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What Are the Best Things to Do with Kids Between Christmas and New Year's on Long Island?

Long Island offers an abundance of holiday break activities and festive things to do with kids during winter break. Families can keep Christmas vacation merry by visiting holiday light displays, winter wonderlands, Christmas villages, getting outdoors for an adventure, or planning a day at one of Long Island's incredible children's museums, just to name a few ideas. 

Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in Long Island 

• Enjoy smaller crowds at some events and venues with many families out of town on vacation.
• Dress for the weather, especially when you plan to be outdoors with kids for fun activities and exercise. 
• Buy tickets early for events and shows you plan to attend. 
• Check the venue for parking options and holiday hours ahead of a visit. 
• Plan breaks for snacks and meals for the kids to be happy and fed. 
• Try to plan your activity or show around nap times for little ones to be fully rested and able to enjoy with the family. 
• Bring a change of clothes for the kids to leave in the car. 

More Family Holiday Guides for Long Island 

• Best Christmas Light Displays on Long Island 
• Winter Getaways Nearby
• Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve with Kids on Long Island

Top Family Events and Activities in Long Island During Winter Break

1. Bayville Winter Wonderland

Visit Bayville Winter Wonderland to ride the holiday train, enjoy some arts and crafts, and check out the skating rink. There is also a snowman bounce castle, an inflatable gingerbread slide, mini-golf, and rock climbing. This winter wonderland will be open through Friday, January 2, 2026. Dress for the weather, as many attractions are outdoors. 

2. Visit The Christmas House

Immerse the family in the Christmas season for a bit longer at The Christmas House, an interactive walk-through experience where guests explore a Christmas-themed wonderland. This experience is open through Friday, January 2, 2026. 

3. Visit Milleridge Holiday Village

Plan a trip to the Milleridge Holiday Village to visit the shops, ride the holiday train, try your luck in an escape room, and warm up with a hot chocolate and bakery treat in the village. The holiday village will be open through Sunday, January 4, 2026. 

4. Long Island Aquarium 

Kids will love a day at the Long Island Aquarium exploring with the family, or, if you have to work, check out the Aquarium's Winter Fun-cation Holiday Edition camp options for the kids.  

5. Root for the Islanders

Head to the UBS Arena and cheer on the Islanders at one of their scheduled home hockey games over the Christmas break. 

6. See a Live Show 

Plan a fun day with the kids at the theater. "The Happy Elf" runs through Sunday, January 4, 2026, at The Argyle Theater this season. "Frosty" will be performed live at the Northport Theater through Sunday, December 28, 2025.

7. Sip Hot Cocoa

Brrrr, baby, it's cold outside. Warm up with some of the best hot cocoa spots on Long Island.

Are There Holiday Light Shows and Outdoor Attractions Still Open After Christmas in Long Island?

Yes, holiday light displays continue to dazzle and glow during Christmas break. Long Island's bigger light shows are available to see through New Year's weekend, along with many fun outdoor activities to keep the kids happy and active. 

8. Tour the Neighborhood Lights

Plan a drive to see some of Long Island's most spectacular home holiday light displays before they go dark. Bring some snacks along for the kids and cue the Christmas tunes for the ride. Most home displays light up each evening from about 5pm to 11pm and run through New Year's Eve.

9. LuminoCity

Eisenhower Park is illuminated with fantastical light displays during LuminoCity, a special light display running through Thursday, January 1, 2026.

10. Magic of Lights

Plan a holly jolly adventure to see the Magic of Lights drive-thru spectacular at Jones Beach with the kids. The lights display is open through Saturday, January 3, 2026.

11. Go Ice Skating

Grab your skates and take a spin on the ice at one of Long Island's outdoor rinks.

12. Sayville Holiday Lights Show & Winter Garden

The Sayville Holiday Lights Show does not disappoint with thousands of lights magically glowing across the mini-golf course at this walk-thru display. Head to the winter garden for some hot chocolate or one of the heated igloos to warm up. 

13. Visit Old Bethpage Village Restoration 

Celebrate the season with Candlelight Evenings at Old Bethpage Village Restoration with carolers and holiday music.  

14. Explore A Nature Center

Get up close with nature at one of these local nature centers. Plan a winter hike with the family. Many spots also run programs for kids year-round, so check the websites ahead of your visit. 

What Indoor Activities Can Families Enjoy Between Christmas and New Year's in Long Island?

Temperatures over winter break on Long Island can get quite frosty. Luckily, Long Island offers a lot of fun pop-up experiences, museum exhibits, and indoor activities for kids of all ages to stay busy and warm during winter break. 

15. Jolly Grump Pop-Up Bar Experience

Grinch-loving kids (and adults) will love the Jolly Grump Experience, which is full of entertainment, photo ops, and themed food and drinks at this restaurant. Make sure to get a reservation for standard table seating; kids cannot sit at the bar. 

16. Mr. Grump Christmas Pop Up Bar Experience at Alibi

For another Grinchy experience for the family, make reservations and head over to the immersive Mr. Grump Pop-Up Bar Experience in Farmingdale.

17. Bounce and Play Indoors

Head to Bounce! Family Entertainment Center to let the kids blow off some energy, or to one of Long Island's top family fun centers.

18. Long Island Children's Museum

Plan a day to explore the Long Island Children's Museum and check out the newest exhibit Saltwater Stories, and the Snowflake Sock Skating seasonal exhibit, before they close on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

19. Cradle of Aviation Museum

Check out the Cradle of Aviation Museum with the kids for the special December Break activities like scavenger hunts, crafts, a model train show, and even a Grinch-themed pajama party. The Junior Jet Club is a great soft play space, and the full-dome planetarium is a treat. 

20. The Whaling Museum & Education Center

Visit the Whaling Museum over the winter break and take on The Wizard's Quest by solving riddles and collecting potions. Harry Potter fans will love it! 

21. United Skates of America

Skate your way through the Christmas break with one of many themed nights at the United Skates of America, including an Elf Skate Party and a Labubu Skate Party! 

22. Go Bowling at Lucky Strike 

If you're looking for a little indoor fun, grab a ball and hit the bowling lanes at Lucky Strike in Mineola

23. Hit Up the Arcade

Check out the ClawCADE in Garden City with your little ones over the break for a few hours of indoor excitement and fun prizes. 

24. Catch a New Movie

Movie theaters have lots of family-friendly films that hit the big screen this season. Kids and adults can enjoy the new "SpongeBob Movie" over break. 

RELATED: Toys for Tots Donation Spots on Long Island and More Places to Donate Toys

Nothing beats a trip to Manhattan to see the famous Rockefeller Center tree. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer

What Activities Can Families Do Over Christmas Vacation Near Long Island?

25. See the Rockefeller Center Tree

Day trip into NYC to check out the Rockefeller Center tree or visit the Winter Village at Bryant Park.

26. Catch a Broadway Show

There are many kid-friendly shows on Broadway, including "Aladdin" and "The Lion King." 

27. Go Skiing

Head off to a nearby family-friendly ski mountain to beat the cabin fever.

28. Getaway for the Weekend

Book a weekend getaway to one of our favorite nearby winter destinations.

29. Go Snow Tubing

Bundle up and take a day trip to a nearby snow tubing spot.

30. Visit Mystic

Spend a day on the other side of the Long Island Sound exploring Mystic, Connecticut, and the Mystic Seaport Museum. 

Are There Any New Year's Eve or New Year's Weekend Events for Kids in Long Island?

Yes, there are many fantastic New Year's Eve events for kids on Long Island! The family can ring in the new year with Long Island Aquarium's Fishes & Wishes party, where adults and kids enjoy a DJ, buffet dinner, and unique animal encounters. If you want an active New Year's Eve celebration, check out the Countdown to 12 at Long Island Children's Museum for a festive celebration. 

For even more New Year's Eve festivities, check out our guide to Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve with Kids in Long Island. 

FAQ - Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's in Long Island

Q. What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year's in Long Island?
A.  Visiting Milleridge Holiday Village or Bayville Winter Wonderland are just a few of the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year's. 

Q. Are there any FREE things to do with kids after Christmas in Long Island?
A. Yes, families can visit home holiday light displays on Long Island after Christmas for free. 

Q. What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year's?
A. Many fun indoor activities are open over Christmas break for kids to explore, especially at museums with new exhibits, scavenger hunts, crafts, and more. 

Q. Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?
A. Yes, most holiday light displays stay open through January 1, 2026. 

Q. What family events are happening on New Year's Eve in Long Island?
A. There are many events on New Year's Eve for families, such as afternoon celebrations at the United Skates of America, the Long Island Aquarium, the Long Island Children's Museum, and several other fun venues. 

Q. Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in Long Island?
A. Yes! Museums, zoos, and attractions on Long Island are open during winter break for families to enjoy. 

Q. What's the best day trip from Long Island during Christmas break with kids?
A. The best day trip for Christmas break from Long Island is to NYC to see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. 

This article was originally posted in 2017 and was updated in December 2025. Writer Jennifer Voit contributed additional reporting.