Santa events on Long Island
On Long Island, Santa turns up at malls, farms, restaurants, museums, and village tree lightings. This guide lists 60 public Santa events across Nassau and Suffolk, soonest first, including photos, breakfasts and brunches, open houses, a stage show, and arrivals by fire truck, helicopter, and plane. Most of the meals are by ticket or reservation, so book ahead.
Checked November 2026
Nov 13–Dec 27 (November 13 to December 27, Wed-Sun; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and Day)
$35 ages 3 and up, under 3 free, plus taxes and fees; bundles and a season pass available; Santa and every digital photo included
Worth knowingA walk-through of twenty thousand square feet of themed Christmas rooms at Tanger Outlets Deer Park, where admission includes meeting Santa and every digital photo.
Sat Nov 14 · 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Free admission
Worth knowingAn indoor holiday boutique with local vendors, raffles, Greek sweets, and a Santa visit with photos. Proceeds go to the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children's Hospital.
Nov 20–Dec 24 (Daily, November 20 to December 24, closed Thanksgiving; hours change through the season, see the mall's page)
Visits are free; photo packages are for sale; walk-ins welcome, reservations available
Worth knowingVisit Santa on Level 1 near Aeropostale at Green Acres in Valley Stream. A visit is free and photo packages are for sale.
Nov 20–Dec 24 (November 20 to December 24; hours and reservations on the mall's booking page)
Worth knowingSanta photos at South Shore Mall in Bay Shore. Check the mall's booking page for hours and reservations.
Worth knowingA drive-through holiday lights show at Jones Beach whose page lists Santa photos in its Holiday Village after the drive; visitors' reviews on that page mention hot cocoa and roasted marshmallows. Ask which nights Santa is there before you go.
Sun Nov 22 (Parade 5 pm; boats on display for People's Choice voting Sat Nov 21, 5-9 pm)
Worth knowingThe Patchogue River Christmas Boat Parade: at 5 pm the boats are lit up on Patchogue Bay and parade up the river, with an appearance by Santa. Public viewing is free at Sandspit Park and the FINS Watch Hill terminal.
Nov 27–Dec 20 (November 27-29 and December 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20; seatings from 9 am)
Adults $45.99, children $25.99, under 2 free; includes farm admission and a family photo with Santa
Worth knowingA hot buffet brunch with Santa during Brightwaters Farm's Christmas Extravaganza. The price includes farm admission and a family photo with Santa.
Nov 27–Dec 23 (Daily, November 27 to December 23. Weekdays 1-4 pm and 5-8 pm; weekends and November 27, 10 am-1 pm and 2-6 pm)
Free; bring your own camera
Worth knowingFree pictures with Santa in the Seasonal Decor area at Hicks Nurseries. Bring your own camera.
Nov 27–Dec 23 (Select dates: Nov 27-29; Dec 3-6, 10-13 and 17-23; timed departures, book ahead)
Worth knowingA theatrical one-hour Polar Express excursion by trolley from Scott's Pointe in Calverton, with hot chocolate, a cookie, and a visit with Santa, who hands out a silver sleigh bell. Tickets are sold by date and departure time.
Worth knowingThe annual tree lighting in Thomas Park in Locust Valley, with Santa's arrival at 6 pm, giant inflatables, music, and hot cider, hot cocoa, and cookies.
Worth knowingA traditional German Christmas market at Plattduetsche Park with crafts, wreaths, and imported goods, where families can meet Santa and listen to carolers. Admission is free, and the activities for kids have a nominal fee.
Worth knowingPort Holiday Magic opens on Small Business Saturday in Port Washington, with Santa riding the fire truck at noon. From 11 am to 3 pm, live performances and costumed characters visit Main Street businesses, with a free trolley.
Sat Nov 28 · 11:00 am–2:00 pm
$65 per adult plus fees (ages 13+); kids 12 and under free with a paying adult; every guest needs a ticket
Worth knowingA brunch with Santa to mark the soft opening of My Town's Cafe's new Port Jefferson location. Choose a time slot when booking.
Sat Nov 28 · 5:30 pm–8:30 pm
$14 members, $16 non-members, adults and children
Worth knowingAn evening of holiday activities and seasonal music at the Long Island Children's Museum, with surprise visits from Santa and jolly friends.
Nov 28–Dec 30 (November 28 to December 30; the December 26 3 pm show is sensory sensitive)
Worth knowingA stage show, not a visit: a family sing-along starring Santa and his musical friends at the CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale. The December 26 3 pm show is sensory sensitive.
Sun Nov 29 · 11:00 am–6:30 pm (11 am-3 pm, with evening hours 4:30-6:30 pm)
Free; includes a high-resolution digital photo
Worth knowingFamily photos with Santa, hosted by Contour Mortgage and Hartford Homes and Estates. Everyone receives a free high-resolution digital photo.
Thu Dec 3 · 5:00 pm–6:00 pm
Free; no registration required
Worth knowingSanta arrives on an East Farmingdale fire truck for the store's tree lighting, with a performance by the Woodward Parkway Elementary School chorus, photos with Santa, and complimentary refreshments.
Fri Dec 4 (6-10 pm; tree lighting at 7 pm)
Slight fee for carriage rides and trolley rides
Worth knowingThe annual Christmas tree lighting in Bellmore, with a visit from Santa, holiday music, carriage rides, and trolley rides through the community. The carriage rides, trolley rides, and refreshments carry a slight fee.
Worth knowingA night in Babylon Village with photos with Santa and his elves, carousel rides, Disney princesses, and the Grinch running around. We have no street address or map pin for it, so check with the Babylon Chamber before you go.
Dec 4–Dec 6 (Fri Dec 4, 5-7 pm (Good Night Santa); Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6, 10 am-3 pm)
Worth knowingSanta on the Farm weekend at Long Island Game Farm: Good Night Santa, a pajama party with photo ops with Santa, on Friday evening, then holiday crafts, photos with Santa, and visits with the farm's animals on Saturday and Sunday.
Dec 4–Jan 3 (Fri 6-10 pm, Sat 4-10 pm, Sun 4-9 pm (Dec 4-20); daily Dec 26-Jan 3 from 4 pm (Dec 26 to 10 pm; Dec 31 and Jan 3 to 8 pm; other days to 9 pm); closed Dec 7-10, 14-17 and 21-25)
Worth knowingBayville Adventure Park as a winter wonderland park, where a Magical Santa Experience with a meeting and a photo with Santa is sold as a per-family add-on to the ticket. Light displays, ice skating, and train rides are included; its attractions page says extra photographs cost more. Ask which nights Santa is there.
Worth knowingThe Village of Amityville's tree lighting at the Village Triangle, with holiday music, dance, and a visit from Santa.
Sat Dec 5 (Street fair 11 am to 4 pm; tree lighting and Santa visit 5 to 7 pm)
Worth knowingThe Rocky Point-Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce's WinterFest on Broadway: an outdoor street fair from 11 am to 4 pm, then the tree lighting and a Santa visit from 5 to 7 pm, with free hot cocoa. The weather date is Sunday, December 6.
Worth knowingThe second Saturday of Port Holiday Magic in Port Washington: meet Santa from 12 to 2 pm at the Landmark Gym on Main Street, with free photos with Santa and live performances, and Santa's Magical Village from 11 am to 2 pm. Trolley rides are free.
Worth knowingSanta and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck and lead a countdown to light the train car and tree at Train Car Park, with local musicians, dance studios, and cheerleaders performing on the train car stage.
Worth knowingSanta arrives by helicopter at 11 am, followed by a Santa Parade at noon, free professional photos at Santa's Workshop in Millstone Park, and a tree and menorah lighting at 5 pm.
Sat Dec 5 · 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
Free admission; rain or shine
Worth knowingA tree lighting at The Shoppes at East Wind with live entertainment, carousel rides, and a Santa mailbox. Santa arrives at 4 pm for photos, so bring your camera for a free one.
Dec 5–Dec 6 (December 5 and 6, 11:30 am-3 pm)
Worth knowingAn open house with Santa at the Railroad Museum of Long Island's Riverhead site.
Dec 5–Dec 20 (December 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20; last admission 3 pm)
$22 adults, $20 seniors and students, $12 ages 7-17, free 6 and under and members
Worth knowingWestbury House decorated in period style for the holidays, with a special visit from Santa. Ask Old Westbury Gardens which days Santa is there before you go.
Dec 5–Dec 20 (Weekends, December 5 to 20, 11 am-5 pm; photos start later on December 12 and 13)
Worth knowingComplimentary photos with Santa on December weekends at Stew Leonard's in East Meadow.
Dec 5–Dec 20 (Weekends, December 5 to 20, 11 am-5 pm; photos start later on December 12 and 13)
Worth knowingComplimentary photos with Santa on December weekends at Stew Leonard's in Farmingdale.
Dec 5–Dec 20 (Weekends in December, 12-4 pm)
Included with Winter Wonderland entrance, $20 per person, children 2 and under free
Worth knowingPhotos with Santa at Waterdrinker Family Farm's Winter Wonderland, included with the entrance fee. The farm says weekends in December and that times may change slightly with the weather, so confirm the last weekend with the farm before you go.
Worth knowingGarden City's annual Village Christmas Tree Lighting on the Village Green, with holiday music, performances, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa.
Sun Dec 6 · 9:00 am–11:00 am
From $42.57 on Eventbrite
Worth knowingA pajama-party breakfast with Santa at The Royal Palm. Families are invited to come in their coziest PJs.
Sun Dec 6 · 10:00 am (Seatings from 10 am to 2:30 pm, each 90 minutes)
Tickets include tax and gratuity; buy on Eventbrite or call or text 516-287-0577
Worth knowingBeachside brunch with Santa at Gatsby on the Ocean, where Santa and his elf meet families, pose for photos, and give each child a gift. The organizer says it sells out every year.
Sun Dec 6 · 10:00 am–3:00 pm
$40-$52 on Eventbrite
Worth knowingBuild a gingerbread house with Santa and enjoy brunch at Avianna's Carriage House in Melville.
Worth knowingA sensory-friendly Santa experience at Green Acres, hosted with Autism Speaks and local support groups.
Sun Dec 6 · 4:30 pm–6:00 pm
Book through OpenTable on the restaurant's page
Worth knowingDinner with Santa at Beginnings restaurant in Atlantic Beach.
Sun Dec 6 (Sundays, December 6 and 13, 10-11 am)
Adults $70, kids 3-12 $55, under 3 free
Worth knowingBreakfast with Santa at the Neiman Marcus restaurant at Roosevelt Field, on two Sunday mornings. Each Sunday has its own Eventbrite page.
Sun Dec 6 (Sundays, December 6, 13 and 20; seating begins at 10:45 am)
Adults $54.95, children 5-10 $24.95, under 5 free, plus tax; reservations recommended, 631-471-6609
Worth knowingA holiday brunch buffet with omelette, carving, and pasta stations and desserts, plus Santa's Elves Station for kids, on three December Sundays at Villa Lombardi's in Holbrook.
Worth knowingThe Levittown Chamber of Commerce's annual tree lighting at Veterans Memorial Park, in front of the Levittown Public Library, with entertainment and a visit from Santa. Canned food donations for neighbors in need are welcome.
Worth knowingA reenactment of the Flying Santa at the Fire Island Lighthouse, when Santa arrives at the lighthouse by plane. The lighthouse says to come early and dress for the weather.
Worth knowingSag Harbor welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus to Long Wharf. Mrs. Claus gets a ride down Main Street courtesy of the Sag Harbor Fire Department, with visits and photo ops in the Windmill from 1 to 3 pm.
Worth knowingAn all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet with photos with Santa, face painting, balloon artists, and holiday music.
Sat Dec 12 · 6:00 pm–8:00 pm
$24 per child, $26 per adult, 20% member discount; pre-registration required
Worth knowingAn evening at Westbury House with a self-guided tour of the decorated mansion, a Christmas scavenger hunt, and crafts. Meet Santa, share a wish list, and take a photo, with cookies and cider on the West Porch.
Dec 12–Dec 13 (December 12 and 13; seatings at 9 am and 11 am)
$19.99 ages 12 and up, $17.99 under 12, free under 2; tickets on Eventbrite from November 1
Worth knowingA brunch with Santa and Wow the Cow, with a photo with Santa for every child. Seating is limited and tickets must be bought in advance. Its listing links to the store's announcement, which says tickets are sold on Eventbrite.
Dec 12–Dec 13 (December 12 and 13; seating at 10 am)
$19.99 ages 12 and up, $17.99 under 12, free under 2; tickets on Eventbrite from November 1
Worth knowingA brunch with Santa and Wow the Cow, with a photo with Santa for every child. Seating is limited and tickets must be bought in advance.
Dec 12–Dec 13 (December 12 and 13, 10:30 am-2 pm)
Worth knowingAn open house with Santa at the Railroad Museum of Long Island's Greenport site.
Dec 12–Dec 13 (December 12 at 11:30 am; December 13 at 9 am and 11:30 am; each seating runs 90 minutes)
Adults $72, children 3-12 $43, including tax and service; under 3 free but must be registered; free cancellation until 12/7/26
Worth knowingBreakfast with Santa in The Roslyn's ballroom, at round banquet tables that may be shared with other families.
Dec 12–Dec 20 (December 12, 13, 19 and 20; reservations from 10 am to 2 pm)
Adults $55, children 10 and under $30, plus tax and 20% gratuity; beverages not included
Worth knowingA brunch with a visit with Santa at Mirabelle Tavern in Stony Brook, on two December weekends.
Sun Dec 13 · 9:00 am (Seatings at 9 or 9:30 am, 11 or 11:30 am, and 1 or 1:30 pm)
Kids $25, adults $48, plus tax and gratuity; reservations required, 516-799-5200, credit card held
Worth knowingA family breakfast buffet with pancakes and a photo with Santa at Bar Grazie in Massapequa Park.
Sun Dec 13 · 10:00 am–1:00 pm
Reservations required; the restaurant says it usually sells out
Worth knowingBreakfast with Santa at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square. Reservations are required and the restaurant says the event usually sells out.
Sun Dec 13 · 10:00 am (Seatings begin at 10 am and run until 5 pm, each about 90 minutes)
Tickets include tax and gratuity
Worth knowingBrunch with Santa at Pearl, the restaurant at Danfords Hotel & Marina in Port Jefferson, with seatings through the day.
Sun Dec 13 · 10:00 am (Seatings at 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm)
Adults $78, children 3-12 $42, 2 and under $10.35 plus fees as listed; members save 10%; reservations required, 631-208-9200 ext. 426
Worth knowingBrunch with Santa in the Long Island Aquarium's Sea Star Ballroom, with seatings at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm. The ticket includes all-day aquarium admission.
Sun Dec 13 · 11:30 am–4:30 pm (Two sessions, 11:30 am-1:30 pm and 2:30-4:30 pm)
$45 per house, add 3 cookies for $15; reservation and payment due by December 2; closes at 400 houses
Worth knowingDecorate a gingerbread house at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, have your picture taken with Santa, and mail your letter to Santa.
Sun Dec 13 (Sundays, December 13 and December 20; seating from 10 am, brunch served until 3 pm)
Adults $52, children 3-11 $32, under 2 free; reservations required
Worth knowingA brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Windows on the Lake, on two December Sundays, with a maximum 2-hour seating time.
Dec 19–Dec 20 (December 19 and 20; reservation times 10:30 am and 1:30 pm)
Adults $75, children $35, plus tax and gratuity; book through OpenTable
Worth knowingA brunch buffet with Santa at Harbor Club at Prime in Huntington, with food stations and a kid-friendly buffet. Reservation times are 10:30 am and 1:30 pm on both days.
Dec 19–Dec 20 (December 19 and 20; sessions 9:30 am-12:30 pm and 1-4 pm)
From November 2: general admission $25, children 4-12 $15, under 3 free
Worth knowingA holiday visit to the Main House at Planting Fields. Santa joins, and children can share their wishes and take photos.
Sun Dec 20 · 8:00 am–1:00 pm
$55 per adult, $25 per child under 12; book through Resy
Worth knowingA prix fixe holiday breakfast at The Hampton Maid, with Santa visiting from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and a gift for every child. A portion of the proceeds benefits Heart of the Hamptons.
Sun Dec 20 · 4:45 pm–6:30 pm
Book through OpenTable on the restaurant's page
Worth knowingDinner with Santa at Beginnings restaurant in Atlantic Beach.
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What to know
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 end of the list, marked Ended. At a long run or a festival, Santa may not be there every day or every hour, so check with the organizer before you promise anyone a visit. Some events here are free and many charge. Treat any price on a card as a starting point, and know that a listing with no price may still charge, so confirm with the organizer before you go. Tap any event for its dates and details. For more light shows and tree lightings, see our Christmas lights guide.
Common questions
Where can kids see Santa on Long Island?
Several events in this guide run for weeks: ChristmasLand at Tanger Outlets Deer Park, Green Acres in Valley Stream, South Shore Mall in Bay Shore, and Hicks Nurseries in Westbury all start in November and run into late December. Others last a day or a weekend, including open houses at the Railroad Museum of Long Island in Riverhead and Greenport, tree lightings, and arrivals such as SantaFest in East Hampton, where Santa comes by helicopter, and the Flying Santa at the Fire Island Lighthouse, where he comes by plane.
Where can we get free photos with Santa on Long Island?
Several events in this guide say the photos are free: Hicks Nurseries in Westbury and the tree lighting at The Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River, where you bring your own camera; Stew Leonard's in East Meadow and Farmingdale on December weekends; Family Photos with Santa in Rocky Point; SantaFest in East Hampton; and Port Holiday Magic in Port Washington on December 5. A visit at Green Acres is free, with photo packages for sale. Confirm with the organizer before you go.
Where can we have breakfast or brunch with Santa on Long Island?
This guide lists breakfasts and brunches across both counties, and a few come with extras. The Santa Brunch at Long Island Aquarium includes all-day aquarium admission, Brightwaters Farm's brunch includes farm admission and a family photo with Santa, and Stew Leonard's brunches in East Meadow and Farmingdale add Wow the Cow. Most are by ticket or reservation. Gatsby on the Ocean's organizer says its brunch sells out every year, and Plattduetsche Park says its breakfast usually sells out, so book ahead.
Is there a sensory-friendly Santa on Long Island?
This guide has two: Santa Cares at Green Acres in Valley Stream on December 6, a sensory-friendly Santa experience hosted with Autism Speaks and local support groups, and the 3 pm Sing-A-Long Santa stage show on December 26 at the CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale, which is sensory sensitive.
How much do Santa events cost on Long Island?
It depends on the event. Some visits in this guide are free. Expect to pay for the breakfasts and brunches and for ticketed events such as ChristmasLand, The Polar Express Trolley Ride, and Sing-A-Long Santa. Where we have a price, it is on the event's card. Prices change, so confirm with the organizer before you go.
Does this guide list every Santa event on Long Island?
No. It is a list of public Santa events we have added so far this season, not every one, and organizers keep posting new ones. Events that have already happened move to the end of the list, and we rebuild the list each fall.