Last updated: November 11, 2024
The holidays are in full swing in Centereach! Discover all the festive events with our guide. Whether Centereach is your permanent address or your temporary haven, this guide is your holiday companion.
This season, experience the enchanting LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival, where stunning light displays transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. For a unique celebration, the Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum features vibrant, hand-crafted lanterns that illuminate the farm's picturesque grounds. And the NYBG GLOW at the New York Botanical Gardens is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a brilliant light show that beautifully complements the garden's natural beauty. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Centereach Holiday Light Displays
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
- What to Expect
- Immersive light displays with interactive elements.
- Description
- LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival features over 40 stunning light attractions and interactive elements, creating an immersive experience for all ages. The event includes four captivating themes, dazzling light displays, and interactive activities. Visitors can also enjoy food trucks and holiday gift shops.
- Where
- East Meadow | More Info : LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum
- What to Expect
- Immersive display of hand-crafted lanterns inspired by Chinese folklore.
- Description
- The Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum features over 1500 hand-crafted lanterns, creating an immersive experience across 6 acres of historic farmland. Visitors can explore interactive illuminated tunnels, swings, see-saws, and new features like the Bounce House and Sugar Paintings.
- Where
- Flushing | More Info : Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum
Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo
- What to Expect
- Immersive wildlife-themed light displays and interactive experiences.
- Description
- The Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights features millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns across seven trails, representing nearly 100 animal and plant species. Interactive experiences include LED swings, ocean-themed light panels, and illuminated performers. The event also offers family-friendly entertainment, seasonal treats, and holiday music.
- Where
- Bronx | More Info : Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo
Centereach Holiday Markets and Shopping
17th Annual Miracle on Main Street - Patchogue
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with local shopping and activities.
- Description
- The 17th Annual Miracle on Main Street - Patchogue is a vibrant holiday event featuring festive decorations, holiday shopping, and community activities.
- Where
- Patchogue | More Info : 17th Annual Miracle on Main Street - Patchogue
Centereach Holiday Shows and Entertainment
NYBG GLOW - New York Botanical Gardens
- What to Expect
- G-scale model trains traverse plant-based cityscapes.
- Description
- The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden features G-scale model trains navigating intricate, plant-based replicas of New York City landmarks, creating a vibrant cityscape in the Haupt Conservatory. The event includes both daytime and nighttime displays, with colorful lighting and festive food options.
- Where
- Bronx | More Info : NYBG GLOW - New York Botanical Gardens
27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival
- What to Expect
- Victorian-era themed village with parades and street performances.
- Description
- The 27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson transforms the village into a Victorian-era setting, featuring parades, street plays, artisan demonstrations, and holiday shopping with Dickensian-themed options. Enjoy ice skating, magic shows, and theatrical performances, including a production of "A Christmas Carol."
- Where
- Port Jefferson | More Info : 27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival
The Polar Express & A Visit With Santa - Patchogue Theatre
- What to Expect
- Post-screening meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.
- Description
- Join Patchogue Theatre for a screening of Warner Bros.' The Polar Express, starring Tom Hanks. Following the film, the stage transforms into a Christmas scene where children can meet Santa Claus while grown-ups take photographs. The event concludes with the Village of Patchogue's 61st Annual Christmas Parade starting at 6pm.
- Where
- Patchogue | More Info : The Polar Express & A Visit With Santa - Patchogue Theatre
Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet - Madison Theatre
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with a full symphonic orchestra.
- Description
- Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet at Madison Theatre features international ballet stars and gifted young dancers performing to the extraordinary music of the South Shore Symphony, celebrating its tenth season in the beautiful Madison Theatre at Molloy University.
- Where
- Rockville Centre | More Info : Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet - Madison Theatre
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker ballet, presented by the Diamond Performance Company, features talented student dancers alongside professional dancers in a spellbinding rendition. The production combines artistry, seasoned professionals, and boundless energy, showcasing national championship-winning young dancers. Witness breathtaking performances by Jose Rojas, Julia Patillis, Brigid Le Minez, Alexander Marmolejos Duran, and Nazar Kadykalo. This heartwarming tale weaves a tapestry of cherished memories for both adults and children.
- Where
- Patchogue | More Info : Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Diamond Performance Company Presents: The Nutcracker - Patchogue Theatre
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with Ukrainian folk dancing and a debut by Wrinkle the duck.
- Description
- The Diamond Performance Company presents a spellbinding rendition of 'The Nutcracker' featuring talented student dancers alongside professional dancers, including Jose Rojas from Connecticut Ballet and Julia Patillis from the Joffrey Ballet. This heartwarming tale combines artistry and boundless energy, showcasing ethereal movements and mesmerizing elegance.
- Where
- Patchogue | More Info : Diamond Performance Company Presents: The Nutcracker - Patchogue Theatre
Eglevsky Ballet in The Nutcracker - Tilles Center
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with professional and student dancers.
- Description
- Eglevsky Ballet presents a classic holiday performance of The Nutcracker, featuring the professional company, student dancers from the academy, and guest artists Jeffrey Cirio and Ji Young Chae. Choreographed by Maurice Brandon Curry and accompanied by the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony under the baton of David Bernard, this event showcases a must-see dance experience with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Where
- Brookville | More Info : Eglevsky Ballet in The Nutcracker - Tilles Center
A Celtic Christmas By A Taste of Ireland - Madison Theatre
- What to Expect
- Star-studded performance with award-winning Irish musicians and dancers.
- Description
- A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland features award-winning Irish musicians and dancers delivering a heart-warming performance with traditional Celtic music, heartfelt ballads, and all your favorite carols. Choreographed by multiple National Champion Gaelforce Dance and produced by Brent Pace, this star-studded spectacular combines incredible rhythms and jaw-dropping talent for an unforgettable night of storytelling and Irish charm.
- Where
- Rockville Centre | More Info : A Celtic Christmas By A Taste of Ireland - Madison Theatre
The Brooklyn Nutcracker at Kings Theatre
- What to Expect
- Fuses ballet, hip-hop, and global dance genres to represent Brooklyn's cultural mosaic.
- Description
- The Brooklyn Nutcracker at Kings Theatre is a re-imagined holiday classic that fuses ballet, hip-hop, and global dance genres to create a new family tradition. Culturally immersive, it transforms familiar Nutcracker characters and scenes to represent the heart of Brooklyn's cultural mosaic. The show features a mysterious pop and locking Uncle Drosselmeyer, a daring hip hop battle scene, and a bohemian Mother Ginger, embarking on an enchanting journey from Victorian Flatbush to modern day with detours through notable Brooklyn landmarks.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : The Brooklyn Nutcracker at Kings Theatre
O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi at Queens County Farm Museum
- What to Expect
- Heartwarming adaptation of a classic tale in a historic setting.
- Description
- O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi is a poignant adaptation of the classic tale, set in a historic farmhouse, exploring themes of love and sacrifice.
- Where
- Flushing | More Info : O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi at Queens County Farm Museum
Laurie Berkner: A LIVE Holiday Concert at The Paramount
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday concert with classic and new children's songs.
- Description
- Laurie Berkner brings her iconic children's music to The Paramount with a live holiday concert featuring classic hits and new songs, including some from her latest album. The event promises an energetic and engaging performance perfect for families.
- Where
- Huntington | More Info : Laurie Berkner: A LIVE Holiday Concert at The Paramount
Live Brass Band - Hick's Nurseries
- What to Expect
- Live holiday music performance by a brass band.
- Description
- The Live Brass Band at Hicks Nurseries performs holiday classics, creating a lively atmosphere that gets everyone singing along.
- Where
- Westbury | More Info : Live Brass Band - Hick's Nurseries
Christmas Choir - Hick's Nurseries
- What to Expect
- Shimmering cappella harmonies by the Island Hills Chorus.
- Description
- The Christmas Choir at Hicks Nurseries features the Island Hills Chorus performing cappella holiday music, creating a harmonious atmosphere that resonates with the holiday spirit.
- Where
- Westbury | More Info : Christmas Choir - Hick's Nurseries
Centereach Other Holiday Activities
Historic Holidays at Hallockville
- What to Expect
- Historic holiday traditions in three preserved farmhouses.
- Description
- Step back in time and immerse yourself in North Fork's holiday traditions at Hallockville Museum Farm. Explore three historic residences, including the mid-eighteenth-century Hallock Homestead and the Cichanowicz Farmhouse, which recreates a 1930s Polish Christmas Eve celebration. Enjoy holiday treats baked in an antique wood stove and learn about the evolution of Christmas celebrations in the North Fork.
- Where
- Riverhead | More Info : Historic Holidays at Hallockville
Christmas at Westbury House
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with Santa, cookies, and cider in a historic mansion.
- Description
- Take a self-guided walk through Westbury House, exploring its beautifully decorated period rooms. The gardens are also open, and you can meet Santa, enjoy cookies and cider, making this a delightful holiday celebration for the entire family.
- Where
- Old Westbury | More Info : Christmas at Westbury House
Pictures with Santa - Hicks Nurseries
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa experience with photo opportunities.
- Description
- At Hicks Nurseries, meet Santa in our Seasonal Décor area. Children are welcome to sit on Santa's lap, and you're encouraged to bring your own camera for pictures.
- Where
- Westbury | More Info : Pictures with Santa - Hicks Nurseries
All-New Animated Children’s Story - Hicks Nurseries
- What to Expect
- Interactive animated Christmas story with Santa and his elves.
- Description
- Explore an animated Christmas story featuring Santa, his elves, and friends as they prepare for the big day. The walkthrough includes festive scenes and interactive elements.
- Where
- Westbury | More Info : All-New Animated Children’s Story - Hicks Nurseries
Holiday House Tours - Once Upon a Christmas - Sagtikos Manor
- What to Expect
- Holiday house tour with traditional decorations and gift shopping.
- Description
- Explore the beautifully decorated Sagtikos Manor during the Holiday House Tours - Once Upon a Christmas. Discover traditional holiday decorations and shop for unique gifts in the on-site gift shop.
- Where
- Bay Shore | More Info : Holiday House Tours - Once Upon a Christmas - Sagtikos Manor
Flying Santa Reenactment - Fire Island
- What to Expect
- Historic reenactment of the flying Santa.
- Description
- The Flying Santa Reenactment at Fire Island Lighthouse is a free event where participants relive the historic event with plenty of photo opportunities.
- Where
- Fire Island | More Info : Flying Santa Reenactment - Fire Island
Holiday Wreath Making - Hempstead Lake State Park
- What to Expect
- Decorate wreaths using natural park materials.
- Description
- Join us at Hempstead Lake State Park to decorate holiday wreaths using natural materials. Each household will receive one wreath. This event is a great way to welcome the holiday season with family and friends.
- Where
- Hempstead | More Info : Holiday Wreath Making - Hempstead Lake State Park
Holiday Princess Tea Party - Long Island Aquarium
- What to Expect
- Formal white-glove tea service with princesses.
- Description
- The Holiday Princess Tea Party at the Long Island Aquarium features a formal white-glove tea service in the elegant Sea Star Ballroom, complete with finger sandwiches and sweets. Guests will dance and sing with their favorite princesses, creating unforgettable memories.
- Where
- Riverhead | More Info : Holiday Princess Tea Party - Long Island Aquarium