Safe Covid Friendly Long Island Christmas Events

It seems that New York is just about at the peak of its second wave of the coronavirus/covid-19 pandemic. Although the vaccine distribution process has begun, Christmas of 2020 is going to be on par with the rest of the year. This shouldn’t affect Christmas too much, as it really is a time for families to spend time together at home; and online shopping has made it easy for holiday gifts to be purchased without adding unnecessary risk (hopefully with on-time shipping).

That being said, families with kids might be disappointed that they can’t participate in typical holiday events. The weeks leading up to Christmas are also an exciting time for many. For those who are still looking for holiday events on Long Island, while still being safe amidst the pandemic, here are some socially distant events families can enjoy.

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show is the East End’s newest seasonal tradition. Visitors enjoy an incredible drive through more than 1 1/2 miles of holiday light displays. The show is about 20-25 minutes long. You can purchase tickets for $23/car in advance or $25/car at the gate. The show runs until December 30th at weekdays and Sundays from 5pm-9pm or Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm-11pm. You can purchase tickets here.

Bayville Winter Wonderland

Long Island’s winter holiday park is back for another year. Enjoy a ton of over-the-top holiday fun, including Santa’s Toy Factory Funhouse, a holiday train ride, an ice skating rink, rock climbing, character meet and greets, holiday stories, build-a-bear experiences, ax throwing, and more. Runs: Nov. 27, 28, 29, Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 and 26- Jan. 1. Fridays 6-10pm, Saturdays 3-10pm and Sundays 3-9pm. ​Miniature golf and ropes course are available, weather permitting. Add a magical Santa experience for $15 per family (up to 6 people). More information can be found at their website.

Ginger Bells at Adventureland

Decorate a gingerbread mansion and enjoy a hot meal during this holiday event at Adventureland. Once you’re done, enjoy four spins on the ride of your choice, including the Christmas Carousel, Holiday Train, NYC Race, or Helicopters. Additionally, Santa will be posing for socially distanced photos. From Dec 5 to the 19th, Ginger Bell Session A will run from 10:30am-1:00pm and Ginger Bell Session B will be from 2:00pm-4:30pm. Tickets are going for $49.99 and can be purchased here.

Jones Beach Magic of Lights Show

The Magic of Lights drive-thru spectacular returns to Jones Beach and Nassau County’s South Shore this holiday season. The display is stacked with new themed LED lighting displays and digital animations, plus plenty of returning favorites. A special feature of the 2020 Magic of Lights at Jones Beach is the all-new illuminating mega tree spectacular. 

The Magic of Lights runs Sunday-Thursday, 5-10pm; Friday and Saturday 5-11pm. Tickets purchased online can be redeemed for any show date.

Breakfast with Santa

Mrs. Claus whips up a secret menu for this extra special brunch, where families can indulge in breakfast treats and enjoy a safe and socially distant visit with Santa Claus himself. After breakfast, explore the Christmas Village, stuff a bear, and get a jump on your holiday shopping.

Walk around Santa’s Christmas Village and Workshop and partake in stuff-a-bear, letters to Santa, and holiday shopping. Reservations are required and seating times are at 9am, 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am and 12pm. Socially distanced photos with Santa available. The event will be at the Milleridge Inn in Jericho. Adults $42.95, Children ages 3-12 are $29.95, under age 2 is free.

About the Author


Steven Palermo is the managing partner for Palermo Law, Long Island’s Personal Injury Law Firm. He has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 21 years. He focuses on cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and slip and fall injuries.

His book The Ultimate Guide to Handling New York Car Accident Claims details the ins and outs of a car accident claim in a simple, easy-to-read manner.