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We’re in the thick of the holiday season, and as usual Long Island is aglow with festive displays that are sure to bring cheer.
Whether you’re in the mood for a magical drive-thru light show or prefer to stroll through displays lined with glittering decorations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Many of the shows not only offer spectacular visual experiences but also support community causes, giving you even more reason to enjoy the festivities. From neighborhood homes to large-scale attractions, the island has a wide variety of light displays to explore.
So, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and make time to experience these dazzling light shows. To help you get the most out of this holiday season, we’ve rounded up some of the best light displays on Long Island:
Glen Summer Road Christmas Lights
109 Glen Summer Road, Holbrook
The Murphy family’s home at 109 Glen Summer Road in Holbrook has been spreading holiday cheer since 2010 with its stunning light display. The colorful lights are on Sunday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 5-11 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy the festive scene while contributing to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as the family is accepting donations to help grant wishes for children in need. The Glen Summer Road display is among Long Island’s favorite holiday scenes.
Sayville Falls ‘Holiday Light Show and Winter Garden’
30 Hanson Place, Sayville
Sayville Falls Mini Golf transforms into a holiday wonderland with its ‘Holiday Lights Show and Winter Garden.’ The immersive, walk-through experience features thousands of twinkling lights and an array of festive displays spread across the miniature golf course. While mini-golf takes a seasonal pause, the venue offers much more to delight visitors.
In place since late November, the Winter Garden boasts heated, fully furnished igloos (available by reservation), bounce houses, slides, photo ops and shops, among other highlights. Each igloo seats up to eight people and offers the convenience of food and drinks delivered directly to your cozy space.
The lights show is open 5 to 10 p.m. on weeknights and 5 to 11 p.m. on the weekend. The show goes on throughout the holiday season. Tickets for the lights display are $20 and can be purchased online by clicking here.
‘Bay Shore Christmas House’
8 Avon Place, Bay Shore
The ‘Bay Shore Christmas House’ is adorned with dazzling holiday lights and decorations, lighting up the neighborhood each evening from 5 to 11:30 p.m. An attraction that welcomes thousands of visitors annually, the display runs through Jan. 9, offering a festive stop for holiday light enthusiasts.
The homeowner has created the light and decoration display since moving to Bay Shore from Lindenhurst in 2018.
While visiting is free, donations are encouraged to benefit the Marty Lyons Foundation, which fulfills wishes for children with terminal illnesses.
‘Magic of Lights’ at Jones Beach
The ‘Magic of Lights’ drive-through display is open every night through Jan. 4. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The spectacle features over 2 1/2 miles of sparkling lights. The event showcases holiday scenes and characters, using LED technology and digital animations, all enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle.
Tickets purchased in advance online are $30 for weeknight drive-throughs and $35 for weekend nights. The price covers an entire carload.
Guests are encouraged to visit the Holiday Village, where they can sip on hot cocoa and take photos with Santa. There’s also the opportunity to toast marshmallows and make s’mores around a fire pit in the village.
On Dec. 11, you’ll even be able to leave the show with a new pet in tow. Together with the North Shore Animal League, ‘Magic of Lights’ is hosting Puppy Adoption Night. On Tuesdays, you can circle back and drive through the display a second time for free.
A ‘Christmas Vacation’ wonderland
41 Sheryl Crescent, Smithtown
Jason Orsini’s home is a dazzling homage to the holiday classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” With over 25,000 lights illuminating his house and yard, Orsini has painstakingly recreated memorable moments from the film using life-sized props and meticulous attention to detail.
The centerpiece of the display is a full-scale replica of Cousin Eddie’s weathered RV, painted to match the movie’s version. Across the yard, Griswold’s iconic station wagon sits with an oversized Christmas tree strapped to the roof—a tree Orsini dug up from his backyard and a car he sourced and towed from Connecticut.
Other highlights include a life-sized figure of Clark Griswold tangled in Christmas lights and hanging from the roof while animatedly shouting “Help! Help!” Orsini said with a laugh, “One driver passing by thought it was real and almost called the fire department.”
Visitors are encouraged to bring gift donations for Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
Long Island dad brings ‘Christmas Vacation’ to life with epic Griswold tribute
Liberty Street House: A 44-year holiday tradition
119 Liberty St., Deer Park
For generations, the Barbieri brothers, Andrew and Joseph, have been spreading holiday cheer at their Deer Park home, dubbed “Liberty Street House.” The elaborate display features thousands of twinkling lights and animated scenes that have delighted visitors for 44 years and even earned a spotlight on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight.”
The holiday magic kicks off with the season’s first lighting on Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. and continues nightly through New Year’s Day. Visitors are encouraged to make donations, 100% of which benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, blending festive fun with a noble cause.
The Liberty Street House is a must-see for those looking to embrace the joy of the season while giving back.
Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show and Enchanted Forest
Camp Edey
1500 Lakeview Ave., Bayport
For more than two decades, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County have brought holiday magic to life through its holiday light show, which this year is at Camp Edey in Bayport. In the past, it’s been held at Smith Point Park. The walk-through light show — open Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 21 — offers a half-mile trail filled with more than 80 dazzling displays, including over 20 designed by local Girl Scouts.
Guests can enjoy themed photo spots, such as a giant Christmas tree and Santa’s “Chill Zone,” and embrace the festive spirit knowing that their visit supports Girl Scout programs and financial assistance for future leaders.
Tickets are only available online, with no gate sales. Tickets and additional details are available on the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County website.
Riverhead Holiday Light Show
Splish Splash Water Park in Calverton
Suffolk County’s largest holiday light show returns for its 7th season at Splish Splash Water Park in Calverton. The Riverhead Holiday Light Show runs on select dates through Dec. 31, including every weekend, offering visitors a chance to drive through over a mile of dazzling, never-before-seen holiday-themed displays.
Guests can enjoy the festive sights while tuning their radio to a synchronized holiday music performance. The event supports local non-profit organizations, helping them fundraise during the holiday season. Tickets are available online at Holiday Light Show.
Making memories, building traditions
Regardless of which display you choose, each one offers a unique way to celebrate the season. So, bundle up, grab your family or friends, and head out to take in the beauty and magic of Long Island’s holiday lights while the magic is still at hand.
Top photo: 8 Avon Place in Bay Shore (Facebook).
