Make some hot cocoa, pack up the car, and head to the ‘burbs for some of the best holiday light displays around.
LONG ISLAND SUBURBS
#1. Holiday Drive-Thru Experience at Babylon Town Hall (Babylon)
Babylon residents kick off the holiday season with the annual Town Hall drive-thru experience. The building and grounds are decked out in glowing lights that spark plenty of cheer. Kids can even drop off their letters to Santa here.
Last year’s event was extremely popular with locals — so popular that the town extended the event this season. Join in on this free fun for all beginning December 1— and be sure to bring canned goods. Every item collected goes to local families in need.
#2. Bayville Winter Wonderland (Bayville)
This holiday-themed amusement park offers plenty of fun for everyone. From ice skating to rock climbing to mini-golf, there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy. And this is the perfect place for winter photo-ops. If you still need to make your holiday card or just want to capture a seasonal Insta shot, take the kids to meet Santa or on a photo-worthy stroll through the Christmas tree forest.
#3. Christmas House Long Island (Westbury)
Year after year the Christmas House draws families from across Long Island and beyond. This immersive walk-thru attraction features 12 rooms of intricately decorated rooms. Bring the whole group for a 45-minute stroll through festively-themed rooms — and keep an eye out for Buddy the Elf. After, make your way to the Sweets Wonderland to share a delicious holiday treat.
#4. Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens (Old Westbury)
Take an unforgettable evening walk through the Old Westbury Gardens and take in the one-of-a-kind light display. The paths are illuminated with sparkling, festive bulbs designed exclusively for Old Westbury Gardens by an internationally-renowned design group.
Wrap your walk with a seasonal snack served onsite (Is there anything more festive than warming up with a hot chocolate post-holiday light show? We didn’t think so either…). Pro tip: make sure to purchase tickets in advance for this year’s event.
#5. LuminoCity Festival (Manhasset)
Every season this 12-acre park is transformed into a holiday festival for all ages. Explore the grounds and take in the incredible illuminated sculptures and challenge your kids to see how many different characters they can spot as they wander through the festive forest.
Holiday schedule filling up fast? LuminoCity runs through January 9, so you can enjoy the holidays even into the new year.
#6. NYC Lantern Festival (Roslyn)
This drive-thru event is a great option when the temperature really drops. Everyone will enjoy riding through this memory-making event at the Nassau County Art Museum — all from the comfort of your car. This year’s theme is “A Bug’s Night” and you’ll pass tons of vibrant larger-than-life flowers and insect-shaped lanterns along the path.
If you’re planning to check out the lantern festival be sure to sign up for the event newsletter first to score a discount code — and book your ticket in advance. Prices are per car.
WESTCHESTER SUBURBS
#7. Lights on Jenkins Court (Ossining)
In recent years, this Westchester home has created their own holiday tradition: an incredible lighting display on their property, open to friends, neighbors, and local visitors all season long. They’ve even synchronized their lighting display to 90.5 FM (have Star Wars or Frozen fans in your crew? They’ll love this year’s soundtrack…)
#8. Roy’s Christmas Land (Harrison)
Bring the crew to this Harrison house for a blast from Christmases past. For more than four decades, Roy has transformed his house into a holiday wonderland complete with blinking lights and vintage decorations. You’ll even hear classic carols from Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, and other crooners playing as you admire the decor.
#9. Christmas on Hill Street (New Rochelle)
Decked-out houses are sprinkled all over Westchester and you’ll find another impressive display in New Rochelle. Put on some holiday music and drive past 96 Hill Street to see one of the most festive houses around. The homeowners are full of cheer, they’ve been doing their display for almost 30 years after all. Get the kids to guess how many lights they see (answer: there are more than 12,000 LEDs).
#10. Winter Wonderland (Valhalla)
On chilly winter nights, pack some blanks and treats and bring the family to Westchester’s Winter Wonderland. This drive-thru event lets you take in all of the holiday cheer from the warmth of your car.
Turn the radio to the holiday music station as you drive under a tunnel of lights. Keep your eyes out for all of the festive fun outside of the windows. You’ll drive past an elf playground, a candy cane lane and so much more during your 1.2-mile journey.
#11. Holiday Electric Light Parade (Yorktown)
Everyone is welcome to take part in Yorktown’s annual holiday parade. For the 10th year in a row, seasonal floats will travel down Front Street to delight both kids and adults. This beloved community event ends with a visit from Santa and the town’s tree lighting.
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