As the year draws to a close and a new one begins, Long Island offers a variety of events to usher in the festive season and provide entertainment for residents and visitors alike. Here’s a roundup of some noteworthy happenings.
Ongoing Events
Riverhead Holiday Light Show (Through Dec. 30)
The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County, located at 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton, continues to dazzle with dozens of festive displays. Families can experience the magic by purchasing tickets online at holidaylightshow.com.
Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show (Through Dec. 30)
Celebrating its 20th year, the Girl Scout Holiday Light Show transforms Southaven County Park in Yaphank into a walk-through Enchanted Forest. With 80 illuminated holiday-themed displays, the event offers photos with Santa, picnics with s’mores, music, and games. Tickets are available at gssclightshow.com.
Holiday Illuminations (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Dec. 31)
The Smithtown Historical Society at 239 Main St., Smithtown, presents Holiday Illuminations every weekend from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Explore the beautifully illuminated grounds, with historical buildings brought to life every half hour. Tickets can be purchased online at holidayilluminations2023.com.
Festival of Trees (Dec. 1 – Jan. 2, 2024)
Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson, hosts the Festival of Trees, featuring a month-long extravaganza on the second floor. The event kicks off the holiday shopping season, open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Highlighted Events
Holiday Train Display at Longwood Estate (Dec. 28 – Dec. 31, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Town of Brookhaven’s Longwood Estate in Ridge hosts a Holiday Train Display with an “I Spy” game for visitors to find hidden items in the display. The event is free, offering a delightful experience for families.
Author Talk with Illeana Douglas (Jan. 28, 7 p.m.)
Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington welcomes acclaimed author and actress Illeana Douglas for a discussion of her new book, “Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream House to Dark Suburbia.” The evening includes a screening of the movie “The Swimmer” starring Burt Lancaster. Tickets, including a book signing reception, can be purchased at cinemaartscentre.org.
Native American Drumming (Jan. 28, 7 – 8:45 p.m.)
All Souls Parish House at 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook, hosts an evening of Native American Drumming led by elder drummer Ric Statler. The drumming meditation aims to integrate various aspects of the human self, fostering a state of well-being.
First Day Hikes (Jan. 1 – Various Locations)
Start the new year with outdoor activities at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve and Sunken Meadow State Park. Enjoy a habitat hike at Caumsett and explore Sunken Meadow with breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound.
Community Blood Drive (Jan. 4, 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
Mather Hospital at 75 North County Road, Port Jefferson, hosts a blood drive in Conference Rooms A & B. After the holidays, blood donations are crucial, and donors are encouraged to participate.
Film and Theater Highlights
“Con Air” Screening (Dec. 29, 9:30 p.m.)
Cinema Arts Centre presents a screening of “Con Air,” featuring Nicolas Cage, in a Cage Match event. The film showcases an action-packed midair hijacking. Tickets are available at cinemaartscentre.org.
“All the President’s Men” Screening (Jan. 4, 7:30 p.m.)
Cinema Arts Centre presents a screening of “All the President’s Men,” based on the Watergate scandal. The event, hosted by Wallace Matthews, offers insights into the film and its historical context.
“A Christmas Carol” at Theatre Three (Through Dec. 30)
Theatre Three in Port Jefferson continues its 38th annual production of “A Christmas Carol.” Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a transformative journey, experiencing the joy and spirit of the holiday season.
“Beauty and the Beast” at Engeman Theater (Through Jan. 7)
The timeless story of Belle and the Beast comes to life at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport. Witness the enchanting tale of love and transformation. Tickets are available at engemantheater.com.
These events offer a diverse range of experiences to suit various interests, providing opportunities for entertainment, outdoor activities, and cultural enrichment as Long Island bids farewell to 2023 and welcomes the new year.
