Well, the holidays are here! While it can be a very busy time for everyone, it is also a fun time where families can spend more quality time together. So, I want to let you know what is going on around Long Island that you may be able to do with your loved ones this holiday season!
1. The Polar Express Trolley Ride
You may have already heard some buzz about this….I know I have and wish my nieces were old enough to take with me. The North Fork Trolley departs from TWO locations: Riverhead and South Hampton. If you require wheelchair accessibility, don’t count your family out! The trolley departing from South Hampton is accessible for EVERY RIDE. Along your journey to the North Pole, you are entertained by elves and Santa. They even provide hot chocolate and cookies! (Now I bet you understand why I wish I could go!) Don’t miss out!
2. Candlelight Evening Holiday Show
This is located at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Here they have you step back in time for a recreated mid 19th-century American village throughout the park. You can enjoy some seasonal tunes and many various performances from local schools and organizations. As tradition will have it, there is a bonfire with stories of Christmases past!
3. Magic of Lights
It is back! Located at Jones Beach State Park, it is a 2.5 mile drive-through holiday light show. You travel on Ocean Parkway and get to experience all of the displays! There is a special addition this year called the Holiday Festival Village where you can go through a winter wonderland of hot cocoa, make s’mores, a hay maze, and holiday music/movies. There’s also pictures with Santa. Important note, if you bring 2 canned food items to donate, you receive $3 off of admission and all donations are shared with local food banks. Can’t beat that!
4. Holiday Light Spectacular
Located at the Holtsville Ecology Site, is a smaller festive light display show. It is INDOORS and handicap accessible if needed. There’s a small fee, but is donated to the Brookhaven Wildlife Center for all of the animals. Of course, there will also be photos with Santa!
5. Boardwalk Lights
Located at the Longbeach boardwalk is a totally free holiday nautical themed light show. It begins December 2nd and lasts for 6 weeks. Along the 6 weeks will be special evenings featuring visits from Santa, menorah lighting, and holiday music! If you aren’t usually in the area it would be a good opportunity to go visit the local restaurants and shops too!
So, hopefully you find at least one of these events can fit into your busy holiday family schedules and you all get to enjoy some fun. Some may not be as close, but will definitely be worth it! If you get to go to any, be sure to comment and let me know how it was! I am hoping to make it out to a few of these myself 🙂
She discovered her passion for the neurologic pediatric and adult population during her clinical affiliation at a special services school in Cape May, New Jersey. She is an active member of the APTA and continues to take post-graduate course work related to treatment methods for neurological diagnoses.
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