Long Island Christmas Lights 2026:The Best Displays and How to See Them
From the Jones Beach drive-through to downtown Huntington, Long Island puts on some of the best holiday lights in New York. Here is where to go in 2026 and how to see them without the parking stress.
- 01Magic of Lights at Jones BeachThe biggest show on Long Island returns to Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
- 02Huntington and the North ShoreDowntown Huntington runs a holiday spectacular of lit streets, shop windows and seasonal events from late November into early January in recent seasons.
- 03Nassau County favoritesNassau has several walk-through and family shows each season.
Magic of Lights at Jones Beach
The biggest show on Long Island returns to Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027. It is a drive-through display of LED scenes and animations, open 5 PM to 10 PM Sunday to Thursday and until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, with a holiday village and Santa at the end.
Tickets are sold per car, and weekend evenings in December build long lines on the parkway. A chauffeur handles the queue while your group enjoys the lights from a warm cabin. Check the official Jones Beach page for tickets and any vehicle size rules before you book.
Huntington and the North Shore
Downtown Huntington runs a holiday spectacular of lit streets, shop windows and seasonal events from late November into early January in recent seasons. It is a walking experience, so the best plan is a drop-off in the village, a stroll and dinner, and a pickup at a set time. See our Huntington car service page.
Nassau County favorites
Nassau has several walk-through and family shows each season. In recent years these included LuminoCity holiday light sculptures at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, the Christmas House in Hicksville, the lantern-lit Candlelight Evenings at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, and the Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden in Westbury. Dates change every year, so confirm them before you plan the night.
Suffolk County shows
Out east, recent seasons brought the Riverhead Holiday Light Show with about a mile of displays, the free Town of Islip drive-through lights in East Islip, the Sayville Falls holiday light show and winter garden, and the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County walk-through in Bayport. Combine a Suffolk show with dinner in Riverhead, Bay Shore or Patchogue for a full evening. See our Suffolk County car service.
Neighborhood houses
Some of the most fun displays are private homes that go all out every December. They change every year, so ask your chauffeur or check local Long Island groups for the current favorites. Please stay on the sidewalk and keep noise down: these are family streets.
How to plan a Long Island lights night
Pick one main show and one or two extra stops. Book an early slot on a weekday for the shortest lines, or a time right after opening on weekends. Plan about three to four hours for a show, a second stop and dinner. Hourly service keeps one car and driver with you all evening.
Which vehicle to book
An SUV seats up to six with room for coats and bags. For larger families, friend groups or office outings, a Sprinter van keeps everyone together with standing room, ambient lighting and big windows for the views. See our luxury Sprinter rental page.
Add NYC to the night
Many guests pair Long Island lights with a run into Manhattan or Brooklyn. Our Christmas lights tour covers Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue and Dyker Heights.
Frequently asked questions
When does Magic of Lights at Jones Beach open in 2026?
It runs from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, from 5 PM nightly.
Can a chauffeur drive us through Magic of Lights?
Yes, it is a drive-through. Confirm current vehicle rules for larger vans when you buy tickets.
Do you pick up across Long Island?
Yes. We serve Nassau and Suffolk, from Valley Stream to Montauk, 24/7.
Book Your Ride
2 Responses