Weekends are the best because you get to spend quality time with your kids, whether you are planning a day trip to a family-friendly spot nearby or are looking for things to do that are close to home on Long Island. There’s lots to do in Suffolk County this weekend with your family, from concerts and performances to museum exhibits, shows, crafts activities, seasonal events, parades, and more. You're sure to find something to do that keep the whole family having fun all weekend long. Look no further for ideas and plan your weekend on Long Island with our guide that highlights the best family-friendly events happening in and around Suffolk County, including family fun in Amagansett, Water Mill, Bohemia, Centerport, Cold Spring Harbor, Amityville, Sag Harbor, Southampton, East Islip, Port Jefferson, Huntington, Patchogue, Northport, Smithtown, and Deer Park.
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Natalie Macmaster And Donnell Leahy And Family – A Celtic Family Christmas
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 7pm
WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook
AGES: All
WHAT: Through a mix of both song and dance, the Leahy/MacMaster household will enchant the audience with a lineup of familiar Christmas songs intermingled with classic Celtic songs.
WANT TO GO? $52. 631-632-2787. https://stallercenter.com/.
Santa Brunch At Maxwell's
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Maxwell's, 501 Main St., Islip
AGES: All
WHAT: Have brunch with Santa and take pictures. Reservations suggested.
WANT TO GO? see menu for prices. 631-210-0011. maxwellsny.com.
FREE Disney Junior Holiday Fun
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am-2pm
WHERE: Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station
AGES: Newborn to 5
WHAT: Celebrate the season with family and festive activities inspired by your favorite Disney Junior pals.
WANT TO GO? 516-621-1446. https://simon.com/mall/walt-whitman-shops/stream/disney-junior-holiday-fun-6150168.
Holiday High Tea
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1pm
WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach
AGES: Adult
WHAT: Wear a fabulous hat and bring a teacup to enjoy a holiday high tea party. Registration required.
WANT TO GO? $12 with Westhampton FREE Library Card . 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.
FREE Disney Junior Holiday Fun at The Smith Haven Mall
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-4pm
WHERE: The Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Celebrate the season with family and festive activities inspired by your favorite Disney Junior pals.
WANT TO GO? 631-724-1433. https://simon.com/mall/smith-haven-mall/stream/disney-junior-holiday-fun-6150156.
FREE 17th Annual Reenactment of the Flying Santa
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park parking field 5, Fire Island
AGES: All
WHAT: Relive this historic event with the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society when Santa arrives!
WANT TO GO? 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.
Family Fun with ARTful Adventures: Washed Up Art
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11:15am-1pm
WHERE: Hofstra University Museum of Art, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Create a collage that makes a statement using pictures of washed up objects we use every day. Ages 5-10 with an adult companion.
WANT TO GO? $12; $10 in advance. 516-463-5672. https://hofstra.edu/community/museum/.
Home Alone
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am
WHERE: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington
AGES: All
WHAT: Revisit the holiday hijinks and hilarity with the original blockbuster hit comedy.
WANT TO GO? $12; $7 members; free for kids younger than 12. 631-423-7610. CinemaArtsCentre.org.
FREE Disney Jr. Event
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-4pm
WHERE: Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate with fun activities for the kids, light snacks, music, crafts, and more.
WANT TO GO? 631-724-8066. simon.com/mall/smith-haven-mall.
Santa Visits The Three Village Inn
WHEN: Dec. 7-22, Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30am-2pm
WHERE: Three Village Inn, 150 Main St., Stony Brook
AGES: All
WHAT: Mirabelle Restaurant and Mirabelle Tavern at the Three Village Inn will host Santa, his elves, and strolling carolers for brunch.
WANT TO GO? $38.95; $19.50 ages 9 and younger. 631-751-0555. threevillageinn.com.
Snow Crystals
WHEN: Dec. 11-15, Wednesday, 10am-2pm; Saturday and Sunday, 1-5pm
WHERE: Long Island Explorium, Port Jeff Harbor 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson
AGES: All
WHAT: Visit the Long Island Explorium and explore snowflake science.
WANT TO GO? $5; free for members and children younger than 1. 631-331-3277. https://longislandexplorium.org/.
Christmas at Westbury House
WHEN: Dec. 13-15, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
AGES: All
WHAT: With decorated period rooms, Santa, cookies and cider, this holiday celebration is a must for the entire family.
WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors 62 and older and students with ID; $7 children 7-17; free for members and children 6 and younger. 516-252-3392. oldwestburygardens.org.
A Christmas Carol
WHEN: Dec. 13-15, Friday and Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm
WHERE: Houghton Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport Village
AGES: All
WHAT: Charles Dickens’s tale of redemption and the Christmas season is a timeless classic that has been loved by generations.
WANT TO GO? $20; $15 seniors and students 17 and younger. 631-750-3417. https://theminstrelplayersinc.org/.
Northport Nutcracker Ballet
WHEN: Dec. 14-15, Saturday, 5pm and Sunday, 2pm
WHERE: Northport Middle School, 11 Middleville Road, Northport
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy this full-length Nutcracker with backdrops and scenery set in Northport Village.
WANT TO GO? $30. 855-222-2849. tututix.com/poseyschool.
American Dance Theatre of LI's 'The Nutcracker'
WHEN: Dec. 14 -15, Saturday 7pm; Sunday 1pm
WHERE: John Drew Theater at Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton
AGES: All
WHAT: Witness toys that come to life, a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, flowers that dance, and snowflakes that waltz in this magical story.
WANT TO GO? $30; $25 children and seniors. 631-472-3455. adtli.org.
FREE Holiday Open Houses at Riverhead
WHEN: Dec. 14-15, 11:30am-3pm
WHERE: Railroad Museum of Long Island, 416 Griffing Ave., Riverhead
AGES: All
WHAT: Santa will arrive each day on the H.K. Porter steam locomotive No.1 with refreshments, gifts, and a LIONEL Polar Express Trainset raffle.
WANT TO GO? 631-727-7920. https://rmli.org/event/holiday-open-houses-at-riverhead/.
Frank Ohman's The Nutcracker
WHEN: Dec. 14-15, 12pm and 5pm
WHERE: John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hofstra University, Hempstead Turnpike, Hempstead
AGES: All
WHAT: Create new traditions with your family by coming to see the magic of the Nutcracker.
WANT TO GO? $35-$45. 631-462-0964. ohmanballet.org.
Ohman's New York Dance Theatre 'The Nutcracker'
WHEN: Dec. 14-15, 12pm and 5pm, daily
WHERE: Hofstra University John Cranford Adams Playhouse, 118 Hofstra University, Hempstead
AGES: All
WHAT: A full and festive production ballet with guest artists from leading companies and a cast of 80 children! Performed in the tradition of George Balanchine's New York City Ballet production
WHY WE LOVE IT: This is the largest production of “The Nutcracker” on Long Island!
WANT TO GO? $30-$42. 631-462-6266. https://ohmanballet.org/.
Santa Brunch
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 10am; 12pm; 2pm
WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy a delicious buffet brunch and make a special take-home holiday keepsake.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Don't forget the camera to capture a family photo with Santa!
WANT TO GO? $54.95; $49.95 members; $26.95 ages 3-12; $23.95 ages 3-12 members; $5 ages 2 and younger. 631-208-9200 x426. longislandaquarium.com .
Zumbini Holiday Class
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 10:30am
WHERE: The Nesting Place, 210 Union Blvd., West Islip
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: Take your little one to a special Holiday Zumbini class and you may donate an unwrapped toy or book to be donated to LI Headstart. Ages 0-5. Register online.
WANT TO GO? $20. 914-374-1523. zumbini.com.
Yaphank Historic District Christmas Tour
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 1-5pm
WHERE: Yaphank Historical Society Swezey-Avey House, 19 Mill Road, Yaphank
AGES: All
WHAT: Tour historical homes and enjoy live holiday music and refreshments.
WANT TO GO? $10; free for children 12 and younger. 631-924-4803. https://yaphankhistorical.org/.
Menorah Workshop
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 2-3pm
WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor
AGES: All
WHAT: See historic whale oil lamps, and create a Whale Menorah to light up your home.
WANT TO GO? $12; $6 members. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
FREE Silver Chords' Presents 'Holidays Through The Ages'
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 3pm
WHERE: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Churc , 30 Brooksite Drive #32, Smithtown
AGES: All
WHAT: The Silver Chords’ will sing selections from the Middle Ages to present day.
WANT TO GO? http://thesilverchords.com/.
Breakfast With Santa
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 8am, 10am and 12pm
WHERE: Heritage Center, 633 Mt. Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai
AGES: All
WHAT: A buffet breakfast, a family photo with Santa, and a favor for each child. Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the local food pantry. Reservations required.
WANT TO GO? $20; $16 ages 2-10; free for children younger than 2. 631-509-0882. msheritagetrust.org.
Art with a Partner Inclusion Workshops for Children & Young Adults
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 1-3pm
WHERE: Art League of Long Island, 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: This series will provide each participant and his/her special loved one a precious opportunity to bond together while creating something beautiful. Call to register.
WANT TO GO? $35. 631-462-5400 x222. artleagueli.org.
Gingerbread Paint Event
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 11am-12:30pm
WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: Price includes all supplies, canvas, paint, and step by step instruction. Registration required.
WANT TO GO? $20. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.
Sea Glass Ornament Workshop
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 12-1pm
WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor
AGES: All
WHAT: See 19th-century glass bottles from the museum's collection and design a sea glass ornament.
WANT TO GO? $12; $6 members. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Holiday Light Spectacular
WHEN: Dec. 7-22, Fridays and Saturdays, 5-9pm; Sundays, 5-8pm
WHERE: Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy festive, lighted displays for the holidays during this indoor, walk-through light show.
WANT TO GO? $6; free for children 3 and younger. 631-758-9664. brookhavenny.gov/holiday.
The Polar Express Trolley Ride
WHEN: Through Dec. 23: see website for times
WHERE: The All-Star Bowling Alley, 96 Main Road, Riverhead
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Climb aboard the trolley and journey to the “North Pole” to meet Santa, enjoy hot cocoa, and receive a gift!
WANT TO GO? $57. 631-998-3565. https://northforktrolley.com/PolarExpress.php.
A Christmas Story, the Musical
WHEN: Through Dec. 22: see website for showtimes
WHERE: CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Based on the classic film, A Christmas Story, The Musical, is holiday entertainment that captures a simpler time in America with delicious wit and a heart of gold.
WANT TO GO? $18-$42. 631-218-2810. http://cmpac.com.
FREE Family Movie
WHEN: Dec. 7-26, Dec. 7, 2pm; Dec. 26, 11am and 1:30pm
WHERE: Connetquot Public Library, 760 Ocean Ave., Bohemia
AGES: 5-12, Adult
WHAT: Please join the library for a Family Movie. Parents/caregivers must attend with children 10 years or younger.
WANT TO GO? 631-567-5079. connetquotlibrary.org.
Frosty
WHEN: Through Dec. 27: see website for schedule
WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport
AGES: All
WHAT: Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow.
WANT TO GO? $15. 631-261-2900. engemantheater.com.
A Christmas Carol
WHEN: Through Dec. 28: see website for showtimes
WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Join Theater Three for their 36th annual production of the immortal classic in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit.
WANT TO GO? $20-$35. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.
Barnaby Saves Christmas
WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Saturdays, 11am
WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: As the littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukah, and the holiday season.
WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.
Harry Connick Jr's The Happy Elf
WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30am; Dec. 23 and 27, 10:30am
WHERE: The Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main St., Babylon Village
AGES: All
WHAT: Families will love this festive tale of friendship and believing in yourself!
WANT TO GO? $15. 631-230-3500. argyletheatre.com.
A Christmas Carol
WHEN: Through Dec. 30: see website for showtimes
WHERE: Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
AGES: All
WHAT: See this new version of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” through the art of puppetry.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Victorian-costumed holiday revelers welcome audience members to step back in time as they enter the Theater.
WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission + $9 show ticket; $12 show ticket only; free museum admission for members plus $7 show ticket. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Smith Point Light Show
WHEN: Dec. 1-30, see website for schedule
WHERE: Smith Point Beach, William Floyd Pkwy., Fire Island
AGES: All
WHAT: See the dazzling lights, amazing vignettes and holiday scenes on a 1.5 mile trail.
WANT TO GO? $70 per School Bus, Coach Bus or Trolley; $40 per Mini Bus or RV; $20 per car. 631-543-6622. https://facebook.com/SmithPointLightShow/.
Annie
WHEN: Through Jan. 20: check website or call box office
WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown
AGES: All
WHAT: Based on the popular comic strip, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.”
WANT TO GO? $38; $34 seniors; $25 students. 631-724-3700. smithtownpac.org.
