Christmas lights on Long Island
The public places to see Christmas lights on Long Island mostly come in two kinds: big light shows that run for weeks, and tree lightings that last one evening. This guide lists 10 of them across Nassau and Suffolk: drive-through light shows you watch from your own car, a walk along a woodland trail of light displays, a holiday light festival of lantern displays, candlelight evenings in a historic village, and community tree lightings, some with music or a visit from Santa.
Checked October 2026
The dates shown are for this season, and we rebuild this guide each fall as organizers post their plans. Events that have already happened move to the bottom of the page, marked Ended. The four light shows and Candlelight Evenings charge admission, so check each organizer's page for current prices. A tree lighting listing that shows no price may still charge, so confirm with the organizer before you go. Tap any event for its dates and details. This guide covers public displays and events only, and we do not list private homes. For more to do this season, our free family events guide keeps a running list across the Island.
Dec 4–Dec 20 (Fridays and Saturdays 5-9 pm; Sundays 5-8 pm)
Dec 18–Dec 27 (December 18-23 and December 26-27, 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm (last entry 8:15 pm))
Common questions
Where can I see Christmas lights on Long Island?
This guide lists public light shows and tree lightings across Nassau and Suffolk. The light shows run for weeks and include two you drive through and one you walk through on a woodland trail. Candlelight Evenings is a walk through a historic village lit by candles. The tree lightings are single evenings in towns and villages, and some add music or a visit from Santa. Tap any event for its dates and details.
Which Long Island light shows are drive-through?
Two of the shows in this guide are drive-through: Magic of Lights at Jones Beach and the Riverhead Holiday Light Show in Calverton, both of which you watch from your own car. The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show in Bayport is a self-guided walk instead, so dress for the cold.
When are tree lightings on Long Island?
The tree lightings in this guide fall between Thanksgiving weekend and the first week of December, in the late afternoon or evening. Each one is a single event, so tap a listing for its date and check the organizer's page for the schedule and any weather changes.
How much do the light shows cost?
LuminoCity, Magic of Lights at Jones Beach, the Riverhead Holiday Light Show, and the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show all charge admission, and so does Candlelight Evenings. Prices can change during the season, so check each organizer's page before you go. A tree lighting listing that shows no price may still charge, so confirm with the organizer.
Does this guide list decorated houses?
No. This guide covers public light shows and tree lightings run by organizers, towns, and villages. We do not list private homes.
Does this guide list every light show and tree lighting on Long Island?
No. It lists the public displays and tree lightings we have added so far, all from organizers who had posted dates when we built the list. Many others had not posted this season's dates yet, so we update the guide during the season and rebuild it each fall.