Ready for a magical holiday season in Long Beach? Let our guide show you the best festive activities! Whether you're rediscovering Long Beach or experiencing it for the first time, this guide is your holiday lifeline.
Popular events around Long Beach this season include the LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival, where you can stroll through stunning light displays and immersive art installations that capture the spirit of the holidays. The Magic of Lights offers a dazzling drive-through experience with over a mile of festive light displays that the whole family can enjoy. And don't forget the Holiday Lights at The Bronx Zoo, featuring a magical blend of wildlife and holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Long Beach
- LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival (East Meadow)
- Magic of Lights (Wantagh)
- NYBG GLOW - New York Botanical Gardens (Bronx)
- Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum (Flushing)
- Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo (Bronx)
- Long Beach Tree Lighting
- Bayard Cutting Arboretum Tree Lighting (Great River)
- Center Moriches Fire Dept Holiday Parade of Lights (Center Moriches)
- Railroad Museum of Long Island's Holiday Open Houses (Greenport)
- Riverhead Holiday Light Show & Santa’s Village (Calverton)
See these and even more events listed below!
Long Beach Holiday Light Displays
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive light displays with interactive elements and themed activities.
Description:
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival features over 40 stunning light attractions and interactive elements, creating an immersive experience for all ages. Dive into four captivating themes filled with dazzling light displays and exciting activities, including food trucks and holiday gift shops.
Where: East Meadow | More Info: LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular drive-through holiday lights with life-sized displays.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters using the latest LED technology and digital animations. The event includes larger-than-life displays like the Holiday Barbie and Bigfoot Monster Truck, as well as life-sized dinosaurs from Prehistoric Christmas.
Where: Wantagh | More Info: Magic of Lights
Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo
What to Expect:
Wildlife-themed LED displays and interactive experiences.
Description:
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo features millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns spread across seven lantern trails, showcasing nearly 100 animal and plant species. Interactive glowing walls, 12-foot trees, and illuminated flowers create an immersive experience with family-friendly entertainment, seasonal treats, and classic holiday music.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo
Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive illuminated displays of Chinese lanterns and folklorical creatures.
Description:
The Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum features over 1500 lights and 80 hand-crafted lanterns, creating an immersive experience across 6 acres of historic farmland. Visitors can explore a luminescent display inspired by Chinese folklore and animals, along with interactive illuminated tunnels, swings, and see-saws.
Where: Flushing | More Info: Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum
Long Beach Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
67-foot tall Christmas tree with over 500,000 lights.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Long Beach with the 9th annual Christmas Tree Lighting. A 67-foot tall Christmas tree is illuminated with over 500,000 lights at the Terrace Plaza, featuring live entertainment, Santa visits, and festive activities.
Where: Long Beach | More Info: Long Beach Tree Lighting
Bayard Cutting Arboretum Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Holiday tree lighting ceremony with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
The Bayard Cutting Arboretum Tree Lighting features the festive lighting of the holiday tree by Santa, accompanied by traditional holiday carols and hot beverages.
Where: Great River | More Info: Bayard Cutting Arboretum Tree Lighting
Center Moriches Fire Dept Holiday Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Community groups and emergency services showcase holiday lights.
Description:
The Center Moriches Fire Department's Holiday Parade of Lights features fire departments, ambulance companies, and local community groups decked out in holiday lights. The parade starts at Montauk Highway and Lake Avenue, traveling east to Ocean Avenue. Santa Claus arrives at the end of the parade on the Center Moriches FD tower ladder.
Where: Center Moriches | More Info: Center Moriches Fire Dept Holiday Parade of Lights
Riverhead Holiday Light Show & Santa’s Village
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with over 200 individual displays.
Description:
The Riverhead Holiday Light Show is a spectacular drive-through event featuring over a mile of synchronized lights and sounds, including music by artists like Michael Bubl and Taylor Swift. Guests enjoy a 20-25 minute drive through the display while tuned into the local radio station.
Where: Calverton | More Info: Riverhead Holiday Light Show & Santa’s Village
Long Beach Holiday Shows and Entertainment
NYBG GLOW - New York Botanical Gardens
What to Expect:
G-scale model trains navigating plant-based miniatures of NYC landmarks.
Description:
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden features G-scale model trains navigating intricately crafted miniatures of New York City landmarks made from plant parts. The event includes a picture-perfect outdoor lawn display and a whimsical mountainscape in the Haupt Conservatory, with twinkling plant-based replicas of local architecture. Visitors can enjoy holiday classics, sweet and savory bites, and festive drinks while exploring the miniature cityscape.
Where: Bronx | More Info: NYBG GLOW - New York Botanical Gardens
20th Annual Re-enactment of the Flying Santa
What to Expect:
Historical reenactment of Santa's arrival by parachute.
Description:
The 20th Annual Re-enactment of the Flying Santa is a cherished tradition where participants reenact the historic event of Santa Claus arriving by parachute at the Fire Island Lighthouse. This event offers a unique opportunity to witness a piece of history and take memorable photos.
Where: Fire Island | More Info: 20th Annual Re-enactment of the Flying Santa
Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Holiday concert with sing-along and Nutcracker selections.
Description:
The Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra presents a holiday concert featuring exhilarating holiday music, seasonal favorites, and a sing-along with the orchestra. The event includes selections from The Nutcracker and choral music, offering a delightful holiday experience.
Where: Massapequa | More Info: Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert
Long Beach Other Holiday Activities
Railroad Museum of Long Island's Holiday Open Houses
What to Expect:
Interactive exhibits showcasing historic railroading artifacts.
Description:
The Railroad Museum of Long Island's Holiday Open Houses offer a unique opportunity to explore the museum's permanent collection of railroad artifacts and participate in interactive exhibits, including riding the miniature park train from the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair and climbing inside a 1960s LIRR caboose.
Where: Greenport | More Info: Railroad Museum of Long Island's Holiday Open Houses
Milleridge Inn Menorah Lighting
What to Expect:
Traditional menorah lighting with festive food and activities.
Description:
Join us at Milleridge Inn for a Menorah Lighting event, featuring traditional menorah lighting, Megillah readings, and a raffle with prizes. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with bagels, waffle bar, omelettes, White Russians, and Screwdrivers. The event includes Megillah readings and a raffle with exciting prizes.
Where: Jericho | More Info: Milleridge Inn Menorah Lighting
Long Island Festival of Games
What to Expect:
Immersive retro gaming experience with original hardware and CRT TVs.
Description:
The Long Island Retro Gaming Expo is a premier video game convention that spans over 50 years of gaming history. It features dedicated retro gaming sections, tournaments, high-score challenges, and home console LAN-play. Attendees can interact with a wide selection of gaming hardware and play iconic and hidden gems across various genres and eras.
Where: Garden City | More Info: Long Island Festival of Games
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Oceanside (4 miles)
- Rockville Centre (5 miles)
- Far Rockaway (5 miles)
- Baldwin (5 miles)
- Valley Stream (6 miles)
- Freeport (6 miles)
- Rosedale (7 miles)
- Laurelton (7 miles)
- Springfield Gardens (8 miles)
- Merrick (8 miles)
- Franklin Square (8 miles)
- Elmont (8 miles)
- Hempstead (8 miles)
- Uniondale (8 miles)
- Cambria Heights (8 miles)
- Garden City (10 miles)
- East Meadow (10 miles)
- South Ozone Park (10 miles)
- Hollis (10 miles)
- Howard Beach (11 miles)
- Queens Village (11 miles)
- Jamaica (11 miles)
- Hillside (11 miles)
- Queens (11 miles)
- Ozone Park (11 miles)
- Massapequa (12 miles)
- Briarwood (12 miles)
- Richmond Hill (12 miles)
- Fresh Meadows (12 miles)
- Woodhaven (13 miles)
- East New York (13 miles)
- Kew Gardens Hills (13 miles)
- Canarsie (13 miles)
- Forest Hills (13 miles)
- Cypress Hills (14 miles)
- Bayside (14 miles)
- Rego Park (14 miles)
- Hicksville (14 miles)
- Glendale (14 miles)
- Brownsville (15 miles)
- Middle Village (15 miles)
- Flatlands (15 miles)
- Copiague (15 miles)
- East Flatbush (15 miles)
- Sheepshead Bay (15 miles)
- Ridgewood (15 miles)
- Corona (15 miles)
- Elmhurst (15 miles)
- Bushwick (16 miles)
- Brighton Beach (16 miles)
- Brooklyn (16 miles)
- Gravesend (16 miles)
- East Elmhurst (16 miles)
- Maspeth (16 miles)
- Plainview (16 miles)
- Lindenhurst (16 miles)
- Flatbush (16 miles)
- Whitestone (17 miles)
- Jackson Heights (17 miles)
- Kensington (17 miles)
- Woodside (17 miles)
- College Point (17 miles)
- Coney Island (18 miles)
- Bensonhurst (18 miles)
- Williamsburg (18 miles)
- Sunnyside (18 miles)
- Greenpoint (18 miles)
- Borough Park (18 miles)
- Park Slope (18 miles)
- Bath Beach (18 miles)
- Throgs Neck (18 miles)
- West Babylon (18 miles)
- Dyker Heights (19 miles)
- Long Island City (19 miles)
- Glen Cove (19 miles)
- Sunset Park (19 miles)
- Astoria (19 miles)
- Brooklyn Heights (19 miles)
- Unionport (19 miles)
- Hunts Point (19 miles)
- Fort Hamilton (20 miles)
- Chinatown (20 miles)
- East Village (20 miles)
- Gramercy Park (20 miles)
- Financial District (20 miles)
- West Islip (20 miles)
- New York City (20 miles)
- Parkchester (20 miles)
- Mott Haven (21 miles)
- East Harlem (21 miles)
- Van Nest (21 miles)
- Deer Park (21 miles)
- Melrose (21 miles)
- Manhattan (21 miles)
- The Bronx (21 miles)
- Morrisania (21 miles)
- Hell's Kitchen (21 miles)
- Harlem (21 miles)
- East Tremont (22 miles)
- Morningside Heights (22 miles)
- Tremont (22 miles)
- Hoboken (22 miles)
- Huntington Station (22 miles)
- Dix Hills (23 miles)
- Fordham (23 miles)
- Morris Heights (23 miles)
- University Heights (23 miles)
- Washington Heights (23 miles)
- West New York (23 miles)
- Union City (23 miles)
- Bay Shore (24 miles)
- Cliffside Park (24 miles)
- Wakefield (24 miles)
- North Bergen (24 miles)
- Kings Bridge (24 miles)
- Jersey City (24 miles)
- Mount Vernon (24 miles)
- Fort Lee (24 miles)
- Bayonne (25 miles)
- Palisades Park (25 miles)
- Brentwood (25 miles)
- Staten Island (25 miles)
- Commack (26 miles)
- Great Kills (26 miles)
- Long Branch (26 miles)
- Harrison (26 miles)
- East Northport (26 miles)
- New Springville (27 miles)
- Englewood (27 miles)
- Yonkers (27 miles)
- Middletown (28 miles)
- Central Islip (28 miles)
- Kearny (28 miles)
- Teaneck (28 miles)
- Woodrow (28 miles)
- Port Chester (29 miles)
- Hackensack (29 miles)
- Newark (29 miles)
- Hauppauge (29 miles)
- Bergenfield (29 miles)
- Belleville (29 miles)
- Elizabeth (29 miles)
- Carteret (30 miles)
- Lodi (30 miles)
- Smithtown (30 miles)
- Passaic (31 miles)
- Nutley (31 miles)
- Linden (31 miles)
- Hillside (31 miles)
- East Orange (31 miles)
- White Plains (31 miles)
- Garfield (31 miles)
- Bloomfield (31 miles)
- Roselle (32 miles)
- Irvington (32 miles)
- Greenburgh (32 miles)
- Perth Amboy (32 miles)
- Clifton (32 miles)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (32 miles)
- Elmwood Park (33 miles)
- Rahway (33 miles)
- Union (33 miles)
- Orange (33 miles)
- Stamford (33 miles)
- Paramus (33 miles)
- Montclair (33 miles)
- West Orange (34 miles)
- Maplewood (34 miles)
- Cranford (34 miles)
- Holbrook (34 miles)
- Centereach (35 miles)
- Fair Lawn (35 miles)
- Millburn (35 miles)
- Paterson (35 miles)
- Darien (35 miles)
- Ridgewood (36 miles)
- Marlboro (36 miles)
- Sayreville Junction (36 miles)
- Westfield (36 miles)
- East Patchogue (37 miles)
- Livingston (37 miles)
- Medford (38 miles)
- Sayreville (38 miles)
- Summit (38 miles)
- East Norwalk (38 miles)
- North Stamford (38 miles)
- South Old Bridge (39 miles)
- Scotch Plains (39 miles)
- Old Bridge (39 miles)
- Piscataway (39 miles)
- Plainfield (39 miles)
- Coram (39 miles)
- South Plainfield (40 miles)
- Wayne (40 miles)
- Edison (40 miles)
- North Plainfield (40 miles)
- Ossining (41 miles)
- Westport (41 miles)
- East Brunswick (41 miles)
- Spring Valley (41 miles)
- New Brunswick (42 miles)
- New City (42 miles)
- Mahwah (43 miles)
- Fairfield (43 miles)
- Shirley (44 miles)
- Somerset (44 miles)
- Parsippany (44 miles)
- Lakewood (45 miles)