registration required.
Candlelight Evenings
WHEN: Dec. 17-21 and 26-29, daily, 5:30-9:30pm (last entry at 8pm)
WHERE: Old Bethpage Restoration Village, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage
WHAT: Walk through the candlelit village as it would have looked and sounded in the evening during the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy numerous historical musicians, warm up by the bonfire, purchase a hot cider and stroll the grounds, visit with St. Nicholas, learn about 19th-century holiday traditions, and so much more!
WANT TO GO? $20; $15 seniors ages 60 and older and children ages 5-12; free for children ages 4 and younger. Advanced registration required.
The Gateway presents Holiday Spectacular on Ice
WHEN: Dec. 17-Jan. 1, 2022, see website for schedule.
WHERE: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue
WHAT: Capture the magic of the season as The Gateway transforms Patchogue Theatre's stage into an ice rink for Holiday Spectacular On Ice. This enchanting musical celebration brings beloved holiday songs to life while emphasizing the beauty, grace, and artistry of figure skating. Featuring show-stopping singers and dancers and astonishing performance artistry, this family-friendly musical celebration is literally the "coolest" show for all ages this holiday season.
WANT TO GO? $29.50-$71. Advanced registration required.
Madison Theatre Christmas Celebration
WHEN: Dec. 18-19, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm, 3pm, and 6pm
WHERE: The Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave, Rockville Centre
WHAT: This Christmas spectacular will have you singing along to your favorite Christmas tunes. Featuring Broadway's own exceptional performers and designers! Come share in the joy of Christmas with this annual tradition.
WANT TO GO? $40-$55. Advanced registration required.
Long Island Garden Railway Society Holiday Display
WHEN: Dec. 22-Jan. 2, 2022, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City
WHAT: Take a trip back in time by visiting the Long Island Garden Railway Society's 2021 Holiday Train Display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum! Bring the children and grandchildren and share reminiscing your childhood days by watching period large scale steam and diesel trains traversing the 40-by-40-foot modular display containing various scenic vignettes, including a model drive-in theater, carousel, and a Grumman hanger!
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $16; $14 children ages 2-12 and seniors.
Bright Lights
WHEN: Through Dec. 23: See website for exact times
WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport
WHAT: This Magical Holiday Celebration features themed displays, festive food, music, Santa and friends, and, of course, holiday lights!
WANT TO GO? $25; $15 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. Advanced registration required.
Barnaby Saves Christmas
WHEN: Through Dec. 26: See website for schedule
WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson
WHAT: Join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne, and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As the littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season.
WANT TO GO? $10. Advanced registration required.
A Christmas Carol
WHEN: Through Dec. 26: See website for schedule
WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson
WHAT: Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas—past, present and future.
WANT TO GO? $35; $28 seniors ages 65 and older and students ages 13 and older; $20 children ages 5-12. Advanced registration required.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
WHEN: Through Dec. 30: See website for schedule
WHERE: Splish Splash, 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton
WHAT: Visitors are treated to more than a mile of larger-than-life holiday light displays (some more than 3 stories tall!) right from the warmth of their car.
WANT TO GO? $35 per vehicle VIP; $23 per vehicle general admission. Advanced registration required.
Frosty
WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022: See website for schedule
WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport
WHAT: Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all!
WANT TO GO? $20. Advanced registration required.
White Christmas
WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022: See website for schedule.
WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport
WHAT: Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming adaptation follows vaudeville stars and veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they head to Vermont to pursue romance with a duo of beautiful singing sisters. This family classic features beloved songs by Irving Berlin including Blue Skies, I Love A Piano, How Deep Is The Ocean, and the perennial favorite, White Christmas.
WANT TO GO? $75. Advanced registration required.
ELF The Musical
WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022: See website for schedule
WHERE: The Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main St., Babylon Village
WHAT: A title known the world over, ELF The Musical is a must-see holiday musical tradition. Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, this modern day holiday classic brought to life onstage is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf.
WANT TO GO? $49-$79; $40 children ages 12 and younger. Advanced registration required.
Harry Connick, Jr.'s The Happy Elf
WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022: See website for schedule
WHERE: The Argyle Children's Theatre, 34 W. Main St., Babylon Village
WHAT: The new musical comedy by the Grammy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated composer and lyricist, Harry Connick, Jr.'s The Happy Elf tells the tale of Eubie the elf, a lovable fellow who wants to spread Christmas joy throughout the town of Bluesville. This festive tale of overcoming adversity, friendship, the power of positivity and believing in yourself is the perfect treat for the whole family!
WANT TO GO? $16. Advanced registration required.
Magic of Lights
WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2022: Sunday-Thursday, 5-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 5-11pm
WHERE: Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
WHAT: Magic of Lights™ guests will slowly guide their vehicles through the winding 1.2-mile course to view sparkling LED displays depicting the favorite characters of the season, including animated snowmen, elves, poinsettias, candy canes, and more!
WANT TO GO? $30 per car any day in advance; $25 per car weekdays in advance; $60 limo in advance. Price increases after Nov. 30 to $40 weekdays and $45 weekends.
Christmas House Long Island
WHEN: Through Jan. 5, 2022: Monday-Wednesday, 3-9pm; Thursday, 3-10pm; Friday, 3pm-1am; Saturday, 11am-1am; Sunday, 11am-9pm
WHERE: Samanea Mall, 1504 Old Country Road, Westbury
WHAT: Christmas House Long Island offers guests a wondrous 10,000-square-foot multi-room walk-through experience. Each of the 10 rooms has been curated by actual Hollywood set designers using creative lighting and theatrical effects that bring to life all the sights, sounds, lights, decorations, ornaments, and characters associated with the holiday season with some interesting twists. Christmas House Long Island has treats and treasures that will delight the senses.
WANT TO GO? Monday-Thursday: $25; $20 children ages 10 and younger. Friday-Sunday: $30; $25 children ages 10 and younger. Advanced registration required.
Shimmering Solstice
WHEN: Through Jan. 9, 2022: See website for schedule
WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
WHAT: Be enchanted by magical light displays that are set along Old Westbury Gardens’ beautiful paths that will lead you through the world-famous Walled Garden, Rose Garden, South Lawn, and Allée. Especially designed for Old Westbury Gardens by Lightswitch (a collective of internationally-recognized lighting, media, and visual designers), Shimmering Solstice will allow guests to experience what is familiar every day in a whole new shimmering light. In a dramatic finale, an astonishing light and projection show will be displayed onto the south face of Westbury House.
WANT TO GO? Peak: $32.95; $17.95 children ages 3-17; Off Peak: $29.95; $16.95 children ages 3-17. Advanced registration required.
NYC Winter Lantern Festival: A Bug's Night Drive-thru Adventure
WHEN: Through Jan. 9, 2022: See website for schedule
WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
WHAT: A Bug’s Night will dazzle your friends and family as you roll through more than 20 acres of vivid lanterns and holiday lights! This luminescent experience will be an unforgettable display of festive holiday lights, projection mapping, and handmade lanterns in the shape of flowers, bugs, animals, and more!
WANT TO GO? $34.99 Monday-Friday; $49.99 Saturday-Sunday; $59.99 Dec. 24-Jan. 2, 2022. Advanced registration required.
LuminoCity Festival Holiday Lights
WHEN: Through Jan. 9, 2022: See website for schedule
WHERE: Whitney Pond Park, 7 Community Drive E., Manhasset
WHAT: Set upon a world lit up with towering luminescent sculptures, LuminoCity Festival will take you to a dazzling new world with Lumi, the LuminoCity mascot, as your guide. The immersive outdoor event will be a festive, and timed entry experience for guests of all ages!
WANT TO GO? $76 VIP; $38 general admission; $27 kids ages 3-12. Advanced registration required.
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