Explore suburban towns and potential new neighborhoods while making the most of the holiday season.
Holiday lights on Long Island and Westchester seem to be a bit “extra.” As you’re exploring these suburbs, there are tons of holiday events, activities, and spectacular light displays to check out. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate, hop in the car, and head out to these festive towns to get a feel for (holiday) life in suburbia.
Westchester
#1. Lights on Jenkins Court (Ossining, NY)
Every season, a local Westchester family turns their home into an amazing synchronized light display. People descend on this festive property from all over Westchester – if you stop by, tune your radio to 90.5 FM to get the full effect. The display gets bigger and bigger every year – and, recently, they’ve even incorporated a Halloween light show.
#2. Roy’s Christmas Land (Harrison, NY)
These long-time Harrison residents transform their home into a one-of-a-kind holiday display. In addition to thousands of lights and a synchronized soundtrack, the yard is filled with antique holiday decorations – Roy and his family have been using some of the same gingerbread men, candy canes, snowmen and tin soldiers for decades.
#3. New Rochelle Christmas House (New Rochelle, NY)
The New Rochelle Christmas House is a popular go-to every year. The yard is jam-packed with seasonal favorites including tin soldiers, lights, and more. But the real run? See how many snowmen you can spot throughout the display – the number changes every year.
Insider tip: if you have little ones, keep an eye on the Facebook page to see when Santa and his friends make their annual appearance.
#4. Winter Wonderland (Valhalla, NY)
Pile the kids in the car for this 1.2-mile holiday drive-thru display of stunning animated lights. Keep your radio tuned to the synchronized holiday music station as you go through the tunnel and along candy cane lane. You might even see Santa or another favorite holiday character waving to you along the route.
#5. Holiday Electric Lights Parade (Yorktown, NY)
The 11th annual Yorktown Holiday Electric Lights Parade is happening December 3rd. Sign up online to participate in the parade or line up on the sidewalks day of to enjoy the sights and sounds. After watching the festive floats, stick around to see the town’s tree lighting.
#6. Santa’s Village at American Christmas (Mt. Vernon, NY)
Did you know Mt. Vernon is home to a company that specializes in building elaborate holiday displays? In November and December, you can step inside the American Christmas facility for a unique holiday walk-thru experience. The showroom turns into Santa’s Village with animatronics, larger-than-life holiday scenes and over 50,000 glittering lights. Additionally, there is fee parking and proceeds from the tickets go to local nonprofits.
Long Island
#7. Bayville Winter Wonderland (Bayville, NY)
Bayville’s popular amusement park transforms into a festive winter wonderland every November. Spend some time strolling through the park to take in all of the twinkling lights. Little ones have the chance to take a photo with Santa, Frosty or Rudolph. And with a Christmas tree forest, axe throwing, ice skating and rock climbing there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
#8. Shimmering Solstice (Old Westbury, NY)
The Shimmering Solstice has become a beloved tradition for Long Island residents – and this year there’s a new finale on the Westbury House. On November 25, head to the Old Westbury Gardens to immerse yourself in festive fun. As you wander along the paths you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Afterwards, visit the Garden of Appreciation to warm up with some hot chocolate before heading out.
#9. LuminoCity Festival (East Meadow, NY)
Visit Eisenhower Park in East Meadow this holiday season to be amazed by the larger-than-life light displays. LuminoCity relocated from Manhasset this year but will offer the same level of holiday cheer for all ages. This year’s theme is “Pure Magic” and the 17-acre installation includes impressive scenes from fairy tales and holiday stories.
The festival runs through January 8 if you want to save this experience until after the busy holiday season wraps up.
#10. Winter Lantern Festival (Roslyn, NY)
Roslyn’s holiday light display is perfect for chilly winter nights. Make some hot chocolate and spend a festive evening driving through tunnels of twinkling lights at the Nassau County Art Museum. This immersive experience runs from November to early January so you have plenty of time to enjoy the handcrafted lanterns. This year’s display includes aliens, planets and other illuminated outer space items.
Ready to celebrate the season in suburbia? Let’s chat! We’ll help you map out a town tour complete with a few of these festive stops.