1. Countdown to 12
When: Sunday, December 31st at 12 PM
Where: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY
Families across Long Island will be ringing in 2024 at Long Island Children’s Museum’s (LICM) annual “Noon” Year’s Eve celebration, “Countdown to 12!”. Sponsored by Bank of America, the annual family-friendly event invites visitors to take part in all the traditional elements of the holiday, including confetti-filled ball drops on a schedule designed for children… and exhausted parents. This year’s theme, “Let Your Light Shine in 2024”, is inspired by the lighthouse symbol in the Museum’s logo and continues LICM’s celebration of 30 years of community impact. The day’s celebration starts and ends with Times Square-style ball drops (noon and 4 p.m.). In between the opening and closing ball drops, families will make themed crafts and enjoy a DJ-led dance party.
2. December Break Family Activities
When: Dec 28, 2023 through Jan 01, 2024 (daily)
Where: Cradle Of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, NY
Embark on an exhilarating adventure this December Break as we invite you to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and discovery! Join us for an exciting event featuring arcade-inspired origami characters, where you can craft iconic Japanese gaming symbols such as Pac-Man and Super Mario Brothers. Our guided drop-in activity ensures that participants of all skill levels can unleash their artistic potential. But that’s not all – delve into the captivating realm of gravity with our Microgravity Craft and Demonstrations. Witness live demonstrations that unveil the secrets of space’s impact on the human body, and engage in a hands-on experience by crafting your very own gravity-defying experiment in our make-and-take activity. Best of all, these incredible activities come at no extra cost with your museum admission. So, gather your friends and family for a day filled with creativity, exploration, and fun. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to blend the world of arcade-inspired origami with the fascinating mysteries of gravity. See you there!
3. Dinosaur Carnival
When: December 30 – 31, 2023
Where: The Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL), 1450 Tanglewood Rd, Rockville Centre, NY
Step right into the prehistoric excitement at our 2nd annual Dinosaur Carnival! Join us for a day filled with laughter, games, and adventure as we bring the fascinating world of dinosaurs to life. This year, the carnival is bigger and better than ever, featuring an array of thrilling activities such as games, fantastic prizes, and delightful face painting for the little ones. Be prepared for the possibility of encountering roaming dinosaurs that may just stroll by, adding an extra layer of excitement to your experience. Best of all, the Dinosaur Carnival is completely free with museum admission, making it an affordable and entertaining outing for the whole family. No need to worry about reservations – simply grab your tickets at the door and get ready for a roaring good time! Don’t miss out on the dino-mite fun at the Dinosaur Carnival – where laughter and discovery collide!
4. LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival
When: Every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through January 07
Where: Eisenhower Park, 1899 Park Blvd, East Meadow, NY
Embark on a enchanting adventure as the BEST holiday extravaganza, in collaboration with Nassau County Parks, makes a triumphant return to illuminate Eisenhower Park! The 2023 edition unfolds under the mesmerizing theme of ‘Wonder Journey,’ promising to weave an enchanting tapestry of 53 immersive experiences that celebrate the spirit of the holiday season and beyond. Nestled within the heart of the park, this magical festival invites families and friends to partake in a myriad of captivating moments that will undoubtedly create cherished and unforgettable memories. Join us in the splendor of the season, where the glow of holiday lights meets the joyous laughter of loved ones, as Eisenhower Park transforms into a dazzling wonderland of festive delight.
5. New Year’s Eve at Insignia
When: Sunday, December 31st
Where: Insignia Steakhouse, 610 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown, NY
Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at Insignia Prime Steak & Sushi as we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024 in style! Indulge in a culinary experience with our exquisite a la carte dinner menu, showcasing the finest cuts of prime steak and sushi crafted by our talented chefs. Elevate your dining experience with exclusive chef’s specials that promise to tantalize your taste buds. As the night unfolds, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with DJ entertainment, setting the perfect backdrop for dancing and revelry that will last well into the new year. Make your reservation now and toast to new beginnings at Insignia Prime Steak & Sushi – where exceptional dining meets electrifying entertainment!
6. New Year’s Eve Gala
When: Sunday, December 31st at 8 PM
Where: The Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station, NY
Step into the enchanting atmosphere of the Meadow Club and ring in the New Year with style at our highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Gala! Taking place on Sunday, December 31st, from 8pm to 1am, this glamorous event promises an unforgettable night of celebration. For only $150 per person, revelers will experience an all-inclusive package covering tax and gratuities. Indulge in a delightful cocktail hour and a sumptuous buffet dinner, savoring every moment as we count down to the magical ball drop. The excitement continues with the lively beats provided by DJ entertainment courtesy of Perfect Parties. Don’t miss the chance to welcome the New Year in grandeur at the Meadow Club!
7. New Years Eve Dance Party on The Lake
When: Sunday, December 31st at 8:30 PM
Where: Anthony’s Live at Windows On The Lake, 235 Lake Shore Rd, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
Step back in time and join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration on the picturesque shores of the lake! Get ready to groove at our 70’s Motown Dance Party featuring the sensational Deverne Williams and Curtis Maxwell of That 70’s Band, along with the soulful sounds of The Vintage Soul 18pc Band and a special guest DJ. Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the disco era and dance the night away. As you work up an appetite on the dance floor, indulge in 5 hours of delectable international gourmet food stations, and quench your thirst with unlimited drinks to keep the party vibes flowing. Gather around our big screen TVs to witness the iconic ball drop in Times Square, adorned with hats and noise makers for added festive cheer. The climax of the evening comes with a dazzling pyrotechnic display at midnight, accompanied by a champagne toast to usher in the New Year in style. This high-energy, non-stop New Year’s Eve party promises an electrifying atmosphere that you won’t want to miss. The festivities kick off at 8:30, and advance tickets are required for this sensational journey through time. Let’s ring in 2024 together with an evening of dance, music, and memories!